ABU DHABI – Escaping the stresses of city life in Abu Dhabi will be a breeze, with the first So Spa in the GCC now open at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. So Spa is a unique concept which blends therapies and treatments from around the world with the refinement and skill of the latest in French cosmetology. “This is an urban sanctuary where people can detach then reattach from the world. Our bespoke and customised treatment service means you can do this in the space of your lunch break or over a day of pampering" said Spa Manager Hannah Dowd. So Spa offers four single treatment rooms, each named after traditional Arabic and French fragrances and one double private spa suite. Both male and female areas feature a separate hammam, scrub room and jacuzzzi so you can spend the day in complete bliss. Warm earthy tones and natural materials such as stone and wood feature throughout the spa that give you a familiar and comforting feeling of being re-grounded from the moment you step in to the lobby, which glows with natural light. Inspired by gastronomy, the spa menu defies typical categories and reads like the menu in a French fine dining restaurant with starters, mains, sides and desserts. Specially trained ‘spa butlers' are able to guide you through the menu and make recommendations based on individual needs to ensure you maximise the full benefits of your So Spa treatment. For an express treatment (45 minutes) choose a starter to revive and nourish the skin, perfect as a lunch time treat or to prepare yourself for the main course. Mains (60 or 90 minutes) are divided into ‘Revisited Classics' which is So Spa's twist on old favorites such as facials for both men and women and ‘World's Best' which offers stand out international therapies such as Ayurvedic Massage and Reflexology. Sides (15 minutes) include eye treatments and masks, which are ideal accompaniments to mains for extra impact and desserts (60 minutes) offer treatments for hands and feet – the perfect finishing touch. If you have been indulging in too many desserts of the traditional variety, slimming treatments to tone and sculpt the body are also on the menu. So Spa's connection to nature is also reflected in their product partners, Carita, Cinq Mondes and Shiffa. Carita offers luxurious, indulgent and innovative skincare treatments. With over 60 years of skincare expertise, Carita is considered amongst the pioneer's of anti-ageing skincare. With a strong international presence, Cinq Mondes is known for its passion for spa's and spa treatments. All of Cinq Mondes products are formulated under dermatological control, using only a selection of natural and organic ingredients. Inspired by ancient Arabia, Shiffa is a local line of natural products formulated on the principles of proven dermatology. The products are made from carefully sourced ingredients, selected for their healing powers and ability to balance the body to a natural equilibrium state. In addition to So Spa, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is also home to Sofitel's So Fit concept, which offers guests the most advanced fitness and wellness equipment with Technogym fitness machines, cutting-edge technology and design, steam room and dry sauna. Guests can enjoy a full workout under the guidance of a highly qualified personal trainer, or just re-charge their batteries in a luxurious surrounding. So Fit membership is available from AED 4,500 for single and AED 8,000 for couples. — SG
