Massage gift ideas, for every occasion

Key takeaways

• Gift cards come in AED 400, 550, 700, 880, sent by email.
• They are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
• AED 400, AED 550 and AED 700 match a 60, 90 or 120-minute massage. AED 880 covers a 60-minute couples massage.
• Every massage type costs the same, so the person you give it to chooses the style.
• For several cards at once, for example for a team, write to general@rhea.ae.

Why a massage makes a good gift

Most gifts in Dubai end up competing with things people already own. A massage is different: it is time, and time is what most people here are short of. A massage at home removes the part of a spa gift that often goes unused, which is finding a free afternoon, driving across the city and parking.

With a RHEA gift card, the person you give it to books their own date, time, address and massage type. Your therapist brings a professional massage table, fresh linens and oils. They need a clear space of about two by two metres at home, in a hotel room or a holiday home.

It also works across distances. If you live abroad and your sister lives in Dubai Marina, you can send a gift card by email in a few minutes and know it arrives on the right day.

Which amount to choose

The four amounts follow the session lengths, which makes choosing simple. Every massage type costs the same, so you do not need to know whether they prefer Swedish or deep tissue. If you are unsure, think about their week rather than the budget: someone with a packed diary may only use a 60-minute session, while someone who loves a long, slow afternoon will enjoy the extra time of a longer one.

• AED 400: a 60-minute massage. A complete, thoughtful gift on its own.
• AED 550: a 90-minute massage. The most relaxed choice, with time for a slower finish.
• AED 700: a 120-minute massage, for a long, unhurried afternoon at home.
• AED 880: a 60-minute couples massage with two therapists side by side, to share with someone.
• Any amount can be used towards a longer booking, with the difference paid when booking. See all prices for every length.

Birthdays and Eid

For a birthday, a gift card is easy to time. You can send it on the morning of the day with a short message, or print it and add it to a card. The person celebrating can book that same evening, or save it for a quieter week.

Around Eid, many families are busy with visits, meals and travel. A massage at home fits the days after the celebrations, when everyone is tired and the house is finally quiet. Because the card is valid for twelve months, there is no pressure to use it during the holiday itself.

For someone who rarely has massages, suggest a Swedish massage in your message. For someone who trains, mention a sports massage. They can always choose something else.

Mother's Day, parents and new mothers

In the UAE, Mother's Day falls on 21 March. A massage at home suits many mothers better than a spa voucher, because it does not need childcare, a drive or a free afternoon. See the Mother's Day gift card page for dates and ideas.

For an older parent, a gentle massage or a reflexology session can be a lovely choice. Reflexology is a foot massage given fully clothed, which some parents prefer.

For a mother-to-be, a pregnancy massage is given lying on the side, supported by pillows, with gentle pressure throughout. She should check with her doctor or midwife before booking. For a new mother, a session at home can be booked around feeds and naps, with someone else looking after the baby in another room.

Thank-yous and colleagues

A massage makes a warm thank-you: to a friend who helped you move, a neighbour who watched the cat for a month, or a nanny or a teacher at the end of the year. A 60-minute card is usually the right size for a thank-you.

For colleagues, the same cards work as a thank-you after a long project or at the end of the year. If you need several cards at once, write to general@rhea.ae. Each person receives their own card by email and books their own session.

Keep in mind where the card can be used. RHEA Dubai gift cards are for bookings in our areas, so they suit people who live in, work in or are visiting those areas.

How the gift card works

You choose an amount, write a message and pay online. The card is sent by email, either to you to print or forward, or straight to the person you are giving it to. It is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

They then choose the massage, the time and the address, and use the gift card code at checkout. Sessions are available in Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Dubai Marina (including Bluewaters), JBR, Palm Jumeirah, JLT, Al Barsha, JVC, Jumeirah, Dubai Hills and Dubai Creek Harbour, plus Abu Dhabi.

A small tip for the message: name a specific idea, such as "for a quiet Sunday evening after Eid" or "for after the marathon". It makes the gift feel personal and makes it more likely to be used.