Partner Content: Spa specials and the latest fitness facilities await.

The formula for the ideal staycation is simple: a beachfront location, rooms accented with creature comforts, and enough culinary options to keep a discerning palate satisfied — anything else is a bonus. And it's the luxe extras that a summer spent in the UAE calls for. Enter: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi.

A five-star resort with an idyllic location on Saadiyat Island and rooted in beachfront luxury, this property in the capital is still a firm favourite when it comes to staycations for Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents alike. Two years after spending a weekend discovering its many facets, the resort is back on our radars for its transformative rituals at Iridium Spa and the wellness offerings at The St. Regis Athletic Club. Summer is the season of self-care, after all.

Iridium Spa

The name alone sets the tone for one's experience at this award-winning spa; iridium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust and named after the Greek goddess Iris, personification of the rainbow. It's no surprise, then, that guests at Iridium Spa are treated to a rare and refined experience every time, with treatments always tailored to one's mood and needs — whether they're looking to relax or be energised. As for what Iridium Spa recommends this month? Both the Tekmida Body Ritual and Sensory Awakening Candle Massage are highlights.

Nourishing both body and soul, the Tekmida Body Ritual is a unique treatment that effectively balances energies, promotes relaxation and relieves stress. We're told that it's ideal for those who are feeling low on energy, a common issue for so many of us. The transformative journey begins with a detoxifying and cleansing body scrub. Inspired by the natural purifying properties of traditional Moroccan black soap, beldi, the amber-hued scrub seamlessly removes all toxins and dead skin cells, leaving guests feeling radiant and glowing.

The St. Regis Saadiyat

Following this nourishing procedure, expert therapists then deliver the spa's signature 'Tekmida' treatment, an immersive and unique Moroccan technique that uses hot towels and carefully applied pressure to relieve any areas of tension, relax the body, elevate energy levels and harmonise the body's physical energies. Spagoers are invited to conclude this restorative treatment by exploring Iridium Spa's exclusive sauna and other facilities. The 90-minute Tekmida Body Ritual at Iridium Spa is available to enjoy daily throughout May, from 11am and 11pm, and is priced at AED 950 per person.

The experts at Iridium Spa also looked to Morocco and its long-revered wellness traditions for inspiration when designing the Sensory Awakening Candle Massage. Another must-try over summer, this one's a sensory journey that will leave you feeling relaxed, reawakened and even empowered. A 60-minute escape, it spans the full body and employs a traditional massage technique that has been carefully crafted to heal the body, soothe the spirit, and promote a sense of total well-being.

The experience begins with your therapist using a range of massage strokes and techniques to ease muscle tension and increase circulation, while also providing deep relaxation. The real magic, however, happens with the use of the spa's specially designed aromatic candles. As they gently melt, they release a symphony of natural oils – including amber, vanilla and musk – that nourish and invigorate the senses, promoting a state of tranquillity and relaxation. Just think of it as the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life. The Sensory Awakening Candle Massage at Iridium Spa in The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is available to enjoy daily between 11am to 11pm, priced at AED 750 per person.

The St. Regis Saadiyat

The Athletic Club

Elsewhere, much-needed 'me time' can be spent at the state-of-the-art gym at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. The Athletic Club houses excellent fitness facilities for all sport lovers and spans 3,500 square metres and two floors. The spacious workout areas of the gym feature light colours, wooden floors, and contemporary details to boost your training experience. With inspiring interiors, the fitness club also includes studios such as a private Personal Training room, assessment room, spinning and barre room, a 25-metre indoor lap pool, two squash courts and two outdoor tennis courts. Guests are also invited to use the gym's well-appointed spa facilities such as the steam room, sauna, and whirlpool before heading to the onsite juice bar.

The St. Regis Saadiyat

The three bespoke membership types bring exclusive benefits for each member, including differently designed inclusions, and are available for long-term and short-term members. Accessible for all, the large open gym provides modern TechnoGym machines as well as a dedicated cardio section and weights. Sports enthusiasts can also enrol for personal training sessions with a team of male and female internationally certified fitness instructors who will tailor programs depending on the individual's requirements and goals. Furthermore, guests have the choice between excellent ranges of group classes, such as Pilates. Offerings such as ladies-only classes, exciting sessions for teens, spinning classes and yoga lessons are designed to fulfil both body and spirit. Moreover, the Athletic Club also features group wellness classes for both kids and adults hosted by Bodytree Studio, a renowned provider of health and wellness services since 2007.

The St. Regis Saadiyat

Additionally, aquaphiles can enjoy the 25-metre indoor lap pool, where certified coaches provide swimming lessons for beginners and experts alike. From learning to swim or improving stroke techniques to training for a competitive sport, every lesson is based on the skill and requirement of each guest. Last but not least are the two outdoor tennis courts and two squash courts for those keen on racquet sports, allowing members to enjoy friendly matches with friends and family. Top-notch facilities, expert instruction, and more offerings than you can experience this summer — it's all here.

GO: Visit www.stregissaadiyatisland.com for more information.