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.
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.
Summersalt Beach Club
Hit the pause button at Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Summersalt Beach Club with a yoga session paired with the serene rhythm of the rolling waves. The one-hour session takes place every Wednesday morning after which you can enjoy a nourishing breakfast. Once you’ve fueled up, you can retreat to further relax at the pool or beach.
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