When it’s time to unwind, book a flight and visit any one of these lavish regional spas for a quick relaxation session.
By the time one gets to the end of a particularly long working week, the tension our yoga instructors are constantly warning us about has spread to every muscle in our bodies. It even feels as though it’s made it to our brains, and that’s not even a muscle. By that point, the only way to get rid of the stress and “start anew” is by surrendering oneself to the near-legendary powers of a world-class spa. One whose exfoliation, sauna and massage prowesses are so meticulously designed that only they will be able to undo 40+ hours of creative bleeding and, potentially, screaming. Even better if the spa involves taking a flight away from home.
So, to absolve you of yet one more source of stress (namely, picking out a rejuvenation centre), we’ve put together a list of the Middle East’s most luxurious spas, for end-of-the-week fixing, much-needed girls’ days or a quick romantic escape.
Jala Spa at Hotel Indigo
📍Jabal Akhdar, Oman
Nestled in Oman’s mountainside, the new Hotel Indigo offers a delightful relaxation experience with its Jala Spa, which features Himalayan salt rooms, thermal zones and indoor vitality pools 2000 metres above sea level. It’s a near heavenly experience.
ESPA at Mondrian Doha
📍Doha, Qatar
UK-based beauty and skincare brand ESPA sees a physical manifestation of its luxurious philosophy in its Doha spa. As the first ESPA spa in the Middle East, this rejuvenation hub invites you to enjoy a comprehensive wellness journey with a heat experience garden and a Turkish hammam.
Soul Senses Spa
📍19 locations across the UAE
With an army of spas across the UAE, Soul Senses has cemented itself as the Emirates’ top relaxation spot, especially as an international award-winning destination. For facials and rose baths, Soul Senses is the place to be.
NatureLife Spa Marina
📍Abu Dhabi, UAE
With an approach that tackles mind, body and soul, Naturelife has been dubbed a must-visit for travellers who visit Dubai Marina, not to mention how dear it has become to the locals. For maximum enjoyment, go for a 50-minute hammam followed by a 60-minute massage—it might just heal you.
Sofitel Spa Dubai Downtown
📍Dubai, UAE
Amid the bustle of downtown Dubai, it’s nearly impossible to find somewhere quiet enough to make a phone call. At the Sofitel Spa, however, you are engulfed in a serene silence so intense you could hear a pin drop.
Santai Spa by Mandara
📍Dubai, UAE
In Indonesian, ‘Santai’ translates to ‘Relax’, which is exactly what this spa invites you to do. In a sea of luxury, the spot focuses on what really matters—ultimate renewal. They achieve their replenishment feat by immersing you in authentic Balinese rituals, serenading you with fresh fruit and allowing you your pick of a wide selection of healing exotic teas.
The Oberoi
📍Marrakech, Morocco
When it comes to the ultimate spa experience, Moroccans have it down to a teat, which is only sensible considering they essentially pioneered hamams. At The Oberoi, culture meets luxury, creating a spa experience you will never forget.
NEV Spa & Wellness
📍Locations all over Egypt
Location by location, NEV has been taking over Cairo, exfoliating and massaging its residents to an unsurpassed degree of relaxation. Whether you’re headed for a girls’ day, a romantic escape or a solitary pursuit (for grooms/brides or just common folk), NEV’s range of packages will find you what you need.
L'Occitane Spa at Mansard Riyadh
📍Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
When French beauty brand L’Occitane landed in Riyadh, the Saudi beauty scene was altered completely. The luxury retailer is known for its incredible scents and high-quality ingredients, so you can expect to find perfumes, skincare, haircare, and bath and body ranges to take home as souvenirs.
