Indulge yourself: UAE top massage spots

For those of us with a lazy disposition, a relaxing spa treatment, a body scrub or massage is the best way to mark the new year.

Enjoy discounts at the Anantara spas at Emirates Palace, above, and at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi.

Emirates Palace and Qasr al Sarab, Abu Dhabi

Blow the budget with this five-night package staying at two of the capital's most luxurious hotels. Check into a deluxe "pearl" room at the Emirates Palace (www.emiratespalace.com; 02 690 9000) for three nights and enjoy dinner for two at Mezlai, an Emirati restaurant (drinks not included). Recover from the rigours of 2010 with the help of a 30 per cent discount on selected treatments at the hotel's very own Anantara Spa. For a spa menu, visit http://spa.anantara.com.

A limousine will then sweep you off into the beautiful landscape of the Liwa Desert for a two-night stay at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort (http://qasralsarab.anantara.com; 02 886 2088), staying in a deluxe terrace room. The package includes one dinner served by a butler on your large private terrace overlooking the dunes and 30 per cent off any massage at the Anantara spa. Choose two desert-based activities during your stay including archery, camel-trekking and a desert walk. The package costs Dh14,430 including taxes, for two people and is valid for stays from January 2 until February 19.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda

When you book a 75-minute "luminous C and sea facial" treatment at the Zayna Spa in the Grand Millennium hotel next to Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, you will receive a complimentary eye treatment, to treat either puffiness or fine lines worth Dh260. The facial, using Pevonia Botanica products, is designed to hydrate sun-damaged skin thanks to the powers of vitamin C and freeze-dried seaweed. The facial costs Dh590 including taxes; to book call 02 495 3822.

The Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Enjoy an ESPA signature detox treatment at the Yas Hotel (www.theyashotel.com; 02 656 0700)when you book a one-night "island detox" package. The two-hour treatment worth Dh841 includes a body brush and polish, body wrap, scalp and full body massage using marine-rich algae and essential oils. Be careful not to undo the good work with dinner at Kazu, the hotel's Japanese restaurant. The one-night stay, half-board costs Dh2,726 for two people in a standard double room, including a late check out the next day until 6pm and taxes. To book a treatment, call 02 656 0862.

Park Hyatt, Dubai

The Amara Spa at the Park Hyatt hotel is offering more than 15 per cent off its two-hour "total relaxation" package beginning with a 15-minute, relaxing hand and foot rose petal bath, followed by a 75-minute facial using Carita products which promises to firm the skin. The spa package ends with a 45-minute reflexology treatment to promote a sense of wellbeing before a healthy lunch (ice-cream optional) to stop your stomach rumbling. Throughout January the package costs Dh810 per person, reduced from the usual rate of Dh958, including taxes. To book call, 04 602 1660.

Le Royal Méridien, Dubai

If you're feeling in need of a beauty boost, book a treatment at the Caracalla Spa at Le Royal Méridien, which has a host of offers for the new year. You can choose one of the following packages valid from January 15 until February 29: a two-hour "heavenly" body scrub and full body massage for Dh625; a two-hour rejuvenating body contour treatment which includes an anti-ageing facial and green coffee body wrap for Dh850 or, for those in a hurry, a 60-minute Elemis taster facial, foot and scalp massage for only Dh375. To book, call

04 399 5555.

Grosvenor House, Dubai

Until January 15, the Retreat Spa at the Grosvenor House hotel is offering a range of stress relieving treatments to ease you into the new year. Choose from a one hour and 15 minute Phytomer marine body wrap and back massage for Dh611; a two-hour rasul mud treatment which includes a full-body massage for Dh511, or an hour and 15 minute express facial and scrub, also Dh511. Coupled with complimentary use of the sauna, steam and Jacuzzi, the Retreat Spa promises a whole afternoon of pampering. To book, call 04 399 8888.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Discover your limitations with a 40 per cent discount on an "optimal health assessment" at the Talise Spa at the Madinat Jumeirah. The asssessment, which costs Dh1,495, promises to identify your body's strengths and weaknesses thanks to medical, holistic health and lifestyle consultations, a one-hour spa treatment and blood screening.

If all of the above sounds like too much information, stick to a less testing 90-minute Talise signature "theraputic" treatment which includes a body scrub, body wrap, facial, and massage using products to encourage either detoxification, or weight-loss or reduce the appearance of aging for Dh745, a 50 per cent discount. To book, call, 04 366 6818. Both offers are valid until February 28 and include taxes.