Embrace the magic of the cooler months in the UAE and get your glow on with a luxurious spa ritual at some of the city’s finest wellness retreats
The festive season comes with its fair share of social engagements and inevitable late nights. Clearly, there is no better time to take a pause and book some downtime at the spa. Wellness retreats in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer exclusive packages during this time of year to get you ready with that warm winter glow. Rituals inspired by healing practices from across the globe are combined with the scents of the season, including peppermint masks and cinnamon scrubs, to offer the best possible experiences. While there’s a bevvy of options to choose from, our top picks will have you feeling fresh for the weeks ahead, sure to get you party prepped and pampered.
/ Spa, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
The latest addition to Saadiyat Island’s vibrant hospitality scene, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort feels like a world away from the city’s bustle. Nestled on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the spa serves as an escape from the outside world. With a comprehensive menu of bespoke relaxing journeys, any treatment you choose will see you heading into the new year refreshed and energised. Curated exclusively as a pre-occasion ritual, the 90-minute Meso Body Infusion treatment begins with intense exfoliation to cleanse the skin from impurities. While the scrub works its magic, you’re treated to a soothing scalp massage. Finally, to restore hydration and leave the skin with a smooth, supple feel, a luxurious massage concludes the treatment. 02 8114357 or jsispa@jumeirah.com
/ Anantara Spa, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
In the peaceful surrounds of Abu Dhabi’s remote western region, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a tranquil haven, an escape from the stresses and demands of urban life. With views of endless dunes, Anantara Spa blends Arabian luxury with a natural retreat setting. For the perfect pre-occasion treatment, choose the Elemis Superfoods Pro- Radiance facial, known to energise the skin and prepare you for the lashings of make-up. The treatment includes a mineral mask fortified with a range of nutrients, from magnesium and potassium to Vitamin A and E. This works to jump-start tired skin and form a protective shield that helps retain moisture, leaving you party-ready in no time. 02 8862088 or anantaraspa.qas@anantara.com
/ SoSpa, Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Treat yourself to a well-deserved break at Sofitel Dubai The Palm’s SoSpa on the shores of Palm Jumeirah. An exclusive offering for the season, So Festive will get your face, body and hair show-stoppingly ready. That little black dress will thank you for the invigorating peppermint sugar scrub and mineral-rich body mask, which is applied to brighten the skin. You will also receive a scalp treatment to get your mane ready for that eye-catching hairdo. Extend your time by making use of the hydrotherapy facilities, which include six pools, a steam room, sauna, hammam and ice fountain. 04 4556677 or spa.palmdubai@sofitel.com
/ Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont The Palm
Housed within the surrounds of Fairmont The Palm, Willow Stream Spa is designed as an escape from the outside world. While the menu boasts an extensive selection of treatments, the 90-minute Jasmine Romance ritual will prepare your mind and body for this busy time of year. The pampering begins with an energising body brushing session and is followed with a detoxifying rhassoul body mask, known for its intensive hydration properties. For that final touch, your therapist uses a luxurious jasmine oil to leave you feeling refreshed with a relaxing massage. 04 4573545 or palm.willowstream@fairmont.com
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