Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is renowned for luxury. Its stunning 5-star hotels are equipped with some of the most beautiful spa facilities in the world.
After a day of sight-seeing in Abu Dhabi, a relaxing massage in your hotel might be just what you need to relax and unwind; perhaps you want to indulge yourself in a complete spa experience, including a body scrub and facial to help refresh and revive yourself before returning home; or maybe you want to try out some local therapies unique to the region, or simply want a nice way to spend time with friends.
The city offers every sort of spa experience imaginable. Here are a few of the best spa options in Abu Dhabi we recommend you try.
Best Desert Spas in Abu Dhabi
Anantara Spa, Qasr al Sarab
Qasr Al Sarab, or The Palace of the Mirage, as its name translates into English, is just that. Everything you could possibly want in the arid, peaceful, otherworldly wilderness, the Liwa desert. This includes some absolutely stunning spa facilities.
Spa treatments include everything from simple full body massages to multi-day wellness retreats which feature a variety of Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation and sound healing therapy, as well as locally inspired signature rituals.
The spa brochure is extensive, but we recommend the Arabian Desert Rose ritual – a half-day experience which includes a floral foot ritual, a rose desert sand body scrub followed by a rhassoul body mask, a rose milk bath and a sensual rose body massage. The experience also includes a Biologique Recherche facial and refreshments.
If you’re itching to try a traditional Hammam, Qasr Al Sarab, is definitely the place to do it.
Saray Spa, Al Wathba – A Luxury Collection
Another desert retreat that shouldn’t be underestimated is the beautiful Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection. Less far off the beaten track but with beautiful spa facilities, the Al Wathba resort is ideal for a day trip or a single overnight stay (although you may want to stay much longer)! You’ll find it around 45 minutes drive from the city and only 30 minutes from the airport.
The spa includes 11 treatment rooms, tranquil relaxation areas, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, salt rooms, snow caves, an ice room, and a traditional Turkish Hammam.
Book classsic treatments from their extensive spa menu covering Balinese massage or Swedish massage to body wraps, or try day access to the picturesque luxury spa for just AED 200.
- Click here for more information and bookings
- NB Marriott Bonvoy members can receive 20% off at this desert venue
Best Spas on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island is famous for its string of ultra-luxurious resorts that line the glistening white sands of Saadiyat Beach. It’s arguably the best place to come in the UAE for a luxury beach vacation suitable for couples and families. Each resort offers something unique, and each has an incredible spa!
Best Spa for Couples
Atarmia Spa at the Park Hyatt is great for couples and is one of the top spas in Abu Dhabi.
The beautifully presented couples therapy room has a large jacuzzi bath and double shower. There are separate steam rooms, sauna and jacuzzi facilities in the changing rooms and a private outdoor swimming pool for spa guests outside.
For those wanting to make a weekend of it, the hotel has truly beautiful facilities, including beach access to the stunning white sand of Saadiyat Beach. The Beach House restaurant comes highly recommended during the cooler months for rooftop dining.
Another romantic Abu Dhabi spa option is the Iridium Spa at The St Regis Saadiyat Island. Whilst there are some great healthy cuisine options for after your massage, there is no private pool for spa guests; a pool pass must be purchased separately if you wish to use the hotel’s main facilities.
After your treatment, dining options are plentiful, making it the perfect place for a romantic date. We recommend dinner at Sontaya or Buddha Bar to round off the day nicely with views over the Arabian Gulf.
Best Spa for a Girls’ Day Out
Luxurious Spa at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort has comprehensive open-plan facilities, including a large jacuzzi, plunge pool and Himalayan salt room. It’s a great place to chill with friends before or after your treatment, which can take place in an airy couples room or outdoor terrace if you want to chat with your besty.
Look out for special offers that include beach and pool access and food and beverage vouchers. They exist and help you economically turn your morning or afternoon catch-up with a friend into a full-day experience.
Best Spa in Abu Dhabi to Visit Alone
To be honest, you really can’t go wrong with any of the Saadiyat Island resorts or Saadiyat Beach Club; you’ll be in for an indulgent, luxurious treat wherever you go, but priced accordingly for the premium location and brand names.
Look out for special offers, and don’t be afraid to ask if there are any deals when you make your booking (in our own experience, many will let you use a 2-4-1 voucher on a return visit!)
In town, Conrad Spa Etihad Towers is brilliant for a special treat for yourself, including their unique Middle East mud chamber and Hammam treatment suite.
Best Spas in Abu Dhabi City
There are still plenty of pleasant 5-star options to enjoy on Abu Dhabi’s main island, considered the city centre. Some favourites include
The Emirates Palace Spa
If you love a Moroccan Hammam and aren’t up for heading out to the desert, this Abu Dhabi hotel spa should be top of your list. The Emirates Palace has some of the best spa facilities in the world, but treatments are expensive, with a signature massage costing AED 990. This is, however, no bog standard hotel massage. Therapists are highly trained, and the facilities really are exceptionally regal.
Treatment brands include MarocMaroc, OTO CBD and Miriam Quevedo. The variety of experiences on offer is quite different to what you will find elsewhere in Abu Dhabi. This includes a 30-minute Cleopatra milk bath and a Himalayan singing bowl experience, alongside the more standard hot stone massage and aromatherapy massages that you will find elsewhere.
Remède Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi on the Corniche
Another favourite spa recommended by our team on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche is Remède Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi.
Committed to creating an exceptional experience for every guest, the spa offers a variety of high-quality treatments in a tranquil environment. Alternatively, you can opt for the unique ‘Spa in the Sky experience’, which costs 5500 AED for two people and includes:
- A 60-minute customized massage
- A 60-minute customized body polish
- A 3-course dinner at he Grand Majlis Suite
- Exclusive use of the sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi
- A VIP luxury limousine transfer to and from anywhere in Abu Dhabi
All of this takes place high up in the sky in the world’s highest suspended suite!
Sense Spa at The Rosewood, Al Maryah Island
A beautiful spa in a chic hotel with lots of good dining options. Senses Spa frequently run specials for events such as Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. A 60-minute relaxing massage is currently on offer for AED 555, and believe us; it’s worth every dirham!
Are you also headed to Dubai? You may want to check out all our favourite spas in Dubai
Best Value Spas in Abu Dhabi
Quite a few hotel spas have two-for-one offers on The Entertainer. These are great if you want to spend the day with a friend or loved one but can also be used by an individual on two separate days.
Often a voucher will be presented at the end of your spa session, or the receptionist will take a new booking and record that you plan to redeem the ‘free’ massage on your next visit. Some even offer special discounts if you’re registered in their loyalty program and it’s your birthday month.
Currently, the following hotel-based spas are included in the Entertainer:
- Anantara Spa at Eastern Mangroves
- Saray Spa at The Marriott Al Forsan
- Bodylines at the Park Rotana/Yas Island Rotana/Pearl Rotana
- The Spa at The WB, Yas Island
- Heavenly Spa at The Westin
- Sense at The Rosewood
- The Spa at The Crowne Plaza
- Rayana Spa at Andaz, Capital Gate
- The Spa at the Radisson Blu
Whilst some hotels feature their spas on The Entertainer, others have periodic deals and special offers, so do check directly with the spa of your choice when making your booking.
Some of the best deals can be found at Heavenly Spa, the Westin, which has special offers on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. To find out more, click here.
Where is The Best Place For a Facial in Abu Dhabi?
You’re guaranteed a good facial treatment at pretty much all of Abu Dhbai’s 5-star hotels. Each hotel uses different products; Remède Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi on the Corniche, for example, offers Elemis, whilst Atarmia Spa offers facials using products from Natura Bisse and HydroPeptide.
Facials are also provided by a number of spa centres and beauty salons based outside of hotels and are usually less expensive than those offered in the more glitzy spa resorts. Some of the best are available at:
- Freya’s House of Beauty in Al Wahda Mall
- Beauty Touch Ladies Salon in the Mushrif area
- Vesna Beauty Lounge in the Al Nahyan area
The Cure Clinic also do a highly regarded, professional facial treatments in a medical setting.
As you can see, the choice of wonderful spas in Abu Dhabi is quite extensive. It makes a wonderful treat to add to your holiday time in Abu Dhabi and the opportunity to try some treatments that are unique to the Middle East region.
You may also be interested in: The Best Luxury Beach Clubs in Abu Dhabi
Before you go… Important things to consider planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Check the most up-to-date COVID entry rules for Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog
Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.
Abu Dhabi Travel Planner
