A new Talise spa has opened at the Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa in Abu Dhabi, featuring treatments inspired by Arabic culture and the rich desert landscape.

The spa features 13 treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites with private terraces, as well as both private male and female changing rooms, crystal salt saunas, steam rooms, open-air yoga pavilion, plunge pools, a snow room and ice bucket shower.

Standout experiences include the signature Al Wathba Revitalising Massage and the Red Carpet Facial by Margy’s Monte Carlo.

The Hammamii Desert Massage ritual starts with a traditional inhalation and deep breathing meditation and utilizes nourishing local Hammamii oils for a healing combination of pressure, trigger point therapy and soft and deep massage.

The spa features Zimmer’s IceLab cryotherapy, an experience where the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures (-166°F / -110°C) for 1-3 minutes, which is said to contribute to a feeling of wellbeing, as well as benefit the mind, relax muscles, and help with slimming and anti-ageing.

Terres D’Afrique has created signature treatments for the spa, including the Sound of Dunes massage that uses acupressure combined with a gentle African comb massage set to a background of Arabic Dunes sound therapy.

The Arabic Spa Retreat begins with an exfoliation using za’atar, a traditional spice known for its detoxifying and antioxidant qualities, followed by a Ghassoul mask made of rich clay from Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains and then an enriching camel milk bath. The treatment ends with a muscle massage using an aromatic concentration of Fléchir Muscle Oil.

A foam ritual in the Turkish hammams has been inspired by traditional Turkish bathhouses, and begins with eucalyptus to awaken the senses and is followed by an aromatic rosemary “Kirmizi Biber” exfoliation. A refreshing, healing white clay mask infused with mint is then liberally applied. Following rinsing, guests are coated in body oil.

Rhythm, frequency and different sensory tools are used in a sound therapy treatment, with an aim to influence brain wave frequencies and bring about positive changes. Sound therapy can enable a downshift a normal beta state (normal waking consciousness) to alpha (relaxed consciousness), and even reach theta (meditative state) and delta (sleep, where internal healing can occur) to improve health and wellbeing.

The Talise fitness center offers a range of TechnoGym equipment, private personal training, exercise sessions and private memberships. The Talise Boutique offers professional spa products to purchase.

Inspired by classical dwellings, the boutique resort’s 103 guest rooms and villas feature local details, traditional artwork, and Arabesque accessories, alongside a range of dining destinations.