“Massage is therapy for the mind, the body and the spirit.” Unknown
When is a spa, not a spa? When it’s located inside a health club of course. The InterContinental Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of reinvigorating massages, treatments and facials for both men and women at its Bayshore Health Club tucked away in the corner of the pool deck on the third floor of the hotel.
The Experience ~ I was booked in for the Body Dreams Ritual, a 110 minute experience combining a full body scrub and wrap, a 50 minute Massage and a 30 minutes Express facial, a full MOT if you like.
Although first impressions are not very zen as you might expect from a multi-purpose hotel health club rather than a chic spa facility, it’s less locker room and more day-spa when you reach the two treatment rooms. Dim lighting, candles, piped music complete with birds chirping and waves crashing set the mood to tranquil, add in the obilitatory disposable paper underwear and it’s pamper time.
My lovely therapist Emily started my decadent treatment with a stimulating full body scrub, think rubbed all over with a brillo pad whilst challenging positive thoughts of softer skin. After a quick shower sweet smelling cooling rose gel was applied, designed to rehydrate the body. In relaxed mode now it was time for a full body massage which was awesome, working out all the knots in my shoulders and releasing all the stress with skillful techniques using the ideal pressure. The final steps of this somewhat lengthy treatment was a body wrap and the illuminating express facial, so good I was almost snoring.
All the products used were from Aromatherapy Associates, a luxury brand that only uses natural ingredients and essential oils. These natural oils enhance the state of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing as well as smelling and feeling amazing.
The results ~ My whole body was scrubbed and relaxed, my skin was incredibly smooth, looked healthy and felt nourished. My therapist was very professional and knowledgeable. The combination of the facial and body wrap is a perfect way to finish.
Pros ~ Everything was discussed before each part of the treatment. A combination of the products was used for different areas of the body which was good, and my skin felt invigorated and was definitely glowing by the end.
Cons ~ The treatment room was freezing and even though Emily tried to counteract the chill with additional towels I was cold throughout. Due to the location in a Health Club the bathrooms are located away from the treatment rooms which is not ideal.
The range of body treatments, massages and facials are also available at the seven exclusive cabanas on the beach which is part of the Bayshore Beach Club.
Bayshore Beach Club
Location: InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 666 6888
Website: www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae/massage-treatment/
Open daily from 8:00 – 22:00.
The edited version of this review first appeared in Time Out Abu Dhabi on Wednesday 9th December, read online here.
Thank you Intercontinental Abu Dhabi and Time Out Abu Dhabi for the opportunity to review this treatment. The views are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2015. All rights reserved.