WE TRY THE QUINTESSENTIAL DESERT ROSE SPA EXPERIENCE IN ABU DHABI

A Middle-Eastern inspired spa journey worth trying.

When we first heard about the Desert Rose Body Sense treatment, a 2-hours Middle-Eastern inspired spa experience, we were very intrigued and quick to book a review.

Let’s get straight to the point. It is a blissful experience and actually a luxury gift to book for a special celebration. Available for both genders, you can also book the treat with your loved one in the couple room or experience it on your own.

Our experience

Upon arrival at Sense Spa, we are invited to fill a consultation spa form. Unlike the boring forms, this one is actually fun with outside the box choices inviting you to share your current state of mind and body concerns so that your massage is tailored to your body and spirit.

Comfortably settled in our heated treatment bed, the journey starts with an exfoliating body cleanse using desert sand from Morocco combined with sea salt and argan oil infused with rose and musk (The Rose and Sandal Body Mask by Les Sens de Marrakech).

In the spa room twilight, with piano tunes in the background, our therapist, Christine, massages our body to remove the impurities and dead cells and we almost immediately start feeling relaxed.

After a warm shower, our skin is prepared for a restoring full-body massage with a warmed Rose blend of Argan and Sunflower oils. Another highlight is the use of hot ‘poultice’ filled with desert sand kneaded over our back muscles to release pain and eliminate stress symptoms.

In addition to the body treat, Christine starts a cleansing facial with an organic seaweed balm by Voya, an Irish organic beauty brand. Made with algae extracts sourced from Ireland, it has anti-aging properties, a very pleasant texture and lovely scents mixing ylang-ylang, bergamot, sweet almonds and rose oils. Our face is left deep-cleansed, refreshed and rejuvenated.

The beauty therapist then applies a Rhassoul face mask from Les Sens de Marakkech mixed with rosewater and a few drops of argan oil. While the mask in on, we are given a hand, neck, shoulder and decollete massage using the luxurious Shiffa Rose Bliss balm. If you are not familiar with Shiffa, which means ‘healing’ in Arabic, it is an organic Dubai-based beauty brand. Rich in rose oils, it has nourishing ingredients such as shea and cocoa butters, jasmine, sandalwood and more.

Our verdict

Definitely a luxurious spa experience in Abu Dhabi if you wish to disconnect and allow two exquisite hours for yourself only. Remember to also bring along your swimsuit as spa guests are invited to indulge in the relaxation areas (separate for ladies and gentlemen) with a whirlpool, sauna, steam room and a cold mist shower.

We left the spa serene, peaceful and confident in ourselves, as asked in the questionnaire.

This spa treatment is priced at 1145AED.

SENSE SPA | Rosewood Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island | Second Floor in the hotel
Open daily from 10am to 11 pm

To make a reservation, call +971 2 813 55 50 or email [email protected].

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