“To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” Buddha
What better way to spend a Monday afternoon than high above Abu Dhabi enjoying a signature massage at Rayana Spa at the Hyatt Capital Gate Hotel. Located on the 19th floor of the capital’s iconic leaning hotel, Rayana which means ‘Gates of Heaven’ in ancient Arabic is a contemporary spa that embraces its desert locality, offering a range of holistic treatments and wellness from its four large treatment suites and one couple’s room.
The spa is reached via two lifts, the first whisks you up to the lobby located on the 18th floor and a second that takes you up to the next floor that houses the spa, fitness centre and outdoor suspended pool (yes, the pool and pool bar is nineteen floors up overhanging the building). The spa reception is decorated in sandy desert colours embracing local surroundings with neutral coloured stone walls, light wood and a hint of green coming from the textiles and mini potted cacti, a tranquil and relaxing ambiance which added to an overall good first impression.
I received a warm welcome at reception and after completion of the treatment consultation card I was given four massage oils to sample to select my preference for the massage, each one offering a particular aroma and properties. I chose Botanical (relaxing and balancing) with frankincense and argan oil for defiant beauty (not sure what defiant beauty is exactly but it sounded interesting), anti-aging (much needed) and anxiety. The other three were Water (calming) with rose oil for nourishing hydration, Sun (energising) with mint oil for cooling and energetic awakening that’s used for Hot Stone massages and Sand (refreshing) with citrus oil for natural purity and immune boosting.
The Promise – A relaxing result-based 60-minute signature Rayana renewal massage.
Step by Step – With all the formalities completed and the delicious pre-treatment drink of ginger, date and cold lemon tea consumed I was shown to the changing rooms to change into my robe and of course the obligatory paper underwear. I was introduced to my therapist Petronella, who began my treatment with a warm footbath. Constantly hunched over my laptop and phone has given me tension and knots in my shoulders and neck but Pertronella’s deep confident long massage strokes combined with deep penetrative movements revived my tired muscles and smoothed out all the tautness.
My treatment was tailored to my specific requirements, focusing on certain areas like my shoulders and calves as requested using medium pressure while avoiding other areas. My selected oil was fragrant and left my skin soft and hydrated but not sure about the defiant beauty bit! Post-treatment I was served green tea and dates in the relaxation room that affords guests amazing cityscape and sea views from its elevated position above the city.
The Result – My tired muscles and knots were eradicated, my skin felt hydrated and moisturised and overall I was relaxed and destressed.
Pros – Calm, comfortable and clean surroundings offering a wide selection of treatments. A relaxing massage that was tailored to my requirements, eradicating all my stress and knots.
Cons – Stay away from the windows if you have a fear of heights.
Attention to detail is evident throughout the spa and in the oversized treatment suite. A large hydrobath dominated the centre of the room, one wall was lined with a desert garden, the ensuite facilities included a separate shower and toilet and the ceiling was painted black and inlaid with LED lights that flashed on and off to represent stars.
Alongside a menu of massages there are five Rayana Rituals that range from two to four hours in length, specific male-only treatments that includes Rayana Rebuild, facials, massages and a body refresh treatment, facials, scrubs, body treatments, bathing and a range of thirty-minute express treatments for the more time sensitive amongst us.
Hyatt Capital Gate aka ‘the leaning tower of Abu Dhabi’ is certainly a striking building that stands out in Abu Dhabi’s ever changing skyline, its unique eighteen degree angle has even won it a place in the Guinness World Records for The Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower. The hotel itself occupies the eighteenth to thirty-third floors of the Capital Gate building adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Rayana Spa, winner of The Best Luxury Boutique Spa 2014 at the World Luxury Spa Awards, is a contemporary space that embraces the natural elements of the Middle East both in its design, interior, treatments and June Jacobs products, a desert inspired retreat located high above the city. I thoroughly enjoyed my massage and I suggest you try the one of a kind ‘spa in the sky’ pampering experience for yourself, you know you deserve it.
Rayana Spa
Location: Hyatt Capital Gate Hotel
Telephone : 02 596 1234
E-mail: abudhabi.capitalgate@hyatt.com
Website: abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com
See the full Rayan Spa Services Menu here
Thank you Hyatt Capital Gate for the opportunity to review the Rayana Spa. The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2016. All rights reserved. First and last photos used courtesy of Hyatt Capital Gate Hotel.
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