Rayana Spa Abu Dhabi is spacious and warm
Last weekend – when I briefly disappeared – I was in Abu Dhabi having a very frustrating and horrible hotel stay.
Abu Dhabi Experience
The experience was so bad, that I decided to write about the spa treatments only.
Rayana Spa is a spacious spa located at the Hyatt Capital Gate hotel in Abu Dhabi.
As a warning, I advise you not to even think of staying at the hotel. My experience has been nothing short of terrible starting from the time of checking in to the moment that I left. I won’t get into details because I don’t think they deserve any kind of exposure or publicity. The spa located at the hotel isn’t so bad though.
A Spa Focused Day at Rayana Spa
The main reason that I booked a stay at that hotel was because I wanted to do a spa-focused stay before the weather gets too hot and it’s time for the beach again. Which is exactly what has happened today. So my next Abu Dhabi staycation will definitely be at a beachside resort. That will be well-deserved after my recent unpleasant stay at the ADNEC-based so-called business hotel.
One thing missing in Rayana Spa is the availability of a Jacuzzi or an indoor hot pool. There’s a steam room, a modestly-sized heated outdoor pool and a fitness center. To me, the lack of a Jacuzzi in a spa surely makes for an incomplete experience. I believe that it’s essential to relax the body and mind in warm waters prior to any spa treatment. It’s just part of the package and I don’t think it should be optional to have one at any spa.
With using a certain amount of spa credit with my hotel stay package, I opted for the one-hour Rayana Renewal Massage. The treatment includes the use of a combination of different types of massages: deep-tissue, Swedish and Thai pressure point techniques. After sampling a good selection of uniquely scented massage oils, my Thai therapist – Sukanya – takes me to a warm and homely treatment room.
The Highlight of the Hotel
The spa is the main highlight of the hotel; spacious, with warm decor and wooden floors. Another missing element at the spa was a post-treatment relaxation room. I spent a good amount of time walking around the winding spa hallways looking for one. Only to find out from my therapist that there isn’t one. There’s a set of two cushioned chairs in front of an open-plan kitchen where spa guests sit after the treatment and have some tea and dried fruits. To me, relaxing on a lounge chair or comfortable long seat after the treatment makes for a good few moments of mediation and tranquility.
The holistic massage treatment was done so professionally, that I decided to book a second treatment for my last day at the hotel – right before checking out. Since I was tight on time and had to head back to Dubai after the treatment, I went for an express 30-minute Foot Refuel massage. The foot reflexology session was done on a massage bed and it delivered the sense of getting a full body treatment. I highly recommend it for anyone suffering from poor blood circulation, low-immunity levels or anxiety.
Summary of Rayana Spa
To sum things up, if you’re in Abu Dhabi and find yourself in the ADNEC area, Rayana Spa can be a good option for an express or complete spa treatment. Book a relaxing massage, hydrotherapy bath session or invigorating body scrub with the Thai therapist – Sukaniya – and you won’t be disappointed.
For more about Saudi and Arab culture, a new post about my London chapter is coming soon to the blog. Hear about my intensive course with London College of Fashion, walking freely down the diverse capital city streets and my memorable visit to the Visa office.
warm treatment room ambiance at Rayana Spa in Abu Dhabi
