What’s On reviews the Queens’ Ritual Evening at the Remede Spa, St Regis Abu Dhabi, billed as an alternative to Abu Dhabi ladies’ night.

Ladies’ night is something of an Abu Dhabi institution, but if you can’t be bothered to slip on your killer heels and hit the town, then St Regis Abu Dhabi is offering a different kind of evening out for you and your friends.

The Queens’ Ritual at Remede Spa kicks off in a Jacuzzi, where the combination of powerful jets and a glass of fizz begin a two-and-a-half hour process that aims to melt away stress.

While the bubbles do their thing, the therapists go to work – first with a frangipani oil scalp treatment, and then with a back and shoulder massage while you’re still in the Jacuzzi.

Next up, it’s off to the steam room for a lime and ginger salt scrub. It’s done here because the heat complements the scrub’s skin softening properties. Next is a cooling milk skin treatment. It’s not done with a pint of semi-skimmed, but a milk-based lotion. The ritual ends in the hotel’s relaxation lounge with a mini-facial and reflexology massage, with a cup of herbal tea and some chocolate covered strawberries.

The anti-stress properties obviously worked because What’s On dozed off on the heated beds during the reflexology section and the milk treatment will leave you feeling more than a little like Cleopatra. The Queens’ Ritual is definitely a great way to kickstart a girls’ weekend where slippers, not heels, are the appropriate footwear.

St Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Abu Dhabi, Thur 7pm to 9.30pm, Dhs600. Tel: (02) 6944444. Taxi: St Regis, Corniche. stregisabudhabi.com