We don’t know about you, but after we’ve been scrubbed, massaged and moisturised into a state of bliss at a spa, we don’t really feel like climbing into our car and driving straight home. We want to remain horizontal for as long as possible. Here are five great spas perfect for lingering long after your treatment is over…

1. So SPA

Perched on The Palm’s Crescent, this spa (pictured above) seems a world away from city life, which makes it a great place to hide out for a whole afternoon. After your treatment of choice, you can lounge beside the indoor pool, or do some laps under powerful jets of water designed to eliminate any lingering knots in your shoulders. There’s also an ice-cold plunge pool for hardy types (we managed to get the tip of one toe in before making a dash for the Jacuzzi), and an outdoor pool with a juice bar – nice touch.

Sofitel The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4556655. Taxi: Sofitel The Palm. sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com 

2. Amara

Park Hyatt Amara Spa

We’ve waxed lyrical about this spa more than once, but you’ll see why once you emerge, fluffy robe-clad, from your treatment room and step out to the picturesque pool area. Shaded by lush palm trees and manned by staff who are always on hand with a sunshade, an extra beach towel or a menu, this is the perfect spot for a post-massage snooze.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai Creek, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 6021661. Taxi: Park Hyatt Dubai. dubai.park.hyatt.com 

3. Heart & Soul Spa

day spas in dubai

This little gem is nestled inside the green oasis that is the Al Barari development. After your spa treatment, stroll over to The Farm restaurant for that all too rare Dubai treat – lunch in an actual garden. Next, head to the nearby Body Language health club to lounge by the pool – just remember to hold on to your spa receipt to gain access.

Al Barari, near Arabian Ranches, Dubai, Sat to Thur 8.30am to 10pm, Fri 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3207350. Taxi: Al Barari. heartandsoul.ae

4. Talise Ottoman Spa

Talise Ottoman Spa

It’s the biggest spa in the Middle East, so it goes without saying that there’s plenty to explore beyond the treatment menu at this gloriously OTT shrine to wellness at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Get lost in a jungle of Jacuzzis, pools, saunas, adventure showers and cabanas – there’s even a snow room in here. There’s also a separate hammam and spa for the gents, and a dedicated couples’ floor.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 11am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 4530455. Taxi: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. jumeirah.com

5. Lime Spa

day spas in dubai

It involves driving out of the city, but your destination at the Desert Palm will make the journey well worth it. Instead of skyscrapers or the sea, the view from the spa suites at the Per Aquum resort is of perfectly manicured polo fields (it hosts the Cartier International Polo Cup each year). Once your treatment is over, it’s time to set up camp on a lounger beside the vast swimming pool, before rounding off your day with a slap up meal at the resort’s Rare restaurant.

Desert Palm Resort, Al Awir Road, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am to 9pm, Fri 9am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3238888. Taxi: Desert Palm. desertpalm.peraquum.com

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