We all need to chill out from time to time, so whether you want to get away from everyone, are after a couples’ treatment, or just fancy picking up a voucher for someone, the capital’s top spas will deliver. 
Anantara Spa
An Arabian setting and traditional therapies blend with ancient Thai techniques and philosophies at this timeless spa that’s based in the vast Empty Quarter. You’re surrounded by the soft sands of the Liwa Desert and pampered with curative, all-natural ingredients, from rubies to rose milk and black olive soap. There are four couples’ suites, a spa villa, traditional Moroccan hammam and an ice room to work your way around. Try the two-hour Qasr Al Sarab Romance package, where you and your partner can enjoy a floral foot ritual, rose desert sand scrub, rose balm body massage and rose milk bath.
Dhs2,500. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Liwa Desert (02 886 2088).
CHI, The Spa
The Shangri-La brand is distinctly Asian, so it’s no wonder that CHI, The Spa has its roots firmly based in ancient natural healing methods and wellbeing practices that originate from the continent. For an expertly delivered treatment, this place is among the elite. Whether you fancy something exotic, like the Arabic Coffee Scrub, or something a little more new-age, such as the Bio-energy Mud Wrap, CHI’s staff have got you covered. Since we’re going all out, we would suggest The Ultimate Royal Retreat, which encompasses a hammam session and one-hour deep-tissue massage to restore your sense of wellbeing.
Dhs835. The Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Maqta (02 509 8900). 
Dahlia Spa
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer guests – well-appointed rooms, awesome restaurants, top-notch bars – and its spa is no exception. Its eight suites (one exclusive to couples) are all drenched in natural light (that can be blocked out if you so wish) and offer the perfect setting for a spot of indulgence. The usual favourites are on the menu – from hot stone to deep-tissue massages and jet lag recovery sessions – but Dahlia Spa also offers an exclusive selection of Swiss Perfection cellular anti-ageing facials, as well as a range of Sodashi organic therapies. For us, this February, it’s got to be the Relaxing Together option, a three-hour relaxation session in the exclusive couples’ spa suite that includes a 45-minute soak in a milk bath, followed by two hours of massage and facial.
Dhs2,250. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 333 2500).
ESPA
Picture it: you’re enjoying a wonderful hot stone massage, surrounded by opulent, Arabian-inspired interiors at this 21,500-square-foot beachfront retreat, where only the finest and most indulgent products are used. The Ritz-Carlton has given its spa a distinctly local touch, where the traditions and textures of the Bedouin culture are brought to life. But it also boasts plunge pools, waterfalls and lush greenery, and treatments on offer include a traditional hammam, the four-handed massage and myriad massages.
Prices vary. Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta (02 818 8051).
Emirates Palace Spa
The First Class of spas, if you will. This 1,500-square-metre, award-winning wellness retreat is based in the iconic Emirates Palace hotel. So, naturally, it’s fantastic. If anywhere will imbue you with a sense of stillness and serenity, it’s here. You have all the usual treatments (delivered in an extraordinary manner, mind you), such as hammams, massages, facials and body rituals. But, while you’re there, we suggest checking out the seriously special 24-carat gold-inspired options, particularly the five-and-a-half-hour A Day of Gold session. It includes a Signature Palace Massage, luxe hammam, 24-carat gold Radiance Facial and a classic pedicure, plus lunch. That’s the stuff.
Dhs4,395. Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 7978).
Iridium Spa
The fact that this spa is based on Saadiyat Island already means its winning. But the palatial space would be special even if it were in a car park. It consists of 12 treatment rooms, with separate sections for ladies and gents, as well as a steam, sauna, hammam and a gorgeous relaxation area that will round off your journey of rejuvenation quite nicely. There are all sorts of excellent treatments on the menu, but, this month, try the Ultimate Bliss Day Spa Package for couples, which includes 30 minutes in a Jacuzzi Aroma Bath, an Oriental Body Scrub, a one-hour organic aromatherapy massage, rose petal foot soak and goodies to take with you.
Dhs1,500. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8996). 
Nurai Spa
As you enjoy one of the many signature treatments from the menu, you’ll hear the gentle sounds of the Arabian Gulf’s waves drifting in through the window at this sea-inspired spa. The focus is on a contemporary and holistic approach to wellness, offered in an incredibly luxurious, extremely relaxing environment that appeals to the most successful and health-conscious of us. The team also offer the Reconnect Ritual, a two-hour couples’ session that includes a full-body massage and a facial. Afterwards, you can chill out at the outdoor relaxation area and do some stargazing.
Dhs1,450. Zaya Nurai Island (02 506 6222).
Talise Spa
Set in the heart of the city is this tranquil oasis of luxury and calm. Away from the hustle and bustle, Talise Spa offers a relaxing environment, expert therapists and a huge range of spa treatments, from massages to bath rituals and hammam sessions to facials. If there are two of you, why not try the Couples’ Oasis? For two hours and 45 minutes, you’ll be seriously primped and pampered. It includes a candlelit floral bath filled with flower petals and essential oils as a precursor to a soothing Swedish massage and a one-hour facial of your choice.
Dhs2,415. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5858). 
Sense, A Rosewood Spa
Over on Al Maryah Island, you’ll find the gorgeous Sense, A Rosewood Spa, which boasts neutral, calming décor, nine treatment rooms, a hammam, and fully kitted out relaxation areas, complete with cold mist showers, sauna and a large whirlpool.
It features an extensive menu of indulgent treatments and signature therapies that use traditional healing methods and local ingredients, enhanced by the latest equipment and bio-technology. It’s the three-hour Arabian Nights package that’s really caught our eye – a ceremony that takes in a scented milk bath and a medley of treatments of your choosing. This fully customised session can be enjoyed alone, or alongside your other half (sharing’s caring, after all).
Prices vary. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5537).
The Heavenly Spa
Around the world, The Westin is well known for its commitment to wellness and, in particular, The Heavenly Spa. In Abu Dhabi, it’s located within the lush gardens of The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa’s expansive grounds, and the therapists use a range of organic, natural ingredients in their treatments. Here, you have two options for a side-by-side couples’ massage – the one-hour or 90-minute treatment allows you to relax in your own treatment room, as you enjoy a Swedish-style massage that will soothe sore muscles and reset your mind.
From Dhs795. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Al Nakhl (02 616 9770).
