7 Wellness Resorts to Flock to Because We Ain't About That City Life

The perfect escape from daily routine is just seven chakras away, into the world of spiritual, physical, and mental wellbeing. With wellness resort experiences being the new self-care, we’ve compiled a list of the MENA region’s most acclaimed wellness resorts for those of us who need a break to rest, relax, and rejuvenate (i.e. literally all of us).

HABITAS ALULA - SAUDI ARABIA

Thuraya Wellness Center - found within Habitas AlUla, a sustainable hotel in Saudi Arabia - is named after a star constellation that Bedouins used for navigation. The desert resort is located in the middle of Saudi Arabia’s golden landscapes, and Thuraya Wellness Center embraced the space’s nature by curating an outdoor wellness agora and yoga studio, allowing visitors to find one’s balance within its quiet atmosphere.

SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY - OMAN

Within the rugged mountains of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, Six Senses Zighy Bay’s award-winning spa promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s just say a skin purifying menu is on the table on top of outdoor yoga sessions overlooking their drop dead gorgeous sunrise view and an actual ice cave. Not just about their guests’ wellness, Six Senses Zighy Bay is also a fully sustainable hotel, and collaborates with their local community to promote eco-friendly practices.

LA SPA ROYAL MANSOUR - MOROCCO

Embodying the traditional Moroccan medina, The Royal Mansour, located in Marrakech, took a spin on the medina concept and amped up the luxury. With palace-like interiors the hotel looks straight out of a historical adaptation, along with their fifty three riads, each uniquely designed to reflect the Moroccan lifestyle. Their spa and wellness programs are state-of-the-art including four customizable programmes catering to all wellness dreams and needs.

ALILA JABAL AKHDAR - OMAN

The earth-interiors of Alila in Oman’s Jabal Akhdar, or Green Mountain, is just what you need to feel grounded. Isolated from the country’s scorching hot summers, with a stunning nature reserve serving utter serenity, Alila Resort’s spa combines local authentic treatments with Asian healing rituals and techniques, ensuring that their guests get the best of both worlds.

AL BALEED RESORT SALALAH BY ANANTARA - OMAN

Tucked away between a steady crystal clear lagoon and a private beach, Al Baleed Resort Salalah offers holistic healing rituals embodying 5,000 year old Omani beauty traditions, whether it’s their traditional detoxifying hammam or pomegranate-based treatments. They’ve also constructed a Thai massage suite with experts in the field.

ZULAL WELLNESS RESORT - QATAR

Qatar’s biggest all-things-wellness spot, Zulal, can be found on Qatar’s secluded north coast. The Arabic name translates to ‘pure natural water’ summarizing everything the wellness destination is about, bringing traditional Islamic healing rituals and principles onto the wellness world through their personalized treatments and local ingredients. The resort also welcomes children and includes them into their array of healthy-lifestyle programmes.

ONE & ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE - DUBAI, UAE

With 65 acres of serene green space, One and Only Royal Mirage is a literal sanctuary. The oriental-luxury One&Only spa is one of the resort's countless highlights alongside their actual Health and Beauty Institute and a selection of bathing rituals inspired by authentic Arabian traditions. The resort is an overall celebration of Arabesque architecture and interiors that guarantee a home-y yet luxurious escape.