Health and wellness retreats in the UAE offer a wholesome getaway in the lap of luxury
Making choices to support our health and well-being is most effective when built into our daily lives, yet a dedicated wellness retreat can just be the nudge we need.
Thankfully for UAE residents, a variety of retreats targeting different well-being goals, from restoration to detoxing, are available in the region.
Here, The National rounds up six programmes to check out.
Three days at Qasr Al Sarab, Abu Dhabi
The desert resort in Abu Dhabi has a three-day holistic retreat that includes a personalised consultation with Ratheesh Krishnan, the hotel’s resident wellness expert. The package comes with three sessions of yoga or meditation, as well as four 60-minute therapies of choice, such as four-hand, hotstone or Indian massage.
The hotel is set within the Liwa Desert, about 200km away from downtown Abu Dhabi, making it an ideal place for relaxation. It has extensive wellness facilities, including a Moroccan hammam, ice room, heated jacuzzis and more. The retreat starts at Dh3,690. www.anantara.com
Seven days at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
The five-star hotel on Palm Jumeirah has a seven-day wellness retreat that uses techniques from Ayurveda, an Indian alternative medicine system. The week-long programme begins with a consultation with a vaidya (Sanskrit for doctor) to set health goals and concludes with a progress check.
The package includes daily 90-minute ayurvedic therapy and prescribed meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A detox drink and a bowl of fresh fruits are delivered to the room every morning, along with herbal drinks. Two 30-minute meditation sessions are on the cards too, and guests can participate in daily yoga sessions.
Minimum booking is for seven nights, with room rates starting at Dh1,100 per night. exoticadubai.tajhotels.com
Three days at Mandarin Oriental, Dubai
Spend three days at the luxurious hotel in Jumeirah for a wellness programme focused on detoxification, reducing fatigue and improving immune response. The itinerary includes a 45-minute nutrition consultation, 60-minute personal training, 90-minute intelligent movement session as well as yoga. The package also comes with daily plant-based meals. The package is priced at Dh5,500. www.mandarinoriental.com
Three days at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan, Abu Dhabi
The Dine Around Plus package is built around three days of enjoying the property’s wellness and dining offerings. Guests receive a daily 60-minute spa treatment, as well as daily yoga and personal training sessions.
A daily serving of healthy treats and detox beverages is available, with guests served breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel’s dining spots. The package starts at Dh3,547. www.rotanatimes.com
Seven days at Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort, Ajman
The resort is known for its variety of offerings, from a three-night detox programme to seven nights of health treatments. For those looking to manage their weight, there’s a programme that can run up to 21 nights (minimum of seven).
Starting with a doctor consultation and OligoScan – assessing mineral deficiencies – the package also includes ozone sauna, oxygen therapy, body-contouring, 60-minute Swedish massage, 60-minute hammam ritual and unlimited access to spa facilities.
The weight-management retreat starts at Dh950 per night. www.zoyawellbeing.com
24 hours at The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel
This five-star property on Palm Jumeirah has a packed 24-hour itinerary. There’s a pre-arrival consultation to kick off the routine, followed by a ritual of aroma and colour therapy.
The package comes with a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. A 60-minute personalised spa treatment, in-room morning green detox shots, as well as yoga, breathwork, stretching and meditation sessions are included.
Guests also have unlimited access to the gym, sauna, steam room and hot tub.
Prices start at Dh1,699 for single occupancy and Dh2,525 for double occupancy. Guests will stay in the deluxe room with a sea view.