Anna McCormack eases her aches and pains with a pregnancy massage at So Spa at the Sofitel.
The promise
Aimed especially for pregnant women, this massage uses nourishing body oils to moisturise the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks by reducing tension safely.
The experience
Exiting the lift at the Sofitel we were immediately welcomed into the spa and greeted by the friendly staff behind the counter. Explaining our visit we were ushered into the changing room and given our locker for the afternoon.
After changing into our robe, slippers and the ever-present disposable underwear, we met our therapist in the relaxation area and were escorted to the very spacious and comfortable treatment room.
While our feet were washed, our therapist checked to make sure we are far enough along in our pregnancy to have the treatment – it is not possible to have a treatment until you are passed the 12 week/3 month point due to potential risk of miscarriage. Happily well into the safe zone, we discarded our robe and hopped up onto the heated bed.
Using the wonderfully fragrant massage oil by UAE brand Shiffa (we could wear it as a perfume with it’s floral, citrus and herb notes), the treatment began with our back, carefully avoiding our lower back. We pointed out some particularly painful areas and these were thoroughly worked on, all the while our therapist was checking that we were comfortable with the pressure and generally happy and relaxed. The massage moved on to our legs, relieving some swelling that had accumulated thanks to the heat, concentrating on the joints while avoiding dangerous pressure points on our feet.
We then flipped onto our front and our legs were finished off before our arms had a thorough seeing too, with the treatment finishing with a glorious neck and head massage.
We were comfortable lying on our front, but for ladies with too big a bump the beds can be raised and lowered, whilst pillows are used for stability, meaning they can lie on their side for comfort.
The results
We floated out of the treatment room feeling utterly relaxed and thoroughly knot-free, just like any good massage would have left us feeling – whether pregnant or not.
Pros
Every precaution is taken to ensure that the treatment is safe for both mother and baby and to make sure the mother is comfortable at all times. The Shiffa products used are specially designed for pregnant women, the first product was an oil to prevent stretch marks, and they smell absolutely divine.
Cons
Aside from having to wait until your second trimester to be able to enjoy this treatment, there are no cons that we can think of.
4/5
Dhs385 for 60 minutes, Dhs550 for 90 minutes. So Spa, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Corniche Road East (02 813 7777).
