Dubai is famed for its skyscrapers, glittering nightlife and unimaginable mix of sand, sea, metropolis and desert, so it might not be the primary place that involves thoughts whenever you consider a wellness retreat. Disclaimer: it is all the things you want and extra as a zen vacation spot.
After touching down, we headed straight to the desert, to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum’s favorite property, Bab Al Shams.
The lodge is a secluded gem with Instagrammable interiors at each flip. It is not possible to reach and never wish to transfer in for the foreseeable. It is luxurious but nonetheless cosy and relaxed and the eye to element within the stunning rooms make it a house from dwelling. Suppose atmosphere lighting within the rest room by to fan controls proper by the mattress for ease.
Our 4×4 Discovery Land Rover safari tour was identical to the clips you see on-line. As we swerved up and down the dunes with a windscreen filled with white sand at occasions, I reminded myself that wellness was additionally about pushing boundaries. Not for the faint-hearted.
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Safely again on secure floor, the serene swimming pools had been calling. A sun-soaked afternoon by the sting of the calm pool was punctuated by refreshing towels and ice lollies handed out by the attentive employees. Dips within the shimmering waters completely balanced the sturdy desert warmth, and the scrumptious poolside meals staved off starvation till dinner.
For a real Arabian expertise, we dined at Al Hadheerah on the resort. The phrase buffet could conjure up notions of lacklustre choices, however this buffet was primarily its personal market with seven-hour sluggish cooked lamb, an limitless feast of freshly made salads and the most effective bread and hummus choice ever seen. As we loved course after course, we had been handled to an array of leisure — singers, dancers and even camels!
For an altogether completely different Dubai expertise, we headed to the town and checked in on the mammoth One&Solely Royal Mirage lodge. The one draw back is chances are you’ll get a little bit misplaced as a result of sheer scale, however round every new nook, you uncover one thing magical.
Nailing lavish luxurious, the design is grand, and components of the lodge are extra historic palace than resort.
My room was a fully-fledged condo with a kitchenette, residing house, TV over the bathtub and balcony with a seashore view. I may get used to this, I believed to myself as I unpacked into my limitless wardrobe.
The adults solely pool was my favorite place for complete calm, every set of loungers with their very own cool field with water and chilly towels and a view that regarded prefer it was ripped straight from a brochure. Heaven!
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One other zen location is the lodge’s fabulous spa, e-book your self in for a standard hammam, a rejuvenating facial or just loosen up within the warming pool and opulent sauna.
Dinner on the water’s edge at The Seaside Bar and Grill was the proper finish to the day and the stroll again to the room took fairly a while because of the Instagram pitstops.
Paddleboarding has change into a preferred vacation pastime, however how a couple of health class on one? Nicely, we’re right here for wellness in any case so a little bit of arduous work is required. The 8am Tremendous SUP Match class because the solar rose over the lodge was energising, difficult and at many factors completely hilarious. Count on to take a dip as you try burpees, mountain climbers and squats in your floating fitness center mat.
I had heard about ‘the Dubai stone’ the place guests pile on the kilos because of the wealthy and scrumptious meals on supply, nonetheless, I’ve to say I discovered it fairly potential to make wholesome selections (if desired!).
Arabic meals does have numerous gentle bites however for me, every one needed to include a aspect order of scrumptious bread. It is all about stability, proper? The alcohol state of affairs is identical — a take it or go away it arrange. Because of the tradition there’s all the time an intensive vary of mocktails for these wishing to go teetotal, however the accommodations additionally serve up the entire basic drinks for these trying to let free.
There actually is one thing for everybody right here and we even found a Vegan café, SEVA, which served up mouthwatering dishes and desserts so heavenly you would not consider it. High tip? E-book your self in for a meditation session on the studio subsequent to the restaurant to completely immerse your self within the chilled-out vibes.
On the opposite finish of the dimensions, there’s Aura Skypool which is the place you may discover the good and the great of the influencing circles. The world’s highest 360° infinity pool, 200 meters within the air, gives up views that you’re going to simply wish to drink in. Suppose DJs, rosé and the most effective pre-party vibes. The right spot for sundowners.
Recharging my batteries in Dubai undoubtedly got here from time properly spent on the gorgeous swimming pools and soaking within the jaw-dropping vistas. My recommendation? E-book a protracted sufficient journey to strike a stability between tranquil leisure in addition to the sightseeing and glitz.
Costs from AED1,700 at Bab Al Shams. To e-book, go to babalshams.com
Costs from AED1,835 at One&Solely Royal Mirage. To e-book, go to oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage
