Anantara Spa — Local services in Dubai

ANANTARA SPA, 1 signature massage, 60 minutes: AED310, £67, $85, EUR76.

We came back to the Anantara Spa through their Dine and Unwind package available through the hotel and Spa. You are treated to a massage, a three course lunch and access to their pool for the day. This review focuses on the initial massage package through the Spa.

I came to the Spa at the Anantara some time ago with my wife for a couple’s massage and told ourselves that we would return. However, there are so many spas and massage places in Dubai that, frankly, you can easily just follow the deals and discounts rarely ever returning to the same location. Dubai and the UAE is absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to luxurious spas. This means that loyalty to one spa experience is strained under the weight of choice and competitive pricing. It begs the question: why would you return to the Spa at Anantara?

There is an attention to detail at the Spa and care in the treatments (which is what you are paying for) that keeps me returning to the Spa. A small example: spas often as you to fill in a questionnaire prior to the treatment. I can count on one hand the number of times it is clear to me that someone read it, retained the information and used it for the massage treatment. It has become a game for me now where I will put in something strange just to see if they ask about it (or avoid it during the treatment). It is clear they do not.

It is hard to put a finger on what separates this place from the plethora of other luxury options. It ultimately boils down to the treatment itself which are always found to be thorough, attentive to the feedback from the client such as myself and the massage rooms.

I recommend the Blue Lotus room. It has a bay, floor-to-ceiling windows allowing for light to shine throughout the entire room. Often some Spas like to keep a darker, more moody atmosphere. I actually enjoy being in a room with lots of natural light.

The package allows for a Signature Massage for 60 minutes. I asked the therapist focusing in particular on my neck and shoulders; as often is the need for people with long hours in desk jobs. The massage pressure is perfect as I like medium to firm pressure, which is often too light still and others knead away at me as if I need to be intricately manipulated pursuant to a advanced interrogation method devised in Guantánamo Bay. Gladly I did not suffer either way.

The staff are friendly without being of obsequious. They are engaging, funny and helpful. You can enjoy the facilities at the Spa as well if you book a massage which adds to the value. You will need to confirm if couples can enjoy some of the sauna or thermal bath areas (I doubt but I am not sure).

There is a couples waiting area where your served dates and teas of your choice. There is also no passive aggressive rush to exit you unlike some places I know.

Price wise the Spa has some of the more expensive massage treatments you can get in Dubai, but, the Signature Massage is very competitive with similar massages in similar spas in Dubai. By this I mean, this is taking account of the fact the Spa is inside of a luxury hotel unlike some places that focus specifically on massages and what would otherwise most certainly be in office block.

Would I come back here? Yes, absolutely with all without the special offers available.

Would I change anything about this place? I think the hotel management should start to consider refreshing the decor. There are a number of luxury hotels available within seconds of the and Antara. The look is more modern and the facilities are newer. The beige on Earth monotone throughout the spa is starting to look a little dated and channels are rather anachronistic dark...

Some hits, more misses: nice location on the Palm, in a “luxury” hotel. You may enjoy the beach and a lunch at the seaside restaurant afterwards. welcome juice shot, pre-treatment questionnaire friendly and helpful staff somewhat “zen” atmosphere individual treatment rooms with huge, one-way windows with the view to a serene pool

inconsistent service (“standard operating procedures”) I went with a girlfriend for the exact same treatment (60 min signature massage) and our experience was different. For example, she was asked about the light preference in the room (natural light or closed curtains), she was offered a choice of different oils to choose from, she got tea and dates in the relaxation room, she got an evaluation survey to fill. I had none of that. She was also happy with the technique of her masseuse, while I wasn’t. For the price paid (630 AED) I wasn’t impressed. In less expensive spas, I was even offered a choice of music (or silence) during my massage. Here, no such thing. the facilities are in dire need of renovation and updating. The showers in the changing facilities show their age while the multi-head showers in the wet rooms just don’t work properly. You end up pushing all the buttons to try to get some water. The walk with water sprays on your feet behind the “ice room” is completely useless. Doesn’t do anything. the other facilities ( sauna, jacuzzi, steam room) are small and uncomfortable. You can’t really have more than 2 people at the same time. The steam room is not even in the wet room, but in the change room, at another location. The ceiling of the sauna is not all wood, but some weird plaster. The seats in the steam room are too close to each other and don’t seem very hygienic to seat on. there is a lack of towels in change rooms and wet room. I had to point it out to an employee, and she only brought one, for me. I though that she would replenish all the empty shelves with towels for other guests, but no. lack of toiletries you usually find in a change room of a spa ( and even gyms now!): body lotion, cotton buds, cotton pads, etc. you see pictures of a pool on the website and reviews, but there is actually no pool you can use while in the spa. Due to all misses while paying a high-end price and expecting more, I don’t think...

Not the Luxury Spa I Was Expecting!

I had high expectations for Anantara Spa at The Palm, anticipating a luxury experience with attention to detail — sadly, it fell short in several critical areas. While the masseuse was skilled and provided a decent treatment, the overall experience did not justify the premium price of AED 630 for a 60-minute session.

The treatment room was extremely basic — no dim lighting, no ambiance. The therapist had to manually turn off all harsh ceiling lights and open the curtains just to create some mood lighting. At the end of the massage, switching back to full bright lights was jarring and completely broke the relaxation. This lack of thoughtful sensory transition is disappointing for a spa of this caliber.

The relaxation room was acceptable, and I appreciated the tea served, but again, ambient music was inconsistent and the atmosphere didn’t offer the serene escape one would expect.

The sauna was in poor condition — no water in the heater basket (which I had to fill myself), glaring lighting, and worn-out wooden benches with peeling splinters hanging dangerously overhead and scattered on the floor. Worse still, a dirty towel lay on the floor the entire time, completely ignored by the staff. The steam room was just okay — functional, but far from luxurious or rejuvenating.

In short, the facilities felt more like those of an outdated hotel gym than a premium spa. The staff were friendly, which I appreciated, but the physical space and atmosphere did not match the price tag or the brand’s reputation.

I hope Anantara’s management views this feedback constructively and takes serious action to elevate the spa to the standard its guests are paying for.

Until then, if you’re seeking a truly luxurious and well-maintained spa experience, this may not be the...