From a five-star hotel among the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to a sustainable hotel in Saudi Arabia’s Ashar Valley to a luxurious cliffside mountain retreat in Oman, the Middle East has much to offer with its rich natural resources and magnificent landscapes. Experience authentic hammam rituals, pamper yourself with locally-inspired rituals using herbal remedies or naturally detoxifying minerals of the Dead Sea, regain balance with a mountaintop meditation session, or savor nutritious meals made using local ingredients, you will be spoiled for choice with the opulent offerings. Here are seven Wellness Retreats in the Middle East for discerning travelers.
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som
Al Ruwais, Qatar
A pioneering wellness destination in the Middle East, Zulal Wellness Resort is located on the northern tip of Qatar, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. At Zulal, guests can experience the benefits of Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM), which follows a holistic path to wellness using traditional healing practices and herbal remedies, in a contemporary context. Embark on transformative retreats that best fit your needs, be it weight loss, fitness, beauty or relaxation. Zulal Discovery is centered around wellness for the whole family while Zulal Serenity is dedicated to guests over 16 years. Serenity Retreats include access to the wellness center facilities such as the hydrothermal area, sauna, steam, Arctic cave, Himalayan salt room and hammam.
zulal.com
Six Senses Shaharut
Negev Desert, Israel
Rejuvenate in luxury in an enchanting desert setting at Six Senses Shaharut. Located in Israel’s Negev Desert, the resort offers a variety of wellness programs to address your needs, be it detox, sleep, immunity, Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, mental fatigue, or anxiety. From immunity, longevity and yoga to self-discovery, reconnect with your inner peace with expert-led retreats, guided activities, therapies and workshops. Pamper yourself with locally-inspired treatments using natural and ethically-produced products at the spa or cool off with a refreshing dip in the 262-foot indoor pool, 80-foot outdoor lap pool, or private pool attached in the villas and suites. Facilities include saunas, steam rooms, hammams, a fully-equipped gym, and yoga studio with desert views.
sixsenses.com
Habitas AlUla
Ashar Valley, Saudi Arabia
Restore and reconnect with your soul through wellness programs while embracing sustainability at Habitas AlUla (main photo), in the Ashar Valley, Saudi Arabia. Enjoy scenic canyon views at the villas, which are sustainably designed, with indoor and outdoor showers. Thuraya Wellness fuses global and Middle Eastern techniques and ancestral practices to offer therapies and rituals. Here, you can regain balance with yoga and meditation sessions or pamper yourself with signature treatments utilizing oil blends that are mixed in-house. Facilities include a lounge space with an alchemy bar, spa treatment rooms, a fitness center, an outdoor wellness agora, and a yoga studio.
ourhabitas.com
Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reconnect the mind, body and spirit with wellness-inducing treatments at the Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr. This luxury retreat offers immersive holistic experiences such as Lucia Light Sessions which uses hypnagogic light technology for complete relaxation. Switch off from the outside world at secluded meditation spots or take part in meditation and yoga classes under the guidance of the resident Yogi Master; private and group sessions available. Talise Spa consists of 26 spa villas with couples’ suites and private facilities for female guests. This award-winning sanctuary uses luxury and organic products to enhance treatments and offers signature treatments and massages.
jumeirah.com
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Nizwa, Oman
Unwind at one of the world’s highest luxury resorts and return home with a renewed sense of peace and restored energy flow. This cliffside mountain retreat in Oman provides the tranquil setting for a wellness journey. Reconnect with yourself with meditation, yoga and Anantara’s signature therapies. Be marveled by the spectacular views as you start the day with a yoga session over the canyon or practice your asanas overlooking the wadi at sunset. Al Jabal Al Akhdar offers thermal therapy with authentic hammam rituals, and the award-winning Anantara Spa combines East and West rituals to provide guests a healing and relaxing session.
anantara.com
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, United Arab Emirates
Discover an oasis among the sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai is a private, guest-only five-star hotel, which offers secluded tranquility and magnificent views of the sweeping plains and Hajar Mountain massif. Indulge in a pampering session with signature treatments that only use organic ingredients at the Timeless Spa, which has treatment rooms, sauna, Jacuzzi and gymnasium. Throughout your stay, enjoy bespoke and pre-emptive service as a dedicated Guest Relations Coordinator is at hand to ensure that your personal requirements are met including special dietary needs and itineraries.
marriott.com
Anayata Wellbeing
Aqaba, Jordan
Following its success in Thailand, Anayata Wellbeing opened up its Jordan branch amid an opulent middle-eastern setting, offering traditional cleansing and wellness retreats. Reboot and rejuvenate with the detox, yoga, fitness and healing retreat programs created by its founders. The Mind Detox offers a mental, emotional and spiritual health balance experience; while the Juice detox flushes out toxins and reboots your immune system. Holistic therapies include Reiki Healing, Theta Healing, Craniosacral Therapy, Hypnosis, and Sound Healing with Tibetan Bowls. At personal classes, learn pranayama breathing techniques, Pilates, capoeira, or push your limits under the guidance of a skillful and experienced trainer.
anayatawellbeing.com
