Wellness can sometimes feel like yet another thing to squeeze into an already busy diary: another regime to begin or supplement to remember on your virtuous morning routine. Yet the premise behind World Wellness Weekend, taking place from September 18–20, is just a simple reminder to make a little room for the things that help us feel well, well.
Whether that means disappearing into a Dubai sanctuary for several blissful hours or turning an ordinary evening shower into something more restorative, here are some simple ways to enjoy the weekend (without turning wellness into yet another project to perfect).
Make space for a proper pause at Sohum Wellnes
Sohum Wellness Sanctuary brings Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, meditation, sound sessions and international massage together beneath one beautifully calming roof. Guests can book a single treatment or linger between the sauna, hot and cold plunge pools or steam room, and the sanctuary’s fabulous organic, plant-based café.
Its September programme also offers reasons to continue the reset beyond the official weekend. Symphony of Healers takes place on September 27 from 2pm to 7pm, while guided journalling, sound journeys, cacao experiences and new- and full-moon gatherings run throughout the month.
Create three moments with Spa Ceylon
Of course, a spa day isn’t always possible, so how about bringing the spa to you? Spa Ceylon’s Weekend Wellness Ritual divides the day into three aromatic pauses: Peace Bath and Shower Gel for an uplifting morning cleanse; De-Stress Harmonising Essence Mist for an afternoon reset; and Sleep Intense Dream Balm, applied to the temples and wrists, to help create a more restful bedtime than collapsing with your phone in hand.
Inspired by Ayurveda and Sri Lanka’s botanical heritage, the three-piece set is reduced from AED 224 to AED 157 from September 18–20 and includes a complimentary gift bag.
Return to movement at Embody without the punishment
For many of us, September brings the slightly uncomfortable realisation that our exercise routine disappeared somewhere between the first flight and the final long lunch of summer. Embody Fitness, the holistic personal-training destination at ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC, argues that the answer is not a punishing schedule designed to make up for lost time, but a gradual and consistent return.
Its advice is sensible: focus on strength, movement and overall fitness rather than using exercise to compensate for food, then allow frequency and intensity to rise as strength returns. Recovery belongs within that routine too, with sleep, nutrition and adequate rest helping the habit be more likely to last. For those who want more structure, Embody combines one-to-one training with movement screening, nutritional guidance and body-composition testing, alongside infrared saunas, ice baths, sports massage and treatment rooms.
Choose additions from iHerb that earn their place
The wellness market has never been short of products promising to transform us, which is precisely why a little selectivity goes a long way. For anyone refreshing their cabinet, iHerb’s World Wellness Weekend edit includes Doctor’s Best Magnesium Lysinate Glycinate, AED 94.26, alongside Nubian Heritage African Black Soap Body Wash, AED 49.58, and EOS Shea Better 24H Moisture Body Lotion, AED 61.45.
The magnesium is designed to help your sleep while the body wash just turns an ordinary shower into something a bit more restorative. *As with any supplement, check with a healthcare professional if you take medication, have an existing condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Enjoy pilates in nature at Al Barari
Escape the city this World Wellness Weekend with a Pilates class surrounded by the lush greenery of Al Barari at The Bay Health Club.
Set within a light-filled studio overlooking tranquil natural surroundings, each Reformer and Mat Pilates session offers a calming space to build core strength, improve flexibility and restore balance. Suitable for all levels and led by expert instructors, it’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your body while enjoying one of Dubai’s most serene wellness settings.
For memberships, classes, and programmes call +971 50 899 9643 or email info@thebayhealthclub.com.
Give your scalp some attention with Hask
The same desire for simple, hardworking products in your cabinet is making its way into haircare, with scalp health and multifunctional formulas in place of complicated routines. HASK’s Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary Invigorating range helps remove build-up while cleansing and refreshing the scalp, with a shampoo, conditioner and 5-in-1 leave-in spray that detangles, moisturises, controls frizz and provides heat protection up to 205°C.
For hair in need of extra body, the Biotin Boost Thickening range combines biotin, collagen and coffee to support fuller-looking strands, while its multitasking leave-in spray adds shine and manageability while helping to prevent breakage.
All HASK formulas are free from sulphates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol and artificial colours.
Hask is available from all major supermarkets in the UAE
Escape the city without leaving Dubai at Meliá
Just 20 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Meliá Desert Palm is marking World Wellness Weekend with two days of complimentary yoga and sound-healing sessions on September 19 and 20. Set within a sprawling 160-acre polo estate, its palms, lawns and wide-open spaces provide a particularly lovely backdrop for pressing pause without having to travel far.
The programme begins at 8.30am on Saturday with Vinyasa Flow Yoga, followed by sound healing at 10am. On Sunday, Flow Yoga starts at 9am, with a final sound-healing session at 10am. Each experience lasts 60 minutes and is designed to bring together movement, mindful breathing and deep relaxation amid the estate’s tranquil polo fields.
