Holistic treatments have long been used as a more natural and sympathetic method of healing individual problems – aiming to restore a more balanced person, on the basis that not all the characteristics of a large-scale entity (like the body) can be determined or explained by its component parts alone.

Instead, the system affects how the parts behave. Applied to lifestyle treatments, it ought to mean that the body as a whole gets the attention; and also that treating individual aspects of it can have whole-body benefits.

Hot stone massage is one of the treatments frequently associated with the holistic approach in the spa. The promised benefits include deep muscle and tissue relaxation and improved circulation as well as the elimination of aches and pains. Abu Dhabi Week was intrigued ...

Stuck in the middle of the present chaos of Salam Street, Madonna Spa is hidden from view within the New Porsche building facing Citibank. Having navigated my way around the area for a good 20 minutes trying to find the entrance into the building, (round the back, past the construction site and through a passageway (as it happens) I’m feeling pretty hot, bothered and stressed when I finally enter the spa.

Thankfully the stress ends at the doorway. I’m swooped upon by smiling staff and led into a cool, candle-lit room with the obligatory soft music completing the calm ambience.

The treatment starts with the soles of my feet and works up to the legs before reaching my back, shoulders and neck. The massage oil has a slight warming sensation when being rubbed onto the skin, while the hot stones – flat, smooth and almost pebble like – are cupped in the masseuse’s hand and gently pummelled into areas of need.

I’m impressed by the thoroughness and obvious knowledge of the therapist. Sensing problem areas such as in my shoulders and lower back, a firm pressure is applied and the discomforts are eased with the warmth of the stones.

The heat from the stones comes in pulses; they are clearly on rotation from the water pot in which the stones are heated. After a while I completely relax and instead of tensely waiting for each ‘heat wave’ to roll across my skin I find myself drifting off as my muscles relent.

The only thing that stops me from falling asleep completely is the contrast of music; accompanying the mood in the room is a soft, almost whispered, oriental melody, while outside the more lively music from the reception and the nail and hair area create a clash of atmospheres.

But the music doesn’t spoil the mood. Some 75 minutes after arriving in the reception, sweaty and weary, I leave feeling completely refreshed and completely calm. Unlike other massages that work on a more physical approach, this one seems to operate on an emotional level too. My mind is relaxed and clear and I’m feeling pretty well healed from the experience.

With a light, bright and airy interior, super friendly staff and an extensive range of treatments on offer, Madonna Spa is a sanctuary tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Abu Dhabi – and the perfect way to cool down at the end of a stressful work day.

What? Madonna Beauty Spa

Where? Al Salam St, (New Porsche Showroom) opp. Citibank

How much? AED 325

Why? A perfect way to gently ease tension and stress out of the body

Why not? Not great if you have particularly sensitive skin – the stones really do get hot!

Rating: 8 out of 10

Contact: 02 674 0666

[Writer] Charlie Kennedy

What others are saying (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed