There are times when you just need to switch on your out of office alert, turn your phone off or book a babysitter to escape it all for a dose of alone time.
Whoever you are, whatever your day-to-day looks like, taking a breather and enjoying some genuine relaxation is always a good idea.
While lounging on the beach or reading a book by the pool can help you take a load off, if you really want to de-stress and rejuvenate, heading to a spa for a treatment or for the day is a sure-fire way to start feeling like your old self again.
Ready to start the relaxation? We hear you. Here are some of the best spas in Abu Dhabi where you can recharge your batteries.
Anantara Spa
Set within the stunning Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara you can relax in style at the hotel’s signature spa with a range of massages, Moroccan hammam, body treatments and facials, as well as access to relaxation area overlooking the desert, two hot tubs, private yoga classes, steam rooms, ice room and sauna.
Daily 10am-10pm. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Liwa Desert (02 886 2088).
Atarmia Spa
Unwind at Atarmia Spa and you can indulge in a number of treatments and take a load off at the steam rooms and saunas, as well as a private outdoor pool. You can choose from a number of massages, reflexology treatments, facials, hair and scalp treatments, full body Turkish polish, anti-ageing skin options and more. You can also enjoy free access to the Park Hyatt’s gym once you’ve booked in. We recommend going before the spa, though.
Daily 11am-10pm. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1234).
Chi the Spa
Head to Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri ad you can take a load off at Chi The Spa. Taking inspiration from the legendary Shangri-La, a place of peace and enchantment, you can settle in for range of treatments including body wraps and scrubs, Moroccan hammam, a full complement of massages, facials and nail treatments.
Daily 10am-midnight. Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi, Qaryat Al Beri, Rabdan (02 509 8900).
The Emirates Palace spa
Nothing says luxury quite like the Emirates Palace hotel, now managed by Mandarin Oriental. At the in-house spa you can really unwind and enjoy the spoils. Head to the spa and you can book in for a range of treatments including Moroccan hammam, facial treatments, soaks, massage, beauty treatments and even a 24-carat gold facial.
Daily 10am-10pm. Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 7978).
Dahlia Spa
You can find some chill time at Dahlia spa inside the swish Four Seasons hotel on Al Maryah Island. Settle in and you can take your pick from a range of treatments including, massages, skin treatments and more, as well as package deals and bespoke options to meet your de-stressing needs.
Daily 11am-10pm. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2500).
ESPA
Offering a local touch, ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal offers a range of treatments ‘anchored in the traditions and textures of Bedouin culture’, according the blurb. With 16 treatment rooms and separate relaxation areas for men and women you can enjoy massages, express treatments and traditional hammam experiences, amongst others. This is a very special place.
Daily noon-9pm. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta (02 818 8051).
Heavenly Spa
Take a trip to The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa and you can take a load off at the Heavenly Spa. Promising a ‘unique world of physical and mental renewal’ you can book in for a range of treatments including a body scrub, different massages, a body wrap, hair and scalp treatments, facials and more. However you want to relax, it’s probably available here.
Mon-Sun 10am-9pm. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Al Nakhl (02 616 9770).
Iridium Spa
For a day of pampering and relaxation you can book in for a signature treatment at Iridum Spa at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. There are loads of treatments available, include the usual body scrub and foot bath, some interesting-sounding massage,s facials, hair and scalp treatments, as well as a steam room, therapy baths and more.
Daily 9am-10pm.The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8996).
Nurai Spa
Escaping Abu Dhabi on a boat to a stunning island is always a good idea, and even better if you get to get pampered once you arrive. Focusing on a holistic approach to wellness you can settle in to enjoy a range of treatments including aromatherapy massage, facials, scrubs, wraps and loads more before ending your experience at the outdoor relaxation area.
Call for timings. Zaya Nurai Island (02 506 6222).
Sense, A Rosewood Spa
Stress will be a world away when you visit Sense, A Rosewood Spa for a day of pampering. There are a host of treatments on offer including skincare, body scrubs, hammam, massage, grooming, a milk bath, aromatherapy and more. Plus you can ask the consultant for recommendations on which treatment will be best for you on your visit.
Tue-Sun 11am-9pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5537).
The EDITION Spa
Promising ‘warmth and personal comfort with a distinctly modern sensibility’ the spa at The Abu Dhabi EDITION has seven private treatment rooms and number of different treatments to enjoy. Each treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs. There are hammam options, bathing rituals, a range of full-body massages, scrubs, detoxifying wraps, facials and more.
Daily 10am-10pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
The SPA
Escape the stresses of life at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island with The SPA’s range of treatments and facilities. You can lounge in the VIP suite featuring a private steam room, hot tub and relaxation area overlooking Yas Marina, or unwind with a private treatment room with options such as massages, scrubs, body wrap, facials and a steam room.
Mon-Sun 10am-10pm. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island (02 656 0862)
