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“Enjoy an exclusive massage experience by customizing your time using a blend of individually chosen oils and massage techniques.” Dahlia Spa

As you would expect from a leading hotel brand everything about the award-winning Dahlia Spa, located on the third floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, is superb. It has a modern and elegant interior, exemplary service, top-notch facilities and of course a comprehensive range of treatments. Named after the Mexican herbaceous plant, Dahlia Spa offers treatments using high end brand partners such as Biologique Recherche from France, Australian brand Sodashi and Swiss Perfection from Switzerland.

Myself and the other half have experienced quite a few couples massages, both in Abu Dhabi and on our travels, so I feel I’m well informed enough to state that the bespoke massages we experienced at Dahlia Spa were first-rate. The customer service at the time of booking and whilst at the spa itself was excellent, Jihane sets the benchmark for customer service in the hospitality sector across the capital. The unprecedented level of service continued from pre-arrival until we departed the spa itself, all the staff gave us a warm and friendly welcome and everyone we encountered were very professional.

The Experience ~ We were treated to bespoke 50-minute massages in the large candle-lit couples spa suite that was beautifully decorated with white rose petals. Rather than having the same treatment, we each had tailored treatments to our specific requirements including the oil used, the pressure and in my case the technique.

We began sitting side-by-side having the pre-massage foot treatments before moving to adjoining heated and ridiculously comfortable massage beds. The other half had a deep tissue massage with Leena that focused on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and joints using a deep pressure technique to relieve chronic muscle tension, ideal for those who work out regularly.

I opted for the Balinese technique with almond oil for my signature Dahlia massage with my therapist Toi, I requested extra attention on my shoulders and neck, to relieve the tension from being constantly hunched over my laptop and phone. The Balinese massage technique uses a combination of gentle stretches to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and energy around the body, this particular massage also included a more unusual face massage.

As it was a special birthday and the other half had been gifted an additional treatment by the teenager, the Sodashi Men’s Skin Karma Facial. The specialist treatment, designed to deep cleanse and exfoliate, uses oils with woody ‘male’ aromas to balance and soothe the skin. The natural Sodashi products also contain anti-aging, nourishing and balancing ingredients to create high performance natural skin care.

The results ~ We both felt completely indulged and fully relaxed after our respective massages, nothing was too much trouble and the service was very friendly yet remained professional throughout. Both our therapists were skillful and tailored our treatments to our specific requests and requirements in terms of pressure, areas to focus on and those to avoid, all my knots had been fully eradicated. The other half certainly looked relaxed after his two treatments and his face had a healthy post-treatment glow. (As well as the 50-minutes both our massages are available in 80 and 110 minute options).

Pros ~ An all round incredible experience from arrival to departure.

Cons ~ It’s a little pricey but totally worth every dirham in my opinion.

The spacious spa is a light-filled place of serenity with water views, the ultimate place to spend time relaxing in the capital. There are eight treatment rooms all with private showers as well as the couples suite, where we were located that has a jacuzzi. A definite bonus are the therapeutic relaxation areas, both the seperate male and female areas mirror each other, offering guests a large heated hydro pool, sauna, ice fountain, heated lounge chairs with waterfront views and a Moroccan hammam.

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The low-lit relaxation rooms offer a certain tranquility that leaves you feeling very zen, the perfect place to sip post-treatment teas, re-hydrate with flavoured water and snack on nuts and dried fruits (maybe even a little snooze). Other treatments such as waxing and reflexology are also available and within the spa facility there’s also a woman’s hair and nail salon, men’s barbershop and fitness classes.

The spa menu offers signature treatments for both men and women from the three different brands, there are also specialist Dahlia Journeys for that extra indulgent experience. Dahlia Spa also offers the unique Quartz Sand Escape based on the ancient Greek concept of hot sand therapy or ‘psammo therapy’ as it’s officially known. Those in a hurry can enjoy the express treatments performed on heated ceramic beds or perhaps the new 45 minute leg reviver treatment, a cold therapy designed to revitalise and refresh.

Dahlia Spa, winner of the Hotel Spa of the Year at the World Spa & Wellness Awards 2018, is a sophisticated, serene place to relax and enjoy some luxury pampering. The couples treatment is an ideal romantic gift for a loved one but whatever your treatment of choice I would highly recommend Dahlia Spa. It’s the ultimate place to relax, de-stress and enjoy being pampered by the excellent team of spa professionals who deliver the optimum luxury spa experience.

Dahlia Spa

Location: Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island. Abu Dhabi

Telephone: 02 333 2500

Email: spa.abudhabi@fourseasons.com

Opening Hours: Spa treatments are available daily from 10 am until 10 pm

Website: www.fourseasons.com/abudhabi/spa/

Click HERE to see the Dahlia Spa menu

**The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi is celebrating Global Wellness Day (9th June 2018) by offering one lucky winner and a guest the chance to WIN a wellness staycation. The prize includes; a customizable sleep experience for one night in a Four Seasons suite with a healthy breakfast served to the room, complimentary wellness consultation with a certified Health Coach, an exclusive healthy cooking class with Executive Head Chef Giancarlo di Francesco, a personal training session with Advantage Sports UAE and two hours of complimentary Dahlia Spa treatments – visit www.instagram.com/fsabudhabi/ for all the information and how to enter**

Read more about Dahlia Spa in previous post Biologique Recherche Booster Facial | Dahlia Spa, Four Seasons Abu Dhabi

Thank you Dahlia Spa for the opportunity to experience and review the couples treatment (the Men’s facial was a paid experience). The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved. Featured image and two additional photos used with courtesy of www.fourseasons.com/abudhabi/spa/