A hinoki bath is a hot soaking tub made from hinoki, a Japanese cypress wood used in traditional Japanese baths for its pale grain and fresh, woody scent. In Abu Dhabi you can use one at Chiang Mai Traditional Thai Massage, inside the Al Ghazal Golf Club clubhouse, where a hinoki jacuzzi sits alongside a dry sauna and a cold plunge.
The sauna, cold plunge and hinoki jacuzzi are for men. They are included with any treatment, or AED 100 for the whole day on their own.
What is hinoki wood?
Hinoki is a cypress tree native to Japan, known in Latin as Chamaecyparis obtusa. Its timber has long been used for temples, shrines and bathtubs in Japan. It is prized for its light colour, its close, even grain and its natural scent, which is strongest when the wood is warm and wet, as it is in a bath.
What does the facilities area at Chiang Mai include?
- Dry sauna: a traditional wood-lined sauna.
- Cold plunge: a cold bath beside the hinoki jacuzzi.
- Hinoki jacuzzi: a warm, jetted tub finished in hinoki wood.
- Resting area: a quiet room for after the bath or sauna, with tea and water.
- Showers and lockers: full changing facilities with lockers and bath towels supplied.
There is also a Moroccan bath on the treatment menu. The Moroccan bath, sauna, cold plunge, hinoki jacuzzi and resting area are all men only.
How do you use a sauna, cold plunge and hinoki jacuzzi together?
Most guests move between the three in rounds and go at their own pace. A simple round looks like this:
- Sauna: sit in the dry heat for as long as feels comfortable.
- Cold plunge: a short dip to cool down. Keep it brief.
- Hinoki jacuzzi: warm up again in the hinoki tub.
- Rest: take a break in the resting area with water before the next round.
Drink water between rounds. If you have a medical condition, are unsure about heat or cold, or have any questions, ask reception before you start.
How much does it cost?
- Sauna, cold plunge and hinoki jacuzzi on their own (men): AED 100 for the whole day
- With any massage or treatment (men): included
- Massages and treatments (men and women): from AED 180
Who can use the hinoki jacuzzi?
The hinoki jacuzzi, sauna, cold plunge, Moroccan bath and resting area are for men only. Massages are for adults, men and women, so female guests are welcome to book any massage.
When is it open?
Open daily from 10am to midnight. Last booking is 11pm.
Where is it?
Inside the Al Ghazal Golf Club clubhouse on Zayed International Airport Road, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi. It is about 15 minutes by car from the airport terminals, and parking is free, directly outside the clubhouse.
Quick answers
Can I use the hinoki jacuzzi without a massage?
Yes, for male guests. The sauna, cold plunge and hinoki jacuzzi are AED 100 for the whole day on their own.
Can women use the hinoki jacuzzi?
No. The facilities area is men only. Women are welcome for massages.
Are towels provided?
Yes. Showers, lockers and bath towels are included.
