The Emirates Palace Spa, Abu Dhabi. Courtesy
Deep in the depths of another scorching summer while simultaneously on the edge of escaping an unrelenting pandemic, there has never been a time more warranting of a spa day. Boasting a multitude of luxurious and serene escapes, the nation’s capital is a hotspot for wellness. Comprising overwater villas, ice caves, and facilities engulfed by enchanting swaths of desert, Abu Dhabi‘s offering leaves visitors spoiled for choice.
Whether you are in the market for a lunch-time facial or a full-day escapade, read on for our best spa picks in the UAE’s capital.
The Dahlia Spa at The Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
An elegant and luxurious escape hidden away from the bustle of the city, Dahlia Spa is home to a number of unique and relaxing treatments. Including the only quartz sand therapy available in the emirate, the facility’s offering brims with fresh scents, accompanied by soothing music and upmarket products from brands such as Biologique Recherche and Sodashi. Visitors can relax in expansive treatment rooms stylishly dressed in neutral tones and crisp whites while also taking advantage of the separate men’s and women’s fitness centers, complete with heated hydro-pools, saunas, hammams, ice fountains and heated lounge chairs.
Must-try treatment: Memories of Arabia; Full-body coffee exfoliation using emollient oils of camel milk and warm aromas. 75 minutes, AED890.
Remède Spa at The St Regis Abu Dhabi
Overlooking the glistening Arabian Gulf and the city’s famed Corniche, Remède Spa is home to 3,200 square meters of sky-high serenity. Boasting 11 treatment rooms, including couple’s and VIP suites, the facility also comprises an outdoor terrace and a nourishing menu of refreshing juices, tonics, herbal elixirs, and light bites. Using only the best products sourced from luxury British skincare brand Elemis, Remède’s offering includes a combination of signature and classic treatments, such as the Elemis Biotec Firm-a-Lift facial and the Balinese massage.
Must-try treatment: The Remède Customised Massage; Bespoke treatment centered around releasing fatigue and restoring energy. 90 minutes, AED830.
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Anantara Spa at Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Hidden away amid the majestic flame-colored dunes of the world’s largest sand desert, the Anantara Spa at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort welcomes visitors into an entirely new dimension of serenity and rest. Combining Middle Eastern remedies and Thai expertise, the facility boasts a number of signature treatments, in addition to wellness amenities such as an ice room, sauna, heated jacuzzi, and Moroccan hammam. With breathtaking views of the Arabian desert, the spa is home to five luxurious treatment suites suitable for individuals and couples as well as relaxation areas and private changing rooms.
Must-try treatment: Arabian Ritual; Full-body massage including head and scalp, commencing with a floral foot ritual and followed by a date and coffee body scrub. 240 minutes, AED 2,500.
The Emirates Palace Spa
A mystical blend of Moroccan-inspired treatments hosted within a delicate and decadent surrounding, the Emirates Palace Spa is every bit as stylish as it is serene. Home to an expansive space of 1,500 square meters, the facility features seven opulent suites and two authentic hammams, one that is spacious and luxurious, another that is intimate and secluded. With a number of facials and massages to choose from, visitors can target a wide array of concerns, from cleansing and detoxification to sculpting and stress release. Complete with two jacuzzis, two steam rooms, and a unique heated marble ice cave, the Emirates Palace Spa is every wellness enthusiast’s dream.
Must-try treatment: Palace Rose Hammam; Relaxing full-body treatment combining rose ghassoul clay and rose shea butter to brighten and nourish skin. 90 minutes, AED 1,105.
Chi, the Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Inspired by the mysticism and harmony of the legendary Shangri-La valley, a fictional place enclosed in the western end of the Kunlun Mountains, Chi, The Spa is a place for personal peace and enchantment. Boasting a number of massages and facials based on the principles of natural healing and traditional Asian practices, each treatment is performed using high-quality ingredients rich in coconut and passionflower; to hydrate, soothe and relax. Also including a health club, visitors can take advantage of two gyms, a yoga room, and lap pool, in addition to yoga, pilates, and boxing classes.
Must-try treatment: Revitalising Salt Stone Massage; Full-body massage using heated salt crystal stones to balance the body’s electromagnetic field, central nervous system and meridians. 90 minutes, AED 780.
So Spa at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Working with some of the most coveted French brands, including Carita and Cinq Mondes, technicians at So Spa are trained in providing the ultimate experience, blending French wellness with Arabian tradition. Hosting both a wellness center with multiple treatment rooms and a fitness center comprising a gym, swimming pool, and whirlpool, the facility exudes rest, rejuvenation and relaxation focused around both, the mind and body. With a treatment menu that includes “starters, desserts and sides,” in addition to massages, facials, and hammams, So Spa is the ultimate spa experience.
Must-try treatment: Hot stone massage; Full-body treatment combining Ayurvedic practices with North African techniques. 90 minutes, AED 640.
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