Dubai is a city renowned for luxury, so it’s no surprise the spas here dial the opulence all the day up to 10. From designer spas with branded cushions to palatial traditional hammams, there’s truly something for everyone here. Make no mistake, you could easily spend your entire holiday budget on being primped and pampered – but you don’t have to. Alongside the gold leaf and oxygen facials, there are some simple and brilliant spas where the treatments are king, but the cost is low. These are our favourites.
1. Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah
Hop off an abra on the waterways of the Madinat Jumeirah and venture into the Talise Spa, where treatments are centred around harmony and balance. Here, you’ll find true dedication to mental wellbeing – a yoga garden surrounded by lush foliage, dedicated meditation rooms, and sound healing.
Beauty treatments range from skin analysis and detoxifying facials to Kinesiology and Reiki, and are carried out in stylish surrounds with a thoroughly Arabic touch (think arches with scalloped edges, wood carvings, floor lanterns and large ceramic vases). There’s also a branch of Talise at the famous Burj Al Arab, if you’re looking to up the luxury ante.
2. Anantara Spa
Hide away for the day at this tranquil spot at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, and book in for a Turkish Hammam experience. You can book into the women’s, men’s or even exclusive couple’s section for the ritual, which includes full body exfoliation, oil massage and even traditional facials that use regional Argan oil. Many of the treatment rooms overlook an outdoor pool, while the interior blends Arabic and Thai styles (this extends to treatments too – the Thai massage is particularly good and the staff are incredible).
3. Dior Spa Dubai
This sleek urban spa at The Lana Hotel feels high end before you’ve even had a treatment. The decor is minimalist with a decent touch of branding (Dior, natch) in fabrics, cushions and even rugs, and the wood-panelled furniture and flooring is effortlessly chic. There’s no traditional themes or jungle foliage here – it’s unashamedly an urban retreat, with views overlooking the city’s iconic skyline. Here you’ll find cutting edge treatments from laser and wave therapy to hydrafacials and LED. The price tag is steep, but worth it for that Dior dazzle.
4. Banyan Tree Spa Dubai
The recently renovated Banyan Tree Spa may have given its decor a refresh (think bright and airy spaces that nod to sustainability with some recycled materials used in the construction), but the much-loved treatment menu hasn’t changed. Try out the renowned ‘rainforest indulgence’ experience, which takes you on a walk through the hydrothermal rainforest, where you’ll find different showers, sauna, steam and therapeutic jets. There’s also the usual roster of massages and facials, or book in for a bespoke treatment with a ‘master therapist’ who will assess which treatments will suit you best. Perfection.
5. Sensasia Urban Spa
There are a small number of Sensasia locations in Dubai, but the OG is in The Village, Jumeirah. At this ladies only-spa, you can try a number of treatments inspired by those offered in Bali, Thailand and Japan. Our favourite is the Essential Spa Ritual, which includes a Balinese massage, oxygen facial, and foot cleansing ritual. The massages are what has kept this place in business for 20 years, but the surroundings aren’t bad either – think dark wood paneling with Asian-inspired touches.
6. Amara Spa
This picturesque spa at the Park Hyatt Dubai Creek is the perfect spot for a couple’s retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The grounds are covered with pretty flowers and plants, and the pool is surrounded by lush palm trees. Book in for the spa’s signature experience for two, and unwind with a scrub and oil massage, followed by some time in the sauna and beside the pool. Inside the spa, you’ll find beautifully tiled areas, simple clean decor and friendly staff.
7. Dubanya
Something a little different, this spa gives a Russian take on the traditional Hammam experience. There are hot and cold experiences from saunas to plunge pools, as well as a liberal sprinkling of herb-infused areas. The decor gives traditional wooden hut vibes (the plunge pools look like giant barrels), and there’s even a hay bed to lie down and relax on – but it works! There are separate men’s and women’s timings, you can add a massage onto your experience, and they also serve Russian dumplings.
8. Blended
Step into Blended spa in Dubai Marina for some serious relaxation. Book in for a massage with Arabian oils, or try a CBD-infused healing massage or facial. If you’re looking for a serious glow-up, try one of the face and body rituals, which includes a deep tissue massage, facial peel and aromatherapy treatment. The surroundings are trendy and chic – think muted colours, hanging exposed bulbs and huge mirrors. Or, if you’d rather be pampered in the comfort of your own home, Blended also offers an at-home service that’s well worth it especially for an evening with the girls.
