Sense, A Rosewood Spa | Abu Dhabi

“A sanctuary of tranquility, Sense spa offers an array of nurturing treatments including signature offerings that integrate local healing traditions.” Sense, A Rosewood Hotel

Sense, A Rosewood spa, is one of Abu Dhabi’s premier wellness facilities located on the second floor of the hotel in Al Maryah Island. We decided to treat ourselves to some post-isolation pampering while also taking advantage of expiring Entertainer vouchers that offered 2-for-1 signature 60-minute massages.

Sense is an elegant spa that oozes luxury with its swanky interior that features plenty of marble and modern art. There’s nine treatment rooms, four for ladies, four for men and a couples suite all with private changing areas. The rooms are dimly lit and feature warm tones with dark wood that combined together creates the perfect stress-free environment that’s ideal for relaxation. Extremely comfortable, adjustable and heated massage beds are always a bonus when it comes to ultimate relaxation.

The Experience ~ My signature massage was with Thai therapist Ananya. Surprisingly even though we had booked the exact same treatment my daughter and I had slightly different experiences. She was given the selection of oils to smell and choose her desired scent, I was not. There was also no foot cleaning ritual pre-massage as expected.

I requested medium pressure in my arrival questionnaire but I had to downgrade the intensity on my tense shoulder area. Ananya’s skillful techniques kneaded out all the shoulder and upper back knots, releasing all the stress I carry in that specific area.

Due to the current covid rules and regulations we were escorted straight to our individual treatment rooms and once the massages had finished we were taken straight back to reception. We did not have the spa experience together, no use of the relaxation area where you would usually meet post-treatment and none of the other facilities were in-use. This was definitely lacking but by no fault of the hotel as they are following the current government safety guidelines that allowed them to re-open.

The results ~ Knot free shoulders and general all overall relaxation.

Pros ~ A professional Thai inspired massage with a skilled therapist. The heated massage bed, as always, is a game changer when it comes to comfort and relaxation. The knotty areas in my shoulders that I had identified as requiring more attention were given a thorough kneading. The Entertainer offer is great value (AED 605 for two people).

Cons ~ It was a good treatment but the overall experience fell short as we couldn’t use any relaxation areas or facilities like the whirlpool Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room due to covid regulations.

The treatment menu includes body and facial treatments, massages, hydrotherapy, manicures & pedicures as well as hair and make-up. Express 30-minute massage, body, facial and hair treatments are also available designed with the business traveller in mind. Sense Journeys combine signature services with regional influences and the Spa Meze, inspired by local customs, offers accompaniments Cleopatra Milk Bath, Aromatherapy Healing and Signature Scrub. Traditional Hammam services are available in private suites too.

Having been to various spa events here I had been looking forward to visiting Sense for a massage for a while, so it was disappointing that I didn’t get the full experience, I need to return post-covid restrictions. However if you are looking for a good massage in luxurious surroundings then this is the perfect place to de-stress.

Sense Spa

Location: Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Telephone: 02 813 5537

Email: abudhabi.sensespa@rosewoodhotels.com

Website: www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/abu-dhabi/wellness/spa

Opening Hours: Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm (closed on Monday)

Click HERE to see the Sense treatment menu