The ESPA beachfront spa is now open for business at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

The 16-treatment room spa spans 21,500sq ft (1,997sq m) and consists of one hammam, two saunas, three steam rooms, four experience showers, two ice fountains and two swimming pools - all designed, supplied and installed by spa engineers Barr + Wray.

The heat experience showers and one of the steam rooms have been built into the hammam on the ground floor of the spa. The hammam has a Mashrabiya ceiling – carved wood latticework often lined with stained glass – an element of traditional Arabic architecture.

The hotel’s wellness facilities also comprise a private beach and outdoor plunge pools as well as a 1,600 sq m (17,222 sq ft) outdoor swimming pool.

Installation of the spa equipment started in November 2012, alongside international contractors, Al Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG), and was completed in December 2013.

The hotel resort opened in March 2013 and features 447 guest rooms and suites in addition to 85 private villas.