In late 2023, Etihad Airways made the move to Abu Dhabi Airport’s new Terminal A, which is a gorgeous facility, and a big improvement over the carrier’s old terminal. In the new terminal, you’ll find the Etihad First Lounge and Etihad Business Lounge, both of which are excellent.
We knew that Etihad was also opening a spa at the airport. This had a soft opening several weeks ago, and has now had its grand opening. I wanted to provide an update, as the airline has now published the spa menu, and has provided other details as well.
In this post:
Basics of the new Etihad Airways Spa Abu Dhabi
The new Etihad Airways Spa Abu Dhabi is now open, and is being operated in partnership with airport spa operator “Be Relax.” The space is adjacent to the Etihad Airways Lounge, between the C & D concourses, next to gate C27.
The spa is open to all passengers, regardless of airline or class of service they’re traveling in. The lounge offers treatments ranging from chair massages, to table massages, to relaxation loungers, to nails, to facials, to hair and barber treatments. Treatments start at 170 AED (~46 USD) for a 15-minute chair massage, and go up to 680 AED (~185 USD) for a 60-minute full body table massage.
You can find the full spa treatment menu below, and you can even make reservations at this link.
The spa also has partnerships with two brands. This includes Valmont, a luxury skincare brand used for facial treatments, and Philip Martin’s, an Italian brand used for body and hair care services.
The Etihad Airways Spa also offers showers at a cost, which is something that’s of course offered complimentary in the Etihad Business Lounge. Presumably the intent is that this is for those who don’t otherwise have lounge access (or those who really want showers infused with Vitamin C).
Furthermore, Etihad passengers traveling in The Residence or first class can receive a complimentary 15-minute treatment in the spa, putting Etihad among the airlines offering complimentary spa treatments. All other treatments are available for purchase.
My thoughts on Etihad’s new spa facility
I’m happy that the Etihad Airways Spa Abu Dhabi has opened, since it’s something that we’ve been anticipating for some time. Going back a decade, Etihad had solid spas in several of its lounges. However, the airline then underwent a major cost cutting initiative, and the spas have been closed ever since.
I imagine the new setup is more financially sustainable, given that it’s open to all, and a vast majority of the treatments are paid. I also appreciate the range of treatments available, from massages, to manicures, to haircuts.
That being said, this doesn’t strike me as a particularly premium setup, or as being something that improves the premium passenger experience much. “Be Relax” isn’t a particularly premium brand, so it’s an interesting branding choice. This almost sounds like a white label version of a “Be Relax” airport spa.
Still, something is better than nothing, so I’ll take it!
Bottom line
The Etihad Airways Spa Abu Dhabi is now open, adjacent to the carrier’s lounges. The spa is offered in partnership with “Be Relax,” and offers paid treatments that are open to all (with the exception of first class passengers, who get a complimentary 15-minute treatment).
What do you make of the new Etihad Spa Abu Dhabi?
I went on Monday (flying F) and was proactively asked if I would like a treatment upon entry downstairs and was told the F lounge reception would assist with booking upstairs. Like a lot of the J lounge you can hear outside noise or maybe it was just my treatment room so wouldnt say it was the most relaxing set up. The therapist was great though and even just 15min was lovely.
I went two weeks ago travelling in F and had the free 15 min treatment. Don't let the branding fool you, it was absolutely excellent and in line with what one would expect from much more premium brands. Unlike SB's experience, in my case they did not try to upsell me
was there on August 29th. i didn't even know it was open. Lounge Attendant came and asked if i would like my free 15-minutes Massage. it was actually pretty good.
I was there for the soft opening, flying in F, and got to get a free treatment. I also got a HARD sell for upgraded purchases and a massage gun I didn't want. It was pleasant, but nothing special... Also the soft opening so I'm sure it'll improve.
Lucky,
You have a chance yet to check out the re-opened Etihad/Chase Sapphire lounge at IAD?
Did Melania Trump name this spa?
MSDNC reports it was Kamala's grandma who did the honors...obviously somethin' got lost in translation..
Melania isn't that creative.
Don't let JFK ATC folks visit any Be "relax".
They will get furious.