Joanna James
Although synonymous with skyscrapers, glamorous malls, and immeasurable luxury, Dubai also offers plenty of opportunities for rejuvenation. Escape the bustle of fast-paced city living, and discover a different side to Dubai, through spa treatments, meditation, and more.
Beaches in Dubai showcase the contrasting beauty of the city, with the Persian Gulf on one end and a skyline of glistening towers on the other. These spotless golden beach fronts are the ideal setting for unwinding and reconnecting with nature, just steps away from modern allures.
Go on a leisurely afternoon walk along the shores, or rent a bicycle to pedal along a peaceful route with the coastal breeze in your hair. Some yoga studios even offer morning sessions by the sea, ensuring a rejuvenating start to your day. Popular areas like Kite Beach, JBR Beach, and Al Sufouh Beach provide the perfect settings, and are equipped with ample amenities and eateries nearby.
For an adventure on the water, many locations also offer stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking, two of the more calming water sports. Watch as the sun rises over the Gulf and feel the bobbing waves below as you take in the fresh sea air—the perfect escape.
For a traditional and deeply relaxing experience, a visit to a hammam (Turkish or Moroccan bath) is a must. Hammams are known for their detoxifying steam, exfoliating scrubs, and soothing massages, leaving your skin soft and your mind refreshed. Some of the best hammam experiences can be found at your favourite spa resort in Dubai, which includes hotels on Palm Jumeirah, such as Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.
This age-old ritual begins with a steam bath that opens your pores, followed by a black soap cleanse and an invigorating kessa glove exfoliation. Many of these baths also include a relaxing Argan oil or rose oil massage, which further enhances your spa experience. A visit to a hammam is not just a spa treatment—it’s the key to a healing experience for both the body and soul.
Dubai has a growing wellness community, with classic meditation studios offering guided sessions for mindfulness and relaxation. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced meditator, these centres provide sessions in breathwork, visualisation, and stress reduction techniques—an essential recipe for mindful city living.
Meditation classes can be personalised, whether you’re looking to reduce anxiety, improve focus, or simply find inner peace. Some studios even offer more niche meditative sessions, such as floating meditation and chakra-balancing practices, which help restore emotional and mental well-being. With expert instructors and calming environments, these studios provide the perfect setting for a moment of stillness in a city as dynamic as Dubai.
For those looking for an alternative relaxation method, sound healing is a unique, meditative, must-try experience in Dubai. Using instruments like Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, and chimes, sound healing brings deep relaxation and balance to the mind and body. The practice harnesses the frequencies and vibrations of the sounds, inducing a trance-like, soothing state that releases tension and promotes breathwork.
Sound healing sessions are offered at wellness centres across the city, providing a mindful escape from the noise of the streets.
Beyond sunrise yoga and chakra centring meditation, wellness comes in many forms. For the ultimate cultural retreat, consider escaping to the golden deserts of Dubai, for meditative traditions and a sense of solitude like no other. Camelback treks and sunset desert safaris let you connect with the breathtaking landscapes and deeply rich heritage, while fire-lit camps offer the still serenity of the dunes while you sip on soothing mint tea.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, traditional Bedouin camps offer cultural experiences alongside relaxation, including slow-cooked Emirati meals, storytelling under the stars, and peaceful nature walks. A desert escape in Dubai is not just about adventure—it’s also an opportunity to disconnect from the daily stresses of the city.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
