Review: Fingerprint Massage at Hiltonia Health Club & Spa, Hilton Abu Dhabi

The Hiltonia Club & Spa at the Hilton Abu Dhabi hotel offers an extensive massage menu for those keen on chilling out by the Abu Dhabi corniche, we roadtest the 60-minute Fingerprint Massage.

A treatment room at Hiltonia Club & Spa at the Hilton Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Hiltonia Club & Spa

The treatment:

My weekly massage appointment usually provides the therapist with a physical workout most weeks - the one I tried recently at Hiltonia Health Club & Spa at the Hilton Hotel Abu Dhabi was no different.

Located on the corniche opposite the Hilton Hotel, the spa definitely has the right feel from the moment you walk in. Of everything on the menu, I’ve opted for the Fingerprint Massage, as it is tailored to suit the needs of the client. My therapist Christelle explains that I’ll be experiencing a combination of techniques from the massage menu.

My wellness experience begins in the jacuzzi, which is a unisex set-up and the perfect spot to release some tension in the muscles before getting on the table.

I want the focus of the massage to be on my neck, shoulder and back. I an keen for Christelle to get deep into the muscles to help alleviate the built-up tension that resides in my upper body for most of the week. That being said, I also want some relaxation thrown in.

During the 60-minute session Christelle makes sure I am comfortable and offers just the right amount of pressure and attention to the areas I have nominated. She checks in regularly regarding the pressure, which I appreciate, and just as is almost always the case, as we near the end of the allocated time she says an extra half an hour would have made all the difference.

Even so, I find that after an hour I feel noticeably looser and my shoulders aren’t up around my ears, where they started at the beginning of the session.

The spa itself:

The Hiltonia Health Club & Spa has it all, from massage rooms to jacuzzi and sauna facilities. There’s a gym and a number of separate fitness rooms for small group classes too, as well as a hairdresser, kids’ crèche and healthy cafe for that after workout coffee. The centre is quite modern and the spa part of it impressive and comfortable. The treatment rooms are relaxing and homely, and the spa staff very friendly, professional and knowledgable.

What we loved:

The pre-treatment facilities and the fact the therapist really seemed to know her stuff, she was helpful and suggestive of ways to ease the tension, while at the same time sticking to the time and answering any questions I have along the way.

What we hated:

Let’s be honest, no massage is ever long enough. I found very little else to fault and would certainly go back again for the 90-minute option.

The duration, price:

A 60-minute Fingerprint Massage costs Dh410 per session, including taxes, while a 90-minute session costs Dh490 per person. For bookings call 02 692 4324, or visit www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/uae/hilton-abu-dhabi-AUHHITW/spa/index.html

This review was done at the invitation of the hotel.