anexpatabroad

“A vacation for your body and mind.” Remède Spa

I am quite liking Monday’s these days as completely coincidentally it’s recently become spa day! Last week I battled through the rain drenched roads (precipitation causes unbelievable traffic carnage here) to the Corniche to the fabulous St Regis Abu Dhabi for a signature massage at the Remède Spa.

It may have been dark and gloomy outside but inside the hotel, with its touch of old world glamour it was sparkling, probably due to the amazing chandeliers in the lobby hanging over the ‘Gone With The Wind’ double style staircase. The Spa is located on the third floor adjacent to the pool and the Azura Panoramic Lounge and quite frankly it’s as glamorous and decadent as the rest of the hotel, decorated in rich golds and creams with a touches of art deco.

The vast spa is divided into two halves, one for men and the other for ladies and also accommodates the independant Sisters Beauty Lounge. The spa reception is large space which is beautifully decorated which added to an overall good first impression. There are large eleven treatment rooms, some with sea views which include a couple’s room and VIP Suite. The amenities also include a large whirlpool, steam room and gym facilities within the separate changing rooms.

The Promise – A Remède customised signature 60-minute massage

Step by Step – After a friendly welcome, I was given a refreshing lemon pre-treatment drink, a warm towel and fresh cranberries to nibble on while I completed the required health forms. I was introduced to my therapist Shandre who showed me to the changing rooms to change into my robe and of course the obligatory and now quite familiar paper underwear. We discussed what results I wanted from my customised massage and as usual my areas of concern were my tight and knotty shoulders where I carry all my stress. I was given three oils from which to select my preferred scent and properties, the Relaxing Oil, a Muscle Rub Oil and my choice of the Rejuvenating oil.

The treatment began with a warm paraffin foot treatment, my feet were coated in the paraffin and then wrapped in plastic to generate heat and accelerate the softening process, it was a nice touch and a change to the usual pre-massage footbath. Shandre used deep confident massage strokes and penetrative techniques to relieve the knots which she identified starting in my lower back up to the top of my neck, smoothing out all the tightness and stress. My aromatherapy blended oil smelled delightful and my skin was hydrated and soft at the end of the treatment.

Post-treatment I was served complimentary green tea, dates and nuts in the lavish relaxation room with views overlooking the Corniche and the Arabian Gulf. There is also a spa cafe with an outdoor terrace offering refreshing juices and tonics, herbal elixirs, tea and coffee and bites to eat. 

The Result – Overall I was relaxed and rejuvenated, my skin was hydrated and soft, my knots and stress eradicated.

Pros – Lavish surroundings, fantastic amenities and a confident professional result driven treatment and therapist.

Cons – Cannot think of one!

Alongside a menu of signature massages and facials Remède Spa offers an array of treatments from trademark spa packages and locally inspired Elemis therapies featuring techniques and ingredients characteristic to the region’s distinctive traditions. There are body treatments, five star massages, skincare and specific men only treatments (see full spa menu here). Remède Spa offers a full range of Elemis products, the celebrated British skin and body care brand that combines natural ingredients with scientific developments in their advanced formulas.

Remède Spa, winner of the 2015 World Spa & Wellness Award for Hotel Spa of the Year – Middle East is a glamorous place to spend a couple of hours escaping the world, offering a blissful experience which was thoroughly relaxing. The spa’s objective is to surpass guests expectations, transporting them to a sanctuary of indulgence and relaxation and I confirm that is exactly what I experienced! I thoroughly enjoyed my massage and I would recommend the experience to anyone looking for a touch of old school glamour in their lives.

Remède Spa

Location: Nation Towers, St Regis Abu Dhabi

Telephone : 02 694 4444

E-mail: remede.abudhabi@stregis.com

Website: www.remedespaabudhabi.com

Thank you St Regis Abu Dhabi for the opportunity to review the Remede 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. Last photo used courtesy of www.remedespaabudhabi.com

Read more about the St Regis Abu Dhabi in previous posts Bloody Mary Brunching, Modern Arabian Galleria and Review: Azura Panoramic Lounge St Regis Abu Dhabi