Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [Photo credit: Fredrik Ohlander]

When you think of Dubai, you likely imagine infinite luxury shopping, skyscrapers so tall they caress the sun, thrills, chills, and pursuit of pleasure. And you would be right.

For shopping enthusiasts, the Dubai Mall is the largest in the world. At Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, you can catch the sunset across the gulf on the observation deck or enjoy a sip and a nibble looking down on the world at Sky Lounge.

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Head over to the Palm Tower for the world’s highest swimming pool, and for the truly not faint of heart, head to Sky View to walk over a glass bridge, slide down a glass slide, and, if you dare—tackle the edge walk on the side of a skyscraper. There is the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving, desert treks, glamping excursions, the old spice souk, an underwater zoo, and amusement parks with crazy coasters galore.

But don’t think Dubai doesn’t have its chill moments or cultural offerings. Wander through centuries past in the Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood or take a respite at Dubai Creek. Watch the kites go by at Kite Beach or stroll the marina for some leisurely people watching and a leisurely lunch. There are plenty of museums and galleries, including the very hip Alserkal Avenue and a museum of Arabian perfumery.

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There are plenty of secret hideaways to escape the throngs of humanity, and this includes some of the world’s most lavish spas. Whether your visit to Dubai is for business, pleasure or a quick layover, Dubai is the place to realize your most extravagant spa fantasies. In our United Arab Emirates spa guide, we highlight the best spas in Dubai for your next wellness adventure.

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Anantara Spa at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

East Crescent, Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; (971) 4567-8888

Escape to the tropics at this outpost of Pacific culture and design in the Arabian desert. They even have over-the-water villas so you can dream you’re on a private Pacific isle surrounded by bamboo huts and silky white sand.

The Asian-themed mega-resort is comprised of low-profile buildings and villas adorned with artisan carved wood and large lanais overlooking the blue waters of the gulf. Global gastronomic delights abound, as do beach barbecues and brunches, romantic sunset dinners, and festive happy hours and late night entertainment.

The celebrated spa at at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is a destination favorite. Specializing in modern and ancient rituals from Asia and the Middle East, the spa features both a Moroccan and Turkish hammam, hydrotherapy circuit, 24 treatment rooms, couples suites with steam, experience showers, plunge pool, and whirlpool. In the common area you will find gemstone steam saunas, bamboo sauna, herbal bath, liquid sound pool, Kneipp walk, halotherapy, ice grotto, and sensory showers.

Anantara Spa offers traditional and advanced Ayurvedic and holistic CBD therapies for face and body. They also feature exclusive treatments from marine-based brand Phytomer for exceptional rejuvenation. Phytomer has carefully selected the highest-quality marine ingredients, sourcing raw materials to stimulate toxin elimination and boost your body’s balance

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Armani Spa at Armani Hotel Dubai

1 Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; (971) 4888-3888

Contemporary and sleek, Armani Hotel Dubai is the lifestyle vision of the Armani brand and design ethos. Imagined with the modern sensibility of architectural simplicity integrated with superior European quality, the hotel is the embodiment of iconic Armani couture.

The chic downtown Dubai oasis helps to re-balance and rejuvenate with haute experiences and treatments individually tailored to each guest. Discover a collection of exalted spaces and elevated treatments along with access to personal fitness, sequential thermal bathing, creative spa cuisine, and private relaxation areas.

Each guest receives an extended consultation to develop a unique treatment protocal specific to his or her needs and preferences. With well-being as its core philosophy, Armani Spa has developed a series of treatments created for a complete and holistic sensory experience. These spa therapies have been designed to fulfill different goals.

MU quenches a desire for relaxation and stillness; Libertà encourages freedom of movement and the release of physical pain; and Fluidità enhances vitality, restoring internal balance. All therapeutic treatments are enhanced with customized Armani fragrance oils.

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Awaken Spa at Atlantis, The Palm

Crescent Road, The Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; (971) 4426-2000

Atlantis, The Palm is Dubai’s most lavish resort hotel and a celebrity favorite. From restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs including Jose Andres and Gordon Ramsey, to an infinity pool overlooking the city skyline, to energetic nightclubs and lounges bursting with energy and the fever of live music—Atlantis The Palm embodies all the luxury and fantasy one can fathom in a singular resort hotel complex.

Equally opulent is Awaken Spa, where modern and ancient rituals merge for a holistic experience like no other. The spa offers a wide range of amenities that include 15 therapy and VIP suites, two specialty suites (including a hydrotherapy suite and fitness recovery suite), a hammam sensorium, plus a selection of curated massages, results-driven facials, and energy therapies utlizing global formulations.

Awaken Spa proudly offers facials created by the world’s most prominent skincare experts. Regain the glow of youth with The Face Firming Method by Augustinus Bader. This bespoke, science-backed treatment combines Bader’s award-winning skincare technology, TFC8®, with a customized fascia massage to stimulate cell rejuvenation. Augustinus Bader’s hero formulas help boost cellular communication, promote circulation, address skin’s unique needs at a deep level, and visibly regenerate, firm, tone, and refresh.

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Cinq Mondes Spa at Raffles The Palm Dubai

West Crescent Palm, Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; (971) 4248-8888

Beachfront splendor that can only exist in Dubai, the palatial Raffles The Palm Dubai is the incarnation in the pursuit of unparalleled luxury. The exterior minarets caress the waters of the Arabian gulf and reflected in the crystal clear water like a midnight mirage. The interiors are a dazzling display of desert sophistication in full bloom. From dining to presidential suites, Raffles The Palm is in a class of its own.

Cinq Mondes Spa is the culmination of the French brand’s global vision—a sanctuary of the globe’s finest materials and treatments to recalibrate and restore the mind, body, and spirit surrounded in the tapestry of an Arabian tale. The spacious spa features a unique ozone-controlled air environment and the largest indoor pool in the region plus a yoga studio, steam room, sauna, Japanese baths, communall and private hammams, and a state-of-the-art fitness studio.

Known worldwide for their curated botanical formulations and treatment protocals with a service menu offerings from lands near and far. For something a bit otherworldly, we suggest sampling a MLX Quartz Bed for Psammo Therapy. Allow yourself to be immersed in alpha quartz sand while experiencing a touchless dynamic flow massage and inversion gravity accented by the therapeutic sound benefits of singing bowls.

The bed is inspired by the ancient practice of “sand bathing” (psammo therapy), re-imagined for the 21st century delivering proven anti-inflammatory action, relief from chronic pain, deep relaxation, and profound goodness for body, mind, and spirit.

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Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm

West Crescent, Palm, Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; (971) 4440-1010

Discover a tranquil Andalusian sanctuary at the UAE’s only Guerlain Spa located at One&Only The Palm, where Arabian wellness rituals meld with centuries of French beauty expertise. Artfully combining time-honored techniques with the latest skincare innovations, each tailored treatment is designed to restore, renew and revitalize. From hydrating facials to revitalizing body treatments and soothing massages using Guerlain’s aromatic oils, each exquisite moment is crafted especially for you.

Escape to an Oriental suite for the Désert D’Orient signature Hammam treatment, a traditional bathing ritual enhanced by Guerlain’s exceptional techniques and products. Relax both face and body with a sensorial One&Only Solar Evasion experience, or relieve tension with Dubai Harmony, a massage ceremony that plays with different temperatures to release even the tightest of muscles.

Drift away in free-standing oval bathtubs, relax in the steam room, and reboot with a full-body scrub in a couples' hammam-style treatment room. Follow your massage and facial with a rain shower on an exclusive garden terrace. Many treatment and wellness rituals can also be experienced in the beachside complex including a personalized fitness plan, along with your desired service.

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Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Crescent Rd, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; (971) 4453-0456

Enter a world inspired by the splendor of the Ottoman empire at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Over 8,200 square meters of sumptuous luxury awaits as you enter Talise Ottoman Spa, which features ornate tiled thalassotherapy pools surrounded by curtained chaise lounges and plush sofas.

Feel like a sultana for a day as you are pampered in a traditional Turkish hammam or languish in one of the captivating snow rooms as you sip tea by candlelight while awaiting a treatment fit for a princess.Featuring facials by Natura Bisse and Margy’s, Talise Ottoman Spa promotes world-class results with only the finest products.

Take advantage of the hammam experience and book the Royal Hammam service. Relax in the sumptuous hammam as the heat and delicate aromas prepare you for the traditional “kese” mitt body polish and foam massage. Savor the warm glow from the marble as your hair is shampooed and your scalp is massaged, followed by a moisturizing conditioner. Your body then is enveloped in a honey mask to revitalize and moisturize.

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Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr

Madinat Jumeirah, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Umm Suqeim Dubai, United Arab Emirates; (971) 800-623-4628

An award-winning enchanted garden of wellness awaits within Jumeirah Al Qasr. Connect to your inner zen among the tranquil paths and waterways surrounded by tropical flora and fauna. Escape to a sound meditation lounge where singing bowls bring balance and clarity. Indoor and outdoor pools and spas allow for a full day of complete relaxation before or after your service.

Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr is dedicated to complete mind and body wellness and has partnered with world-class fitness and yoga experts to create bespoke experiences for guests of all levels. Partake in a one-on-one guided fitness session and workout tailored to your needs or choose a yoga program customized just for you.

Your private spa villa is your retreat to spa pampering with the world’s most exclusive brands. A full menu of advanced body, facial, and wellness rituals is available to sweep your mind and body away to nirvana.

To help get you there, we recommend the 120-minute Sensory Awakening Ritual-designed to relax and heal the body with a Moroccan touch. Skin is smoothed and buffed with an aromatic full-body exfoliation, followed by a warmed candle massage with fragrant notes of amber and vanilla to invigorate and calm while you float on a cloud.

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The Waldorf Astoria Spa at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Crescent Rd, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; (971) 4818-2222

The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah encompasses the best of European luxury on the sand dunes of the Arabian Gulf. Indulge in the finest global cuisine or take a reprieve from the heat in one the refreshing and inviting pools. Enjoy cocktails at sunset before heading out to explore the city’s famous night spots.

The Waldorf Astoria Spa is a glorious retreat where the senses are restored and relaxed with treatments inspired by exotic travels. Twelve treatment cabins and two couple’s suites augment an herbal steam room, experience showers, whirlpools, and purifying saunas. The palatial spa’s spherical shape is to remind us of our circular journey toward harmony and well-being.

Lounge beds are separated by gossamer curtains while glowing candles soothe the spirit. In addition to premium facial and body services, the spa is proud to host the world-leading Elixir Clinic. Known for their intravenous VitaDrip® infusions and IM – Booster Shots, these specially compounded elixirs are designed to help achieve an optimal level of well-being.

For the ultimate in luxury skin rejuvenation, we recommend the Divine Rose Oxygen Facial to reawken tired and dull complexions. Following LING’s customary triple cleansing practice and application of an intense skin hydrator, you will enjoy a therapeutic face, neck, and shoulder massage to relax and soften skin on preparation to receive the papaya enzyme peel, which will digest impurities, brighten skin tone, and further soften skin. A bubbling and invigorating application of the divine Champagne Rose O2 Mask to instantly boost skin before a tailored combination of LING salve serums and oxygenating creams are applied.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah Deals

Versace Spa at Palazzo Versace Dubai

Jaddaf Waterfront, Al Jaddaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; (971) 4556-8888

The Italian renaissance in the middle of the desert, Palazzo Versace Dubai is a neo-classical masterpiece featuring exquisitely crafted furnishings and art work set against the grandeur of an Italian palazzo. Situated along Dubai Creek, the hotel is conveniently located to a wealth of luxury shopping, dining, and the financial hub. Palazzo Versace is also home to several gourmet restaurants and Dubai’s favorite live music bar, Q’s Bar founded by the legendary Quincy Jones.

Versace Spa at Palazzo Versace is a continuation of the ultimate in fine living with an Italian flair. Granite floors are contrasted by gray degrade mosaics and white birch wood walls augmented with mother-of-pearl detail. There are seven luxuriously appointed treatment rooms, along with a nail studio and couples suite with private changing facilities, monsoon rain shower, and hot tub.

In the spa you will find dedicated male and female thermal suites, each containing a spa pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge, spacious changing facilities, and a luxury Moroccan hammam sanctuary. The spa pools are designed with vibrant turquoise mosaics and the decors' motifs belong to the sea world: cornucopias interlaced with small seashells and embellished curlicues.

Begin your spa journey in the hammam (with an Italian flair, of course), then choose from an array of results-oriented facial and body services that range from Arabian rituals to high-tech facials. For a truly cutting-edge facial, try the HSR Extra Firming and Lifting Facial. An intensive lifting treatment, HSR is considered the next-generation non-surgical facelift consisting of a multitude of innovative complexes that help to tone, lift, and provide an immediate lifting effect. The result is visibly plumper skin with a youthful radiance and contours.

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[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]

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United Arab Emirates Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Dubai