The Spa, The Ritz Carlton - Abu Dhabi

The Spa is a standalone building within the Ritz Carlton Grand Canal Hotel complex Abu Dhabi comprising 2,000 sqm of internal floor area divided over two floors at basement and ground levels and is located right on the beachfront and provides holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting that aims to take the guests on a journey of tranquility.

The project consisted of Male and Female facilities comprising Changing Suites, Treatment Rooms, Hammam, Sauna, Steam Lounges and Beauty Salon. The design vision was to create luxurious interiors with strong Arabesque influence. This was achieved through key standout features and elements of Arab architecture, such as over sized solid timber doors with metallic studs and ironmongery to accentuate the sense of arrival at the Spa. Pointed arches, a feature of the region’s traditional Islamic architecture, lead from the public areas to the treatment rooms which are decorated using large mahogany carved wood plaques designed with geometric motifs, adding a sense of grandeur to all sixteen rooms.

Specialist lighting is another unique feature at The Spa. As the interior to the building gets an abundance of shade controlled natural light during the day, subtle lighting delivered through magnificent brass and glass chandeliers are cleverly used to provide mood lighting after sunset. The hallways are lit using striking back-lit glass fixtures shaped as antique shields adorned with intertwining brass floral shapes.
The centre piece of The Ritz Carlton Spa project is the stunning Hamam, carefully created to closely resemble a traditional Turkish bath. The circular room is covered entirely in Italian marble of neutral and muted tones which evoke a sense of peace and tranquility which is further enhanced by the soft lighting delivered through back-lit translucent marble slabs in the walls and the ceiling of the room.

The client Abu Dhabi National Hotels demanded and expected a “Five Star Plus” quality as they anticipated attracting dignitaries and VIPs to the Ritz Carlton Spa. The finished work has met their expectations exuding a stately but contemporary feel with strong modern Arabesque undertones and exceptional finishes.