Step into enjoyment of wellness during a healthy, holistic Dubai getaway

Dubai is full of fitness-inspired activities, yoga classes and destination spas, which can be found all over the city. Pick from a range of wellness resorts, invigorating fitness activities and healthy restaurants across the city.

Dubai offers visitors a variety of integrated wellness experiences and destination spas that combine personalized expert consultations with yoga masters and exercise regimens to relax the mind, body and soul.

Destination wellness

The stunning Jiva Spa at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa The Palm invites guests to indulge in a wide range of Ayurveda-inspired treatments, wellness rituals and invigorating massages, with many signature gold-infused oil treatments.

The spa is located just a few steps from a 230-meter long private beach, where guests can relax after a treatment in airy cabanas. Visitors to the Jiva Spa can try the signature Vishuddia treatment, which combines the power of Vedic chanting and Garshana, an exfoliation process using silk gloves that promotes improved blood circulation.

The therapy is followed by a lymphatic drainage massage of the whole body and a traditional Indian wrap with medicinal herbs, which will allow guests to recharge their batteries and feel revived.

The Bvlgari Spa, located on the ground floor of The Bvlgari Resort Dubai, is a spacious 1,700 square meter area dedicated to relaxation. Designed by renowned wellness architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the indoor oasis features a range of relaxing amenities including a hammam, eight treatment rooms, an Italian barber shop and a beauty salon.

The highlight is the 25-meter indoor pool, which offers a view of the ocean through magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows. The signature treatment is the five-hour Majestic Hammam Journey, where natural black soap and mrocMaroc Miel d'Ambre, an exfoliating and detoxifying body balm made from sesame oil and honey extracts, are used during a ceremonial body massage that combines stretching and deep tissue movements to relieve muscle tension.

This trip includes a scalp massage and hair mask, complete with a specialized facial treatment. After the treatment, guests can relax in the quiet relaxation area or plunge into the 25-meter indoor pool with panoramic sea views through the magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows.

The BAR-B Spa at W Dubai - Mina Seyahi is a unique spa experience, where socializing and massage go hand in hand. Groups of friends or solo visitors can enjoy a range of treatments including massages and facials, before finishing their treatment at the Beauty Bar with a manicure, pedicure or having their hair blow-dried. Choose from a full menu of treatments available in single or double treatment rooms and combine treatments to create a spa trip.

Guests looking to prepare their skin for the sun can choose from a body polishing scrub that includes a full body mask, followed by a 60-minute nourishing Balinese massage that combines gentle stretches, acupressure and reflexology to bring a sense of well-being, calmness and deep relaxation.

Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is one of the largest and most luxurious spas in the city, boasting 8,200 square meters of facilities, including a Turkish hammam, thalassotherapy pools, as well as sub-zero snow rooms. Located in the luxurious Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah, the spa offers an extensive menu of treatments inspired by traditional Ottoman therapies and regional massage practices.

The Rose Bliss body massage is a pampering ritual that begins with a gentle body exfoliation, followed by a massage with mild rose oils infused with evening primrose oil, shea butter and damask rose oil for healing and renewal. Alternatively, why not go for an exclusive 24-carat gold facial? This decadent treatment includes a hammam experience with Arabian gold and a rose and argan oil massage followed by a luxurious skin softening milk and bath, priced at AED 25,000 ($6,800).

The Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm is a beautifully designed spa with spacious wellness areas and spacious treatment rooms where guests can undergo special rituals. Desert D'Orient takes guests on a sensory journey with the Silk Indulgence Milk Scrub, a Guerlain body scrub to purify and detoxify the skin, culminating in a soothing massage, while the One&Only Solar Evasion is a relaxing face and body scrub, followed by Huile du Voyageur oil massage, designed to prepare the skin for tanning and prolong a healthy glow after sunbathing.

Tha SPA by SensAsia, Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City offers five multi-purpose treatment rooms named after relaxation priorities: "Breathing", "Living", "Being", "Flowing" and "Sensing", where guests can choose from treatments inspired by oils and argan butter. The Package "Bee my Honey" is ideal for those who want to relax and rejuvenate from head to toe. The treatment includes two hours of intense pampering, starting with a honey-based body polish for smooth skin, a moisturizing body wrap made with warm milk, honey, black sesame and almond oil, before a 60-minute full-body massage.

Escape from the city

Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort is a 20-minute boat ride from Palm Jumeirah and is located within the World Islands archipelago in Dubai. A unique destination for those looking to relax and reset, this iconic private island location combines contemporary luxury with authentic hospitality, while it overlooks the city's dramatic skyline. With a selection of apartments and villas with private pools just steps from a private beach, the destination will give you the feeling of being away from the crowd.

Located in the middle of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, just a 40-minute drive from downtown Dubai, Al Maha Resort and Spa is the perfect holistic getaway and the ultimate destination for those seeking privacy.

Guests can relax and rejuvenate in peaceful surroundings and enjoy signature spa treatments that use only organic ingredients. Each villa has a private pool and guests can spend their time relaxing and spotting Arabian gazelles and the rare Arabian oryx that roam within the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

JA Hatta Fort Hotel is an ideal base for adventure seekers, nestled in the majestic Hajar Mountains, a 90-minute drive from the city center. During the day, active guests can head out and explore the rocky terrain on foot, bike or horseback, or discover the lakes formed by the Hatta Dam by kayak. Guests looking for a more relaxed vacation can lounge on the resort's private terraces with garden and mountain views while enjoying the local cuisine.

Escape to nature

Part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Qudra Lakes, is the ultimate destination for cycling, camping and stargazing. The hidden desert oasis made up of artificial lakes is home to Arabian gazelles and the elusive Arabian oryx, as well as an abundance of resident and migratory birds. Spread across 10 hectares of Dubai's Saih Al Salam Desert, Al Qudra Lakes is ideal for wildlife watchers and those looking to reconnect with nature.

Hatta Dam is a picturesque destination nestled amid the mountains where those looking to escape the city can experience another side of Dubai. Visitors can kayak along the turquoise waters of a lake created by the dam, pack a picnic and take a leisurely stroll around the area with family and friends, or camp overnight to enjoy the sunrise.

The Al Qudra Cycling Track is ideal for keen cyclists and casual riders alike who can choose between a 10 kilometer track, a 50 kilometer one, or join Dubai's professional cycling community on a 180 kilometer horseshoe-shaped circle. With local and migratory birds, gazelles and desert foxes as companions, the trail passes through rolling sand dunes and patches of lush bushes.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to explore nature and wildlife. Translated as "Creek Cape,", the sanctuary is carefully monitored and protected by Dubai Municipality and, as a Globally Important Bird Area (IBA), by Birdlife International, and has been designated a Ramsar site for its unique wetland environment. Ras Al Khor, a breeding ground for mammals, crustaceans and fish, hosts more than 20,000 water bird of 67 species, as well as flamingos.

Hot air ballooning over Dubai's desert landscapes at sunrise is the ultimate experience and admiring Dubai's quiet sandscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The experience also includes a vintage Land Rover drive and a luxury outdoor picnic with only the sounds of the desert for company.

Unique and rejuvenating experiences

Paus DXB is a bespoke movement and meditation studio offering a range of classes including body toning, soul soothing yoga, anti-stress sound healing and more. After a meditation session, visitors can stay and soak up the good vibes in the wellness cafe while enjoying a healthy smoothie or a super green salad.

Yoga House offers yoga at the InterContinental Dubai Marina, as well as The Greens. Those looking for a unique experience in the peace of the desert can sign up to attend a unique wellness night filled with drumming, stargazing, yoga and spiritual rejuvenation.

Suspended 200 meters in the air, the AURA Skypool is the world's tallest 360-degree infinity pool offering incredible views of Dubai's iconic skyline, Palm Jumeirah and the sparkling skyline of the Arabian Gulf. Practicing yoga three times a week at Morning Yoga at AURA is an extraordinary wellness experience that engages all the senses, allowing yogis to capture the essence of Dubai at new heights.

For those who want to rejuvenate in a unique environment, yoga "Under the Sea" awaits at The Lost Chambers Aquarium The Palm. Held in an aquatic environment, this hatha yoga classe aims to improve strength, flexibility and balance and provide the perfect opportunity to catch your breath in the middle of an action-packed holiday, surrounded by 65,000 marine animals.

The ultimate HIIT workout with a twist, Super SUP Fit holds fitness and wellness classes in stunning pools where you'll experience the beauty of exercising while balancing on a SUP board. Yogis can head to SAN Beach Club at Palm Jumeriah, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa or Drift Beach Club at One&Only Royal Mirage to enjoy intense yoga and HIIT workouts with the added challenge of staying upright on a paddle board.

Dedicated yogis and beginners alike can practice sun salutations and enjoy breathtaking views of downtown Dubai at the Address Sky View infinity pool located on level 54, four times a week during 60-minute sunrise and sunset sessions - the perfect way to to start the day and finish that with a sunrise.

Healthy food in Dubai

Recipient of the green Michelin star, LOWE Dubai is a relaxed dining destination based on a sustainable ethos, located in the KOA Canvas development. This experimental dining experience features rustic seasonal produce cooked naturally on grilled in charcoal and wood-fired ovens. Choose from daily vegan and vegetarian options such as superfood salad, grilled cauliflower or mushroom risotto, accompanied by locally produced kombucha.

Comptoir 102 combines the perfect kitchen, lounge and terrace with fashion, homeware and an organic cafe on Jumeirah Beach Road. The concept store has long been a favorite for healthy eating and a hidden treasure for discerning shoppers with a curated eclectic mix of fashion and furniture from around the world.

SEVA is an urban retreat in a rustic villa in Jumeirah, offering everything a health enthusiast could want: from gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free, non-GMO, vegan and organic cuisine at the signature SEVA Table restaurant, to rejuvenation and meditation classes organized by local and visiting practitioners.

With locations including Alserkal Avenue, JLT and DIFC, Wild and The Moon is a 100% organic cafe with a menu specially created by vegan experts and chefs, which includes a range of gluten-free dishes, snacks and desserts. Wild Lab Restaurant prepares fresh, homemade cold-pressed juices, acai bowls, vitamin drinks, smoothies, salads, healthy snacks, hot drinks and much more.

With locations including Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and Le Meridien Conference Hotel, Bounty Beets prides itself on inspiring a positive and healthy community with delicious organic, gluten-free and vegan options including curries, salads and sandwiches served throughout the day.

(Ona.rs/PR)