Usually we cover the capital’s spas by reviewing what they do and how they do it. That gives a good overview of the experience, but what would the spa itself recommend if you went along and asked for their advice? We’ve selected four common customer requirements, and this time the symptomand- solution survey covers the Hiltonia Spa. Comments from spa manager Tracey Baldock.
The Hilton has a great way to escape the hassles of the day and recharge your energy. The Spa in the Hiltonia club includes a wide variety of treatments including lavish facials, body massages and treatments in five treatment rooms. There are also separate-sex saunas, steam rooms and plunge showers as well as a large Jacuzzi overlooking the Hilton Abu Dhabi’s private beach – the largest in the city.
There’s also a useful Kids Club – while pampering yourself with one of the treatments, your kids can have fun and share games in this carefully monitored environment.
Personal stress
The symptoms: Insomnia, headaches, muscle aches and pains
The solution: Holistic Stones. This truly relaxing treatment uses hot stones of varying sizes. The therapist will perform a massage transferring heat from the stones to the body; the stones themselves will also be used to provide a deep and comforting massage. In pauses during the treatment the heated stones will be placed along the spine and the other energy centres of the body to create a deep sensation of warmth and comfort; the treatment helps to detox the body, calm the nervous system, improve blood circulation and remove muscle tension. 90 mins, AED 440
Work stress
The symptoms: Backaches, tense shoulder and neck, headaches, tired eyes
The solution: Indian head, back and neck massage. An ancient Ayurvedic massage technique that focuses on the scalp, neck, back and shoulders – specially designed to help balance the senses, stimulate the mind, improve blood circulation and eliminate toxins. “For anyone sitting at a desk all day using computers, this treatment is for you.” Tracey suggests combining this treatment with a 30-minute De-Stress eye treatment to rejuvenate tired eyes. 60 mins, AED 310
Jet Lag
The symptoms: Fatigue, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, headaches
The solution: Tropical Bliss Treatment. This four-handed massage treatment has been developed exclusively for Hiltonia – a massage by two therapists simultaneously.“This is the treatment you must try once in your life!” says Tracey. It begins with a luxurious coconut footbath with a foot scrub to remove all dead skin cells and toxins from the feet; the two therapists will follow with dry-brushing the body to improve skin texture and circulation, and then apply warm lemongrass towels to soften the muscles before the massage. 90 mins, AED 695
Detox
The symptoms: Water retention, lethargy, cellulite, sluggish circulation
The solution: Total Detox Package. This treatment starts with a 20-minute detox hydro bath to uplift and rejuvenate the mind and body, followed by a detoxifying body scrub to eliminate dead skin cells. Then a delightful Aromatherapy body oil and a warm algae seaweed mask are applied to the whole of the body while a scalp massage is performed, releasing any tension you may have. Finally a warm moisturizer is applied leaving the skin feeling totally hydrated. “This treatment is great if you want to get rid of unwanted toxins and tone and firm the body,” says Tracey, who recommends two or three treatments per week. 120 mins, AED 580
General maintenance
The symptoms: Mind and body needing to be kept in harmony
The solutions: Cleopatra Hydro Bath and soothing massage. This pampering treatment starts with a warm soak in a sensual milk and honey bath that will leave your skin hydrated and glowing. That is followed by a traditional Swedish massage to help maintain a feeling of well-being. 90 mins, AED 420
[Caption] Tracey Baldock, Hiltonia Spa Coordinator, has worked as therapist and trainer in five-star hotels and spas in various countries for more than 12 years, including Bermuda, Turkey, Qatar and the UAE. Tracey joined Hilton Abu Dhabi two years ago.
[Originally published in Abu Dhabi Week vol 2 issue 25]
