While wellness tourism continues to grow around the world, the Middle East is one of the hottest emerging markets for wellness tourism in the world. A wealth of tradition and natural mineral resources have made it an obvious choice for spa therapies and beauty-orientated wellness treatments — think detoxifying Dead Sea mud wraps and purifying Hammam rituals, all in the lap of ultra-luxury. These gold-gilded retreats offer an indulgent escape for the discerning wellness traveller seeking a spa staycation: check out Compare Retreats top picks for the best luxury wellness resorts in the Middle East.
The Palm Dubai, UAE
When the United Arab Emirates (UAE) first comes to mind, the futuristic urbanism and record-breaking skyscrapers are usually the first thought: but don’t forget about the pristine white sand beaches overlooking the azure waters of the Persian Gulf, home to some of the best luxury wellness resorts in the Middle East. Dedicating itself to holistic wellness, The Retreat Palm Dubai offers a range of yoga, detox, weight-loss and fitness retreats, including personalised classes, consultation services and one-to-one sessions to achieve your goal. The zero-alcohol and smoke-free policies push for an all-rounded cleanse and restores balances and its homegrown salads will inspire your first step to a healthier lifestyle on retreat and long after you return home.
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
Six Senses Zighy Bay is one of the luxury resort brands’ most breathtaking properties: situated between spectacular mountains and a tranquil, private beach on the Musandam Peninsula of Oman, the remote retreat focuses on wellness and sustainability, providing personal services, yoga, boot camp classes, mountain bike excursions, spa treatments. Unique experiences include paragliding, rock climbing and scuba diving, while active holiday goers can explore the surrounding mountains on guided hikes. One of our favourite luxury wellness resorts in the Middle East for its unique location and environmentally conscious approach to hospitality, make sure you add this one to your wellness travel bucket list.
See also: How Six Senses Are Leading The Luxury Wellness Market in Sustainability
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Often called ‘the most luxurious hotel in the world’ and erroneously known as the ‘world’s only seven-star hotel’, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s sail-shaped silhouette is instantly recognisable as both a landmark in architectural design and icon of luxury travel. The all-suite hotel boasts 201 duplex suites, five swimming pools and a private beach in addition to luxury guest services like private butlers and airport transfers in the world’s largest chauffeur-driven fleet of Rolls Royces. The multi-award-winning Talise Spa offers an international array of treatments, from hot stone massages to reflexology, using luxury products from brands like La Prairie and Aromatherapy Associates. Other wellness facilities include indoor infinity pools, water suite with Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools, along with a fitness centre and squash courts. It’s worth noting that the water facilities including the infinity pools, are separated by gender, but there is a private infinity pool available for couples enjoying the romantic honeymoon spa packages.
Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, Turkey
The Mandarin Oriental has a reputation for great comfort and elegance and the brand’s Bodrum property in Turkey is no exception. A favourite among celebrities—Mary McCartney photographed Oscar-winning Rami Malek at this hotel—for stellar service and its incredible location, the resort offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea from its dreamy outdoor pool. For a deeper wellness immersion, guests can relax in the expansive 2,700-square-metre spa, unwind in the luxurious hammam, enjoy a Pilates Reformer class, or take to the water with a stand-up-paddleboard yoga session. Plus, if you are a design connoisseur, make sure to book a place on the Mandarin Oriental’s private tour to the village of Etrim to bring home your favourite handcrafted rugs and furniture.
See also: A Minimalist Wellness Escape At The Landmark Mandarin Hong Kong
Four Seasons Amman, Jordan
Overlooking central Amman from the tallest of its seven hills, Four Seasons Amman is an excellent base to explore the ancient wonders of Jordan. The spa offers a taste of local wellness traditions, like the Nabatean Treatment which uses olive seeds, Argan and Oud oil for deep moisturisation, or the Deas Sea Mud Body Wrap which uses the naturally detoxifying minerals of the Dead Sea to cleanse the skin. Outdoor yoga classes, personal training in the fully-equipped gym, and an indoor and outdoor pool all add to the wellness offerings at the international luxury hotel, which also offers adventurous guests the chance to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petra and Wadi Rum with an overnight “Bedouin Lifestyle” experience and hike in the desert.
See also: The Four Seasons Unveils ‘The Art Of Mindfulness’ Wellness Escape
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, Oman
For a taste of ancient pampering rituals, treat yourself to a stay at the Al Baleed Resort by Anantara, Oman. Featuring a private beachfront, infinity pool, and a freshwater lagoon, there’s plenty of water sports opportunities for avid water-babies at this luxury wellness resort in the Middle East—although the indulgent Anantara Spa is the highlight of this retreat, featuring healing therapies from around the world, from ancient Omani beauty rituals to 5000-year-old Ayurvedic techniques. Guests can choose from focused and personalised inclusive wellness programmes which cover holistic healing, movement, and nutrition or choose from an a la carte selection of wellness activities like yoga, TRX, and detox therapies.
Al Maha Luxury Tented Camp by Marriott, UAE
The desert resort and spa at Al Maha combines healing practices drawn from cultures around the world. From Mid-Eastern beauty and relaxation influences to southeast Asian aromatherapy traditions, the timeless spa offers private massages for couples, a hydrotherapy bath, a cool plunge room and more. For a comprehensive rejuvenation, we recommend the Spa Indulgence Package that will provide access to all pool facilities and native activities like camel trekking. The flora and fauna are some of the sights you will never forget.
Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace, Oman
This Middle Eastern wellness retreat is a sanctuary fit for a king—quite literally, as it was originally built as a palace for Sultan Qaboos. Exuding extravagance its glittering chandeliers to its marble ensuites, the property boasts private beach access for watersports like sailing, snorkelling and kayaking, along with tennis, yoga, and a kids club for families. The luxurious Six Senses Spa offers an extra layer of relaxation to any spacation here, with decadent treatments like the hydra-diamond exfoliation facial and 24-carat gold facial.
One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, UAE
An oasis of calm among the fast-pace of modern life, Dubai’s One&Only Royal Mirage is an accessible urban escape that couldn’t feel further from the city. Designed to unwind, restore, and elevate, One&Only Royal Mirage offers personalised spa experiences in partnership with leading health and beauty experts, The Chenot Group. Ranging from beauty and aesthetic treatments to deep body reset, the spa offers a wide selection of massages, facials, scrubs, and men’s treatments, alongside specialised therapies like the Pedi:Mani:Cure by Bastien Gonzalez and pampering sessions at the Hammam. One&Only Royal Mirage also commits itself strongly to fitness, with yoga and two gyms equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym, Kinesis, and Power Plate machines to get those endorphins rushing.
beVOYAGEUR Experiential Summit Retreat, Jordan
One of the most unique luxury wellness resorts in the Middle East and the world, beVOYAGEUR is an invite-only annual luxury wellness experience bringing ambitious entrepreneurs and adventurous professionals together for the voyage of a lifetime. Combining fitness, holistic wellness and, activities for the culturally curious, beVoyageur with a wellness experience like never before. During the nine-day getaway, guests will travel from Amman to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petra to the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, all in five-star luxury accommodation. This one-stop-shop for business travelling and tourism is to provide ultimate relaxation and a spiritual connection of the mind, body and soul.
