Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a global leader in luxury tourism, and with wellness hospitality now making up over a fifth of global travel, the bar for what defines a world-class spa experience has never been higher. This year’s finalists represent Saudi Arabia and the GCC’s new spa icons. Whether set in a remarkable location, reinventing an ancient healing philosophy, or pampering guests with the most indulgent service, each destination is chosen in its own right for its standout approach and influence as a global leader in the industry.
The Spa at Desert Rock, Saudi Arabia
Part of The Red Sea, Desert Rock is designed to redefine regenerative travel, and its spa is carved directly into the Hejaz Mountains, creating an awe-inspiring retreat that feels part of the cliffs themselves. The Spa’s striking triangular architecture is as memorable as the treatments. There are sauna rooms, indoor pools, mixed-gender outdoor relaxation areas, and treatment rooms, including a Moroccan-inspired rhassoul chamber and private hammam. The sustainability credentials are second to none, with treatments focused on earth-derived ingredients and therapies designed to reconnect guests with nature. Beauty lovers will particularly enjoy the collagen-boosting face workout, which will tighten and sculpt.
Six Senses Spa at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Six Senses Spa brings its renowned integrative wellness philosophy to the dunes with a 3,974-square-metre space comprising six treatment rooms, a meditation dome, women’s and men’s salons, the Holistic Anti-aging Center, and a biohacking lounge. Guests enjoy bespoke programmes focusing on sleep, detoxification, weight loss and more, with personalised wellness screenings to determine the best approach for them. Mindful movement classes, aerial yoga, breathwork, and meditation are also available to enjoy. Sustainability has always been a key focus of the Six Senses brand and Southern Dunes is no different, incorporating renewables, efficient systems, and water recycling to meet The Red Sea’s ambitious environmental goals.
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar
When it comes to pioneering holistic wellness, this resort leads the charge. Their philosophy may be rooted in Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine, but Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som isn’t afraid to integrate modern diagnostics and advanced scientific practices into the mix. They’ve tapped genomic testing for an evolutionary approach to hyper-personalised health, developed Stress Reset and Burnout Recovery retreats for the modern traveller, and invited a lineup of renowned consultants to offer diverse workshops and treatments. Guests can choose between two distinct areas: Zulal Serenity, an adults-only retreat focused on transformative wellness, or Zulal Discovery, a family- friendly space with educational wellness experiences for all ages.
The St. Regis Spa at The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Saudi Arabia
A masterclass in contemporary elegance, The St. Regis Spa is the place to visit for refined relaxation. Treatments here are unapologetically indulgent. Take the Celebration Ritual: three hours of pure restoration that includes a stone body polish and choreographed massage inspired by ballet. If that’s still not luxurious enough, there are caviar facials, gold and platinum-plated hot stone massages, and body scrubs using crushed meteorites and volcanic rock that will make any deep tissue massage feel ordinary in comparison.
Banyan Tree Spa at Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Hidden amidst the otherworldly rock formations of AlUla, Banyan Tree Spa cocoons guests in its unique desert oasis. The spa’s architecture reflects the surrounding landscape, with walls of compressed sand and colours that camouflage with the landscape. Massages, facials, and body scrubs are inspired by Asian and local Arabian traditions, each one incorporating natural and native ingredients. The open-air relaxation decks make the surrounding cliffs part of the therapy too, but it’s the infinity-edge rock pool that is undoubtedly the highlight. Nestled in a narrow canyon between soaring cliffs and opening out to sweeping valley views, there’s nowhere quite like it.
Thuraya Wellness at Our Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Our Habitas Alula is a reset for the body and mind before you’ve even set foot in the spa, but when you do, you’ll feel completely rooted in the present moment. Thuraya Wellness is made up of a series of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a peaceful lounge with analchemy bar to enjoy health-giving elixirs, a fitness centre, an outdoor wellness agora, and a yoga studio. Treatments are varied in their modalities, but they all encourage a holistic sense of mind, body, and spirit wellbeing. Guests can balance their chakras with crystals, loosen tight muscles with myofascial release, and undergo ultimate detoxification with a sand bath.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
One of Riyadh’s most iconic wellness destinations, the spa at this centrally located hotel includes facilities that cater to both women and men. And while the decor is grand, the space still manages to feel intimate. Guests can start with a workout in the well-equipped fitness area or unwind in the expansive indoor pool before moving on to signature therapies. The Royal Extravaganza is an all-natural ritual that comprises a full body exfoliation, body wrap, ultra-hydrating body massage, and to top it all off, an olive facial mask.
AWAKEN at Atlantis The Royal, UAE
Dark, moody, and mysterious, AWAKEN (also known as AWAKEN Wellness) at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai is resplendent in black timber and Italian marble. Its 15 luxurious spa suites are dotted around the 5,045-square- metre spa, offering private showers and vanities, two specialty suites, a hammam, and extensive wet facilities. Signature offerings include the 60- or 90-minute Massages of the World, featuring global therapies such as Philippine hilot with banana leaves and coconut oil or flexibility-boosting Thai massage. Yoga, guided meditation, sound baths, and movement classes take place in the mindfulness pavilion or serene meditation garden and serve as a great way to complement any wellbeing goals.
Anantara Spa at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Oman
Family-friendly resorts aren’t often as sleek and stylish as this one. Sitting dramatically on the edge of Oman’s Green Mountain, the resort was styled after a traditional Omani fort and offers one of the most awe-inspiring spa settings in the world. The mosaic-lined spa evokes the intimacy of a classic hammam with minimalist Arabian decor. There are five treatment rooms including two designed for couples, separate male and female thermal suites each featuring saunas, steam rooms, experience showers, private indoor relaxation chambers, and an outdoor garden with loungers. Therapies honour local ingredients, including a fragrant damask rose ritual.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Saudi Arabia
In the heart of Riyadh, this spa beautifully merges the wisdom of Asian philosophy with the warmth of Saudi hospitality. It’s a haven for those who crave pockets of rest and rejuvenation amid the energy of the city. With thoughtfully designed separate spaces for women and men, guests can enjoy complete privacy and peace of mind while indulging in therapies that range from bespoke aromatherapy journeys to pre- and post-natal treatments, such as the deeply restorative 60-minute New Mum’s Cocoon. The hammam experience is also regarded as one of the best in the city.
Dior Spa The Lana at The Lana, Dorchester Collection, UAE
Making a statement with Parisian chic in the heart of Dubai, Dior Spa The Lana marries haute couture with wellness. Sitting on the 29th floor, it overlooks the Burj Khalifa, with an interior design scheme that is unmistakably Dior: elegant, punctuated with sculptural forms, and enhanced with couture-inspired details. The spa menu includes Diorituals, two exclusive treatments dreamed up especially for Dior Spa The Lana, fusing high-tech effectiveness with a sense of indulgence. Guests can also include wellness add-ons to their treatment, like an extra 30 minutes of private relaxation to simply enjoy the beautiful marina views.
WINNER OF BEST IN WELLNESS
Neyrah Spa at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi Arabia
The idea of an overwater villa may conjure thoughts of the Maldives, but this Red Sea spa is in the nature-rich archipelago of the Ummahat Islands. Mangroves and endless blue dominate, cultivating wildlife both on land and underwater. The setting is integral to the experience: treatments are accompanied by the sound of crashing waves and draw from the marine world, from marine algae body wraps to desert mineral scrubs. All the while, the grounding scents of oud and local moringa oil subtly nod to indigenous ingredients; sensory details that provide an undeniable sense of place.
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