In a world that never slows down, stepping away from the everyday buzz is essential for recharging your mind and body. Luckily, the Middle East is full of outstanding spa locations offering that perfect escape. Whether you want to visit the closest one or take a trip to a neighbouring country, I have rounded up some beautiful spots where you can truly unwind, enjoy soothing treatments, and embrace a bit of tranquility. It is time for that well-deserved retreat!

Just a two-hour drive from Muscat, the award-winning Anantara Spa at Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort sits high in the Hajar Mountains, offering breathtaking views over cliffs and lush valleys. This tranquil oasis combines Eastern and Western healing traditions, creating a retreat where you can completely unwind in one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most awe-inspiring settings.

The spa offers ancient hammam rituals and wellness therapies infused with local ingredients like damask rose, pomegranate, and frankincense, all sourced from the surrounding mountain and wadi. Indulge in these authentic treatments through signature rituals, or take it a step further with a multi-day wellness programme tailored to individual needs. Anantara offers one- to three-day retreats that start with a wellness consultation and continue with meditation, yoga, mountain hikes, wholesome eating, and (hello, workaholics) proper rest. You will also have full access to the spa’s facilities, including aroma saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, along with a heated pool, fitness centre, and tennis courts.

Set against AlUla’s otherworldly sandstone formations, the Banyan Tree Spa blends wellness with the stunning natural beauty of Saudi Arabia’s desert. It is the perfect destination for those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience and a truly majestic escape into nature’s embrace. Just picture yourself relaxing in a rock pool and enjoying holistic rituals that merge Asian and Saudi Arabian traditions, connecting you with the mystic aura of the surrounding landscapes.

Located in the heart of the UAE’s fabled Empty Quarter, Anantara Spa at Qasr Al Sarab Resort is like discovering an oasis in the heart of the endless desert. Nestled among expansive sand dunes, it offers a range of therapies inspired by Arabian traditions, including Moroccan hammam and Ica bath treatments, private therapy rooms and signature experiences utilising local ingredients and ancient techniques.

Al Messila’s Wellness Retreat is a hidden paradise within the vibrant heart of Qatar. Spanning over 14,000 square metres, this expansive spa offers a holistic escape tailored to every type of relaxation, creating the perfect environment to reset both mind and body without ever leaving the city.

Guests can enjoy various amenities, including a garden hydrotherapy circuit, an all-female wellness retreat, and an extensive range of treatments designed to rejuvenate and restore balance. With dedicated areas for fitness and meditation, as well as treatment rooms offering massages and beauty therapies, it truly feels like stepping into your own personal sanctuary.

The spa at Four Seasons Kuwait offers an urban sanctuary where sleek design meets Middle Eastern warmth. With soothing thermal suites and an indoor pool, this serene retreat invites relaxation from the moment you step inside. Guests can enjoy a variety of tailored therapies, including massages, body treatments, and facials. The spa also features a fitness centre, a dedicated wellness area, and a beauty salon for a comprehensive pampering session.