Gone are the days of a quick 50-minute massage to leave you feeling pampered. Today, wellness has evolved into a lifestyle that embraces cutting-edge technology and delivers remarkable results in record time.
The wellness industry – now valued at over $4.4 trillion – is shifting towards a holistic, long-term approach, with a growing emphasis on integrating physical, mental, and spiritual wellness into one cohesive practice.
From advanced treatments to time-honoured therapies, these destinations are some of The Ethicalist’s firm favourites…
Samadhi Wellness
If yoga is your therapy, then this mind and body experience centre in the heart of Jumeirah may already be on your radar. Forget your average yoga class, this aesthetically-pleasing haven comes with a sanctuary garden, swimming pool, sauna, ice bath and clean café to support its packed schedule of warm yoga, full moon sound healing, breathwork sessions and natural treatments. They even offer bi-monthly Wim Hof breathwork and ice bath workshops with a difference.
If you’ve tried unassisted ice baths before, you’ve most likely leaped out within the first five seconds, but with a certified Wim Hof Method instructor on hand to guide you through intentional breathwork and sound healing first, a heightened state of consciousness and newfound resilience may sneak up on you. The first 1hr 30 mins are spent practicing guided breathing techniques, followed by a two- minute cold water immersion which is known to leave users feeling happy.
‘Cold water exposure increases your dopamine levels by 250 per cent,’ says instructor Olivia Prescott who tells clients to expect ‘improved mood, better sleep quality, faster muscle recovery, heightened focus and even support with weight loss goals,’ after just a few sessions. Now that sounds refreshing!
Prices: Ice bath experiences start from AED 120 for a 15-20 min session
Samadhi-wellness.com/ Jumeirah 3, Dubai / 04 323 5354
Aeon Clinic
Inside the newly opened Atlantis The Royal awaits the region’s first regenerative wellness centre. Dedicated to tackling all signs of ageing through cellular regeneration and stem cell science, the clinic is a go-to for those wanting to reverse the clock in super luxurious surroundings.
One emerging treatment dermatologists are raving about is the Exosomes Facial – a powerful treatment that uses very small needles to inject naturally occurring exosomes – small, membrane-bound sacs that store and transport various substances such as lipids, proteins, amino acids and peptides within a cell – into the skin.
This breakthough in molecular biology means that the exosomes transmit regenerative effects between skin cells to rejuvenate skin, repair tissue damage and regenerate collagen which results in glowy, smoother and younger-looking skin within a few weeks. Expect to pay AED 6,750 for a one-hour session, but the best bit is that exosomes continually activate over a period of six to eight months post-treatment.
Exosomes Facial AED 6,750
Theaeonclinic.com/ Atlantis the Royal, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai 04 518 5777
Wellth
A luxury health and wellness centre, this is the perfect bridge between evidence-based medicine from the West and time-tested healing therapies from the East. Launched by Aster Healthcare and the well-known alternative medicine guru, Deepak Chopra, the Jumeirah clinic provides a host of holistic treatments from reiki and acupuncture to transformational therapy in stunning surroundings.
One of their signature treatments recommended for anyone suffering with persistent skin conditions, back pain and/or digestive disorders is Ayurvedic Panchakarma. Not for the faint-hearted, this intense 21-day cleanse is like hitting the ‘reset’ button on your body. Using a three-stage detoxification, it eliminates toxins with the power of natural herbs and ancient remedies using a spartan diet, induced purging and even bloodletting.
‘The Panchakarma treatment helps restore the body’s metabolism, slows the ageing process and balances all the three ayurvedic doshas,’ says Wellth’s Ayurvedic Physician M S Mahadevan. Daily check-ins for the detox may not be a quick fix, and packages starting at AED 21,000 are not cheap, but if you’re serious about taking your health to new heights results can be lifelong.
A 7-day package is AED 14,000 or 14-day package starts at AED 21,000
Wellth.ae/ Villa A 25, Al Urouba Street, Jumeirah 2, Dubai 04 413 5999
Biolite
This bespoke aesthetic clinic is Dubai’s day retreat that recognises the best wellness treatments are those tailored specifically to you. By carrying out a full-body health screening at the start of your wellness journey, they detect any underlying health conditions, inflammation, hormone imbalance or metabolism discrepancies to create your unique therapy plan.
Pressotherapy, also known as lymphatic drainage massage, is one natural treatment commonly recommended for healthier heart function and promoting overall detoxification. It even minimises pesky cellulite and eye bags! Whilst it’s less relaxing than a physical massage, Pressotherapy can still be oddly satisfying. As you slip into a computer- controlled bodysuit, it rhythmically inflates pressure around your body, giving the same feeling as when a blood pressure cuff is used to take your blood pressure. By improving oxygen flow throughout the body, the treatment is ideal for reducing bloating, easing muscle pain, defining arms and legs, and strengthening the immune system. Not bad for a 45-minute lie down that overlooks the Burj Al Arab, no less.
From AED 473 per session
Biolitedubai.com/ Umm Suquiem 2, Dubai. 04 346 6641
