Please note that due to the current restrictions, some spas may be closed until further notice or have limited facilities.
Feeling frazzled? Soothe mind, body and spirit on a wellness retreat to Abu Dhabi complete with indulgent treatments from muscle-relaxing massages to signature facials at some of the best spas in the city. And because we know that a spa day isn’t the only way to unwind while on holiday, we’ve pulled together some of our other favourite ways to chill out and take things slow from gentle walks along the seafront to easy-going cultural experiences.
1. Spas and beauty treatments
Rest, relax and recharge in style with a wellness escape to Abu Dhabi. We’ve handpicked our favourite luxury hotels and resorts that come with their very own spa and wellness facilities. Step into an oasis of tranquillity with signature treatments, traditional hammams and beauty salons.
Zen The Spa at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
In need of some downtime? Step inside this urban sanctuary and treat yourself to one of the many treatments available: aromatherapy, hot stone and Swedish massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps. You’ll also find two tranquillity suites at Zen The Spa, designed to help you relax, rebalance and rejuvenate, as well as a gym and beauty salon.
Beach Rotana is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s shopping and business district. Tucked away on its own private stretch of beach, you can enjoy access to Abu Dhabi Mall via an exclusive walkway – providing another way for you to chill out when you need it most.
Talise Spa at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Talise Spa at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers the ultimate in relaxation with state-of-the-art facilities and unique wellness opportunities designed to revive and revitalise. With an impressive 13 treatments suites – both hammam and rasoul suites are available – the spa menu includes full body hot stone massages, reflexology treatments and rejuvenating facials. And when you opt for a 60-minute body or facial treatment, you’ll be treated to a complimentary 15-minute welcome ritual.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is a 5-star hotel right on the beachfront, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy breakfast in bed or upgrade to a Club room for access to the Club Executive Lounge with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is an oasis of calm, inspired by the traditions of Bedouin culture. Set along the beachfront, there are separate relaxation areas for men and women, each with a plunge pool with its own cascading waterfall. A selection of hammam experiences are available, as well as royal Thai massages and salt and oil scrubs. Our pick of the signature treatments is the Four-Handed Synchronised Massage which includes an ESPA personalised facial.
The 5 star The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal commands a prime location on the edge of the stunning Grand Canal. Every room comes with a balcony or terrace with views of the manicured gardens, Grand Canal or Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a short complimentary shuttle ride away.
Atarmia Spa at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas
Make your way to the award-winning Atarmia Spa at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas for the ultimate in indulgent relaxation complete with outdoor lap pool, steam room and sauna and dedicated stretching studio. Tranquil candle-lit treatment rooms – there’s nine in total, some with private outdoor terraces – invite you to unwind with a diamond synergy massage, Spirulina detox or Turkish body polish.
Set directly on the sand of the exclusive Saadiyat Island, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas is a stylish and sophisticated retreat just a short drive from the Corniche. Our highlight is the stunning swimming pool lined by palm trees, overlooking the Arabian Sea – the perfect place to head following your spa treatment.
2. Outdoor activities
Kick back, put your feet up and enjoy the year-round sunshine with a wealth of outdoor activities in Abu Dhabi. These are the ways we love to relax, al fresco-style!
Walk the Corniche
Spanning eight kilometres along the coast with stunning sea views, the waterfront Corniche is the best place to go for a leisurely stroll. Walking and cycle paths weave in between manicured gardens that run the entire length of the promenade, with plenty of places where you can dine al fresco, as well as a myriad of shops and playgrounds if you’ve brought the kids along.
Sign up for a yacht or boat tour
Sit back and soak up the breathtaking views of the sparkling waters that surround Abu Dhabi on a boat tour, whether it’s one that takes you out to see dolphins, snorkel with sea creatures or heads out in time to enjoy the sight of the sun setting below the Arabian Sea. And for an extra luxury experience, be sure to pick a boat tour on board a yacht or catamaran complete with a meal prepared by a chef, while you relax with a cold drink or two.
Lounge on the beach
We think there’s nothing quite as enticing as a soft sand beach lapped by deep blue waters. And if all you want to do is work on your tan in peace, you’re in luck…there are plenty of places to do just that in Abu Dhabi.
Many resorts have their own private stretch of beach exclusively for hotel guests – the secluded sands at Zaya Nurai Island are a particular favourite of ours – or pick your spot on one of the public beaches. There’s the brilliantly white sand Saadiyat Beach, the family-friendly Al Bateen Beach popular with expats or Gate Two at the Corniche, with a designated quiet zone.
3. Indoor relaxing activities in Abu Dhabi
While it would be easy to spend all your days at the spa, there are many more relaxing activities on offer in Abu Dhabi. And while we love the year-round sunshine, we know it can get a little too hot sometimes. Here are the best things to do indoors, to take things slow and escape the heat…
The rooftop bar at Beach House Restaurant
Is there any better way to cool off and chill out than with rooftop cocktails? We don’t think so! Beach House at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas serves Mediterranean cuisine along with stunning panoramic views of Saadiyat Beach – best taken in at the 2nd-floor rooftop bar at sunset. Relax on the stylish sofas, order yourself light nibbles and listen to the sounds of background lounge music.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
With its bold, striking architecture – a clever mix of French design and Arabic heritage – the Louvre Abu Dhabi may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of a place to relax. However, there’s something soothing about strolling through this art and civilization museum, dedicated to exploring the evolution of art and mankind. It might be the fact that the entire structure is surrounded by water, or it might be the way the light filters through the geometric patterns of the roof, a silvery dome that appears to be floating above the museum.
Start planning your dream trip to Abu Dhabi today with Best at Travel. We’ve handpicked some of the best resorts in the city, including those with spa facilities and private beaches for your leisure.