A massage is a massage, right? Well, no, not when it comes to pregnancy specific massages – it’s actually surprising how different they all are so here’s a run down of just a few of the pregnancy treatments available in the city.
If you’ve ever visited this spa, you’ll already know how stunning it is – in fact, it’s hard not to relax from the second you walk in the door. The spa ensures their therapists follow specific prenatal training and carries out intensive refresher courses throughout the year so you can confidently sit back, relax and enjoy. The massage beds are quite possibly the softest known to man as well as being extra wide for even more comfort. Super soft pillows are provided to offer support for you and the bump whilst in the side-by-side position which enables, if not almost enforces your absolute relaxation! This is arguably the closest you can come to having a massage in the comfort and indulgence of your own bed, but without actually being in your own bed!
Pregnancy massage 60 minutes costs Dhs515 or 90 minutes costs Dhs765. Kempinski.com (02 690 9000).
ESPA, Ritz Carlton Grand Canal
Things get off to a very impressive start at ESPA at the Ritz Carlton when you step through the door and a friendly face welcomes you inside by name. All therapists follow the British ESPA certification and it is a requirement that they successfully complete all levels of the training before being permitted to embark on the pre and postnatal treatment programme so you know you are in the best of hands. Within an instantly calming and relaxing environment you are escorted to a beautiful and dimly lit treatment room where the treatment begins with a gentle back exfoliation – an excellent touch since I’m sure I’m not alone in not having been able to reach my back properly for months now! This is followed by a gentle yet firm, personally tailored muscle easing back massage to iron out every kink. A pregnancy safe oil containing no essential oils is used for the treatment along with their ESPA smoothing and firming body butter which leaves you feeling relaxed and your skin super soft.
The ESPA pre & postnatal treatment is 60 minutes and costs Dhs450. Ritzcarlton.com (02 818 888).
Sense at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi
The Rosewood offers a calming and pampering massage that is carried out by trained therapists and incorporates a cooling foot treatment to assist circulation in tired, swollen feet and also a facial as part of their 90-minute treatment. Using Amaranto repairing oil and a mango nourishing balm, the massage is gentle but still firm, with the therapist skilfully finding and thoroughly working any trouble spots to really dissolve any muscle tensions. The facial is performed whilst lying on your back with the table adjusted to ensure no pressure is on your lower back and the massage is performed in a side position with a comfortable cushion support between the knees. Overall, a great option for those looking for an all in one experience.
Only recommended in the third trimester.
The Mother to be pre-natal massage is 90 minutes and costs Dhs750. Rosewoodhotels.com (02 813 5537).
Heavenly Spa at The Westin Abu Dhabi
Not a spa I’d ever heard much about before, but a great find – especially if you live off island. The massage was a gentle treatment with very light strokes, yet one I still found to be intensely relaxing. Aimed at relieving an aching back and improving circulation in heavy legs, the treatment uses pregnancy safe Aromatherapy Associates renewing rose oil. The back massage is performed in the side-by-side position with a bolster for support, then the table is adjusted to a comfortable slightly sitting up position with bended knees, allowing you to lie on your back for the remainder. The smell of the oil is divine and I found that alone helped me to deeply relax as well as leaving my skin fabulously silky soft and moist. I loved the fact that the massage table was super soft and had a heated pad to keep me warm and aid my relaxation and the slippers and dressing gowns at the spa were notably softer than many other places I’ve come across!
The Ultimate rose pre/post natal massage treatment 60 minutes is Dhs440 or 90 minutes for Dhs540. Heavenlyspaabudhabi.com (02 616 9770).
About the Author – Lindsey Parry
Originally from the UK, Lindsey first moved to the UAE in 2006 but started her career in London as a media professional working in television and publishing. Having stayed within the media industry in various forms throughout the years – most recently as a Features Editor, due to her soon to be newly acquired status of motherhood, is now a part-time freelance writer. Lindsey also writes her own blog about life in the UAE, ArabianNotes.com
