Beyond the skyscrapers: A wellness lover's guide to Dubai
Where to eat, workout, relax, and more…
Forget the cosmopolitan side to Dubai – the supercars, glamorous restaurants, and high-end nightclubs – the city’s wellness scene has a lot to offer those looking for a moment of calm.
From the best yoga spots to nature-inspired eateries, weekend escapes to workouts, explore our mini wellness guide and uncover a new side to Dubai:
Eat here
SEVA
Serving nature-inspired plant-based deliciousness, this vegan café and concept store is a hidden sanctuary in the heart of Jumeirah 1. A home away from home, you can take your shoes off and sit on the ground in the magical garden, explore the library, or take part in one of the wellness sessions from sound healing to Reiki. You won’t want to leave.
LOWE
Sustainability is at the heart of this dining concept, with delicious food that’s good for you and the planet. The stylish restaurant, located in Wadi Al Safa 3, is part of the wave of radical Dubai restaurants helping the industry make major steps towards being greener while still producing incredible food.
Lila Molino
Alserkal Avenue’s new farm-to-table dining concept, Lila Molino, is the perfect place for a wholesome breakfast, lunch catch-up, specialty coffee, or a casual dinner. With an in-house production unit dedicated to making fresh corn masa, guests can shop its range of sustainably-sources ingredients and products: their renowned tortillas, locally grown vegetables, authentic Mexican beans, Navarro cheese, as well as handpicked Mexican crafts.
Workout here
The Matcha Club
This iconic wellness lifestyle hub and boutique padel club can be found in two locations across Dubai: Meydan and Al Quoz. From yoga and meditation classes to hip restaurants and cold-water pools, it is the place to be for padel pros, yogis, and digital nomads.
Reform Athletica
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Reform Athletica was first founded in Jumeirah back in 2018 and has since been providing Dubai’s fitness enthusiasts with their brow-sweating, leg-shaking workouts. Known for their fun-yet-challenging workouts in a homely, welcoming environment, the boutique studio now has two branches: Jumeirah and difc’s ICD Brookfield Place. The art-filled space features two large multifunction studios, private training rooms, a café serving fresh coffee and smoothies, and changing facilities. Choose from six different classes including their signature pilates, inspired by Reform Method and Microform, HIIT classes, Kettlebells and TRX, deep stretch, Vinyasa yoga, and more.
Reform Athletica, Jumeirah and DIFC. Tel:(0)4-323-3670. reformathletica.com
Deep Dive Dubai
Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or want to try something new with your friends, Deep Dive Dubai is a bucket-list activity. At 60-metres deep, this is the world’s deepest pool and is perfect for divers of all skill levels – from first timers to pros. Explore the terrifyingly cool underwater world with graffitied alleyways, an apartment, a library, board games, an arcade zone and even a fancy car all available for aquatic perusal. It is open to those 10 years and above, and there’s no maximum age limit.
Weekend here
Al Barari Playground
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Al Barari, this is the ideal spot for an adventure-filled pool day. There’s a beach play area where the mini adventurers can build sandcastles, a splash pad with thrilling slides, a toddler oasis with mini slides, and, on dry land, magical treehouses, ziplines, swings, and more.
Emirates Bio Farm
Spend a wholesome day in nature at Emirates Bio Farm, around a 45-minute drive from Dubai. Explore the sunflower fields, ride around on the farm train, feed friendly goats and chickens, pick up seasonal fruits and veggies, check out the new and improved kids’ play area, and enjoy a hearty farm-to-table breakfast at The Farmer’s Table. Entry costs Dhs40 (fully redeemable on weekdays fresh produce).
Relax here
Maison Nefertari
De-stress and rejuvenate at this stunning Ancient Egyptian temple-inspired beauty sanctuary that fuses ancient remedies with luxury bespoke treatments. From sound healing to Shirodhara, there’s plenty of treatments and rituals carefully curated to harmonize your body, mind, and spirit.
Samadhi Wellness
Jumeirah’s zen wellness space features two types of yoga studios, Reflect, with infrared heaters, and Connect, which extends into the garden; as well as a sauna, stunning pool, ice bath, hair therapy rooms, sanctuary garden, wholesome café, and a shop.
Escape the city here
Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Dubai
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Nikki Beach is the epitome of luxury, tucked away on the dreamy and secluded Pearl Jumeira Island it feels a million miles away from Dubai. Take part in the weekly poolside SUP yoga session, disconnect with a luxury spa day, and be sure to save time for a cocktail at the beachfront bar. Pure bliss.
Hatta
High up Dubai’s Hajar mountains, Hatta is a great place to hit if you want to swap skyline views for nature. Come for the day and experience wadi-hikes, kayaking trips, horse riding, mountain biking, zip-lining, axe-throwing, archery, zorbing, climbing, waterslides, a honeybee farm, and more alfresco fun.
Images: Provided/Social
