< PreviousDESERT ESCAPES 30 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Middle East’s most prominent astronomers from your knowledgable tour guide. O Margham Desert, nara.ae/nest (050 336 7909). NORTHERN EMIRATES AL BADAYER RETREAT Drawing inspiration from caravanserai, the roadside inns found along the Silk Road, Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah takes you back in time. Choose between rooms and villas with private pools, all offering rolling dune views. For those staying in the hotel, you can enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools or spa, while those feeling adventurous can explore the abandoned ghost village, which is just a 15-minute drive away. O Al Badayer, Sharjah, sharjahcollection.ae (06 801 2000). AL FAYA RETREAT Also part of the Sharjah Collection hotels, there are just Àve rooms at this boutique hotel at the base of Mount Alvaah. Perfect for stargazing, each of the rooms features a skylight, and during the day you’ll be able to relax at the saltwater spa and open- air swimming pool. It’s an experience to remember. O Al Batayeh, Sharjah, sharjahcollection.ae (06 801 2020). MOON RETREAT Bubble hotels are all the rage at the moment, and you can book into one right here in the UAE at the Moon Retreat in Sharjah. Found in the Mleiha Desert, during the day you can explore the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, while at night, you can have a private barbecue on your terrace before a spot of light pollution-free stargazing. O Mleiha Desert, Sharjah, sharjahcollection.ae (06 804 0404) . THE RITZ-CARLTON RAS AL KHAIMAH, AL WADI DESERT Located within the 1,235-acre Al Wadi Nature Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton in Ras Al Khaimah is a perfect escape for those looking to get back to nature (without having to give up any of your luxuries). While many of the desert resorts on this list are perfect for lazing next to your own private pool all day, here, we’d encourage exploring. Climb up to Al Wadi Tower for spectacular views over the dunes, or head to the spa for the rainforest experience. At sunset, head up to Moon Bar for a tipple before getting a buggy (or run the risk of bumping into an oryx in the dark, which is not something we are looking to repeat any time soon) to steakhouse Farmhouse for some prime cuts of meat. O Al Wadi Nature Reserve, Ras Al Khaimah, marriott.com (07 206 7777). Al Badayer Retreat by Sharjah CollectionDESERT ESCAPES timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 31 LUXE SPAS 32 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Life of Emirates Palace Mandarin OrientalLUXE SPAS timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 33 luxury Naomi Chadderton’s guide to the most spectacular spas in the city, because everyone deserves to indulge every now and again…LUXE SPAS 34 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Chi, The Spa Whether you’re in need of a little R&R, fancy a wellness weekend away with friends or just feel like treating yourself to an hour or two of well-deserved pampering, we’re lucky that Abu Dhabi is home to some of the region’s most luxurious spas. Mainly found nestled inside the capital’s many Àve-star hotels, these holistic havens are hotspots for everything from world-class massages, body treatments and facials, all performed in stunning surroundings. What more could you ask for during a hectic event season – are we right? Before you book, read on for our top picks, with treatments to suit everyone. ANANTARA SPA AT QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA While the desert-dwelling resort of Qasr Al Sarab may be a two-and-a-half hour drive from downtown Abu Dhabi, it’s more than worth the drive to experience an afternoon of pampering at its chic Anantara Spa. Equipped with a Hammam, mediation and massage suites, ice room and Thai-style spa, your journey starts with a buggy ride amid the rolling sand dunes, dropping you off directly at the sprawling stand-alone space. Treatment to book: Priced at Dhs930, the Lukprakob massage is 90 minutes of pure bliss, with heated Thai herbs and spices poultice applied to the body before a full body massage with herbal oils. It’s designed to remove negative energy and sluggishness, O Open daily 10am-10pm. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Liwa Desert, anantara.com (02 886 2088). CHI, THE SPA AT SHANGRI- LA QARYAT AL BERI As soon as you step inside Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, you’re immediately enveloped into an Asian-inspired sanctuary that’s all dark wood furnishings with pops of burgundy – a nod to the legendary Shangri-La Valley, a Àctional place enclosed in the western end of the Kunlun Mountains. While massages and facials are based on the principles of natural healing and traditional Asian practices, some treatments use locally inspired products like lemons from Fujairah, camel milk, and solar salts from the Arabian sea. Treatment to book: For a true regal experience, the Royal Hammam is the spa’s most prestigious treatment, comprising of a complete body and face treatment that ends up with the Cleopatras’ secret recipe – the whitening mask with honey and royal jelly. The whole thing lasts 90 minutes and will set you back Dhs915. O Open daily 10am-midnight. Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi, Qaryat Al Beri, Rabdan, shangri-la.com (02 509 8900). CONRAD SPA AT CONRAD ABU DHABI ETIHAD TOWERS A whopping 1,465 sq m space dedicated to private spa rituals for both individuals and couples alike, Conrad Spa at Etihad Towers boasts some of the best facilities in the business, including a rasul mud chamber and Hammam that make for truly enchanting settings in which to explore ancient healing methods. Pick from facials and massages performed with luxe AMRA Skincare products, plus signature journeys and four different Hammam experiences, including one that’s just for men. DEAL ALERT Looking to relax for less? Check out The Abu Dhabi EDITION’s packages. For Dhs350, you’ll get a 30-minute massage, pool access, plus Dhs100 to spend at the pool bar. O Dhs350. Daily 10am-7pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000). Treatment to book: One for Àtness buffs, the Swedish stress relief massage (priced at Dhs700 for 90 minutes) helps increase oxygen Áow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles, shortening recovery time from muscular strain. O Open daily 11am-10pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road West, hilton.com (02 811 5555). EDITION SPA AT THE ABU DHABI EDITION One of the capital’s hippest hangouts, it Àgures that The Abu Dhabi EDITION would have a suitably stylish spa to boot. Boasting seven private treatment rooms and a number of different treatments to enjoy – each tailored to the individual’s needs – you’ll also Ànd Hammam options, bathing rituals, a range of full-body massages, scrubs, detoxifying wraps, facials and more.LUXE SPAS timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 35 Anantara SpaLUXE SPAS 36 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Remède SpaLUXE SPAS timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 37 Treatment to book: Healing sound therapy is one of 2023’s biggest wellness trends, and you can try it for yourself with a 60-minute session at EDITION Spa, costing Dhs545. Using speciÀc instruments like Himalayan bowls and gongs to balance and heal the body, mind and spirit, you’ll leave feeling like you’re walking on air. O Open daily 10am-10pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen, editionhotels.com (02 208 0000). EFOREA SPA AT HILTON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND Sitting pretty on Yas Bay, the spa at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island makes for the perfect pitstop after a hectic F1 weekend. With services focusing on balance and wellness, its massages, facials, body wraps and more will leave you glowing from head-to toe. Be sure to save time to enjoy its whirlpool, sauna and steam room before heading home. Treatment to book: If your sleep has taken a hit this past month, you’ll want to book the magnesium rebalance massage (Dhs700). A deep aromatherapy massage using magnesium products to relieve muscle fatigue, improves sleep and detox, don’t be surprised if you enter the land of nod before the 90 minutes are up. O Open Mon-Fri 10am-9pm; Sat-Sun 10am-10pm. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, hilton.com (02 208 6873). IRIDIUM SPA AT THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND For some of the best luxury pampering on Saadiyat Island, Iridium Spa is the don. Blending old and new treatments to create something truly unique, guests can even use the hotel’s beach and pool facilities post- treatment – deÀnitely one up on the standard treatment lounge. What’s more, the spa has its own separate entrance, valet parking and Marriott Bonvoy members get 20 per cent off. Treatment to book: Why have one masseuse when you can have two? The four hands massage may be pricier than some of the other options on this list (Dhs1,150 for 60 minutes), but it’s more than worth it to have four hands combining Balinese, Swedish, Lomi-Lomi, Thai and Aromatherapy techniques that pummel you into complete relaxation. O Open daily 11am-11pm. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island, iridiumspaabudhabi.com (02 498 8996). NAMM SPA AT DUSIT THANI ABU DHABI Named after a Thai word that signiÀes water, treatments at this intimate spa will help you wash away your worries. H20’s healing properties inspire treatments here, and you can expect a blend of ancient healing traditions with modern wellness techniques as well as holistic wellness programmes, facials and even personal training if all that relaxing has you feeling a little too lazy. Treatment to book: It has to be the Namm signature massage. Created exclusively for the spa, and costing Dhs700 for 90 minutes, it’s a unique combination of three different massage techniques – Thai, Lomi Lomi, and Abhyanga – designed to soothe the mind, body and spirit. Pressure can vary from medium to Àrm, and we always recommend the latter. O Open daily 11am-10pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, dusit.com (02 698 8888). NURAI SPA AT NURAI ISLAND As one of the most Instagrammed destinations in the UAE, Nurai Island, just off the coast of Saadiyat Island, is perhaps only outdone by its hyper luxe spa. Not only does each treatment room have its own ocean vista with massages of all kinds, there are also quiet places for meditation, a gym and yoga pavilion all combining to help recalibrate body and mind. It may be a little far out of town for an isolated treatment – all the more reason to combine it with dinner at one of the restaurants, or an overnight stay. That’s our excuse anyway. Treatment to book: With Nurai Island all about utter relaxation, opt for the bamboo massage (Dhs745 for 60 minutes), which uses hollow bamboo canes to alleviate muscle tension, release body and mind stress, and address your individual needs – be it relaxing, destressing or reviving. O Open daily 9am-9pm. Nurai Island, off Saadiyat Island, nuraiisland.com (02 617 2222). RÈMEDE SPA AT THE ST. REGIS ABU DHABI As to be expected from its super swish setting inside the swanky St. Regis by the Corniche, Rèmede Spa offers a true luxury experience from start to Ànish. All marble Áoors, chandeliers and posh furnishings, there are 11 different treatment rooms, all complete with shimmering gold feature walls Nurai Spa and embossed curtains, while therapists only use the best products including Elemis and Laboratoire Remede. Treatment to book: The La Vallée caviar collagen boost facial (Dhs850 for 60 minutes). A fancy way of smearing Àsh egg extract on your face, it uses ingredients like nutrisea caviar extract, vitamins and antioxidants for a regenerating and anti- ageing effect, leaving the appearance of the skin instantly smoothed, plumped and Àrmed. O Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Corniche Road West (02 694 4100). SENSE AT ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI Ideal for residents, business travellers and tourists alike, Sense at the Rosewood Spa has treatments to suit everyone, from 30-minute pit stops to the three-hour Arabian nights package – just one of its many regionally-inspired wellness journeys. The epitome of luxury and sophistication, each of the nine minimalist, dimly lit rooms are awash with deep brown hues, while custom-blended scents of frankincense and Oud lull Àll the air. Post-treatment, you can visit the lounge for some Jasmine tea and serious quietude. Treatment to book: If you feel like splashing out (and have three-and-a-half hours to spare), the Sense signature journey (Dhs1,900) is the ultimate indulgence. Blending several of the spa’s signature treatment experiences complete with prominent spices and ingredients found in Arabian culture, it comprises a signature scrub, revitalising 60-minute sense signature massage and 90-minute signature facial. O Open daily 11am-9pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, rosewoodhotels.com (02 813 5550). SOFITEL SPA AT SOFITEL ABU DHABI CORNICHE If it’s a secluded moment away from the buzzy corniche that you’re after, then head to SoÀtel SPA. Working with prestigious French brands such as Carita and Cinq Mond, as well as the more local Shiffa products for those seeking LUXE SPAS 38 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com an Arabian experience, technicians here are trained in providing the ultimate wellness experience. Its treatment menu is separated into starters, mains and desserts, and you’ll Ànd a wide range of massages, facials and Hammams to choose from. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also Ànd a Àtness centre with a gym, swimming pool and whirlpool, too. Where do we start? Treatment to book: While the facials here are excellent, you can’t visit SoÀtel SPA without experiencing the revitalising volcanic stone therapy. At Dhs486 for 60 minutes, it uses heated stones to massage away any tension, combined with chakra balancing to calm and restore your body’s natural energy reserve. In other words, it’s complete bliss. O Open daily 9am-midnight. SoÀtel Abu Dhabi Corniche, soÀtelabudhabicorniche.com (02 813 7878). SPA AT W ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND Perhaps the trendiest spa in Abu Dhabi, the holistic haven at the W swaps wood and marble for a moody space peppered with pops of colourful furnishings that will take pride of place on your Instagram feed. Sitting a peaceful distance from the buzzing engines of the nearby F1 track, its nine treatment rooms come complemented by a light therapy booth and colour therapy shower, while its relaxation lounge has uninterrupted views of the racetrack, making November the perfect time to book in your treatment. Treatment to book: Say goodbye to internal nasties with the carefully-curated detox journey (Dhs520 for 60 minutes). Designed to cleanse you from the inside out with a full body AHA peel, targeted massage and wrap, it uses a systemic detox technique to drain the tissue and boost the body’s natural detoxiÀcation system. O Open daily 11am-9pm. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, marriott.com (02 656 0000). THE PEARL SPA AND WELLNESS AT FOUR SEASONS ABU DHABI AT AL MARYAH ISLAND A luxury spa more than worthy of the Four Seasons name, the Pearl Spa occupies the third Áoor of the hotel chain’s Al Maryah Island branch, spanning an impressive 2,000 sq m. Here, a skilled team incorporates wellness traditions from various corners of the world – think Thailand, India, Indonesia, Uganda – while there’s also a gym and separate men’s and women’s salons by city favourite Charbel, meaning all bases are covered. Treatment to book: A combination of deep tissue, Swedish, lymphatic drainage and acupressure points, the Arabian Oud tension relief massage is ideal for weary travellers, or anyone just weary after a busy day/month/ year. Coming in at Dhs650 for 60 minutes, the massage and Oud combination work to stimulate circulation, remove accumulated toxins and relieve water retention. O Open daily 11am-10pm. The Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, fourseasons.com (02 333 2222). THE SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL AT EMIRATES PALACE As you might expect from the opulent Emirates Palace, The Spa here is the crème de la crème. A beautiful oasis of Moroccan- inspired treatments hosted within a delicate and decadent surrounding, the serene space comes tastefully decorated with dim lanterns, bubbling water features, colourful wall mosaics and the lush scents of neroli and orange blossom. Treatments target everything from cleansing and detoxiÀcation to sculpting and stress release, and there’s also a Hammam, two Jacuzzis, two steam rooms, and a unique heated marble ice cave to enjoy. Which we deÀnitely suggest you do. Treatment to book: While all treatments here are exquisite, the digital wellness escape (Dhs990 for 90 minutes) is completely unique. Aimed at professionals who spend too much time in front of a screen (guilty as charged), expert hands concentrate on the head, eyes, neck, shoulders, hands and feet to ease stresses and strains. O Daily 10am-10pm. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Corniche Road West, mandarinoriental.com (02 690 9000). Spa at W Abu DhabiLUXE SPAS timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 39 The Pearl SpaNext >