Revived with the right touch at Wellness and Massage, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan

The revamped Wellness and Massage spa has six rooms and six therapists. Courtesy Rotana

In 2011, I discovered what I think is the best Thai massage in Abu Dhabi – an hour with Thai therapist Ta at the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana. So, anytime I was so tired or tense that an ordinary massage wouldn’t do, I would spend about Dh280 for an hour’s essential maintenance.

The only downside to the experience was the fact that the treatment room was located on the corner of a corridor between the hotel swimming pool and the changing rooms, meaning that screaming children – and adults – would often wake me from a blissful slumber.

This all changed three months ago when the spa moved from the ground floor Beach Club to the second floor. The new set-up is more like a proper spa, with six treatment rooms, six therapists (Ta is still there) and a nice – if still rather bland – relaxation area.

There is a new spa menu, so I book an hour-long “intense muscle release massage”, as just reading the description of the treatment makes me feel better.

I’m greeted at reception by my therapist, Bee, from Bangkok, whose refreshingly unpolished manner translates into a brilliantly effective treatment – but not, of course, before I’ve filled out the mandatory health questionnaire. Thankfully, it asks me what kind of pressure I want and what areas to focus on. First I take a shower and am given a pair of ballooning black elasticated spa pants to wear under my robe.

In the treatment room – pleasant, quiet and mostly beige – there’s no foot wash before I lie face down on the very comfortable bed. Bee controls the music via an iPod mini; I’m not offered a choice, but it’s pleasantly forgettable. The spa uses Aromatherapy Associates products, and Bee starts by smoothing de-stress muscle gel, containing rosemary, black pepper and ginger, over my shoulders. She quickly pinpoints my problem shoulder and sets about gently, but expertly, releasing the tension by pulling the tense muscles out of their spasm and returning circulation to what feels like a blocked area.

Body oil containing black pepper, lavender, rosemary and ginger is used from now on, and it’s a relief to know that I’m in the hands of someone who really knows what they are doing. Just when I think I might have to tell her to go a bit harder, she does, although, perhaps because of the time limit, she stops short of finishing off the crunchiness once and for all. It’s more like she’s rhythmically pummeling the knots over and over, like a person snapping through bubble wrap, and for me, just as satisfying.

As requested, Bee goes easier on the legs, and when it comes to the stomach, she presses expertly, but not too roughly. The neck, head and chest are massaged last, and we seem to go about 10 minutes over.

After the massage, I’m led to the relaxation area, where I drink some self-service ginger water while Bee makes a cup of Revolution white tea with pear – slightly watery but OK. Bee says she learnt Thai massage at Wat Pho temple in Bangkok and wellness massage under a manager from Chiva Som Health Resort in Hua Hin. As a parting shot she gives me leaflets offering anti-ageing and anti-­cellulite treatments. Not subtle, but the good thing is that after the treatment, I don’t feel like I need them.

• A 60-minute intense muscle release massage at Wellness and Massage at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana in Abu Dhabi costs Dh311 for non-members. Call 02 657 0188 or email [e-mail]