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LifestyleVacationHealth

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Recharge & Refocus: Wellness Retreats In The Middle East

21 May 2025

Photo: Sumit Bisht

Every time I promise myself I will switch off my phone during the holidays and ignore all work-related emails, I fail miserably. But I think I have found a solution: go somewhere on a retreat where it is simply not possible to do anything work-related.
And if you haven't quite figured out what you are in the mood for — yoga at sunrise, sound healing sessions, or a daily massage before lunch — luckily, there is a way to have all of that in one go: it is called a wellness retreat. Some of the most interesting ones to try this summer are listed below.

Why a wellness retreat?

Before we dive into specific places, let's talk about why it actually makes sense to go on a wellness retreat — and some unexpected benefits you might not have thought of.
  • Stress reduction
Even if you go for just 3 days, the fact that everything is planned for you — and you simply follow the schedule — makes a huge difference. Letting go of control is, in itself, incredibly healing.
  • Immune system support
Your body and mind are deeply connected. When you relax mentally, your body gets the signal to heal and recharge. So yes, all those massages, sauna sessions, and calming rituals do work.
  • Social support
Most people think they want to escape alone. But being part of a group — is a kind of therapy in itself. You are reminded that you are not alone in what you are feeling.
  • A sense of tranquillity and harmony
No matter where the retreat is — in the mountains or the desert — they are always set in peaceful, natural surroundings. Slow, quiet, and grounded in nature. The perfect space for reconnecting with yourself.

Where to go?

We have all come to associate wellness retreats with Asia — Bali, Thailand, India — places where life moves at half the speed of the rest of the world.
But you know what? There are actually plenty of amazing wellness retreats much closer, in the Middle East and North Africa. Let’s find the one that suits your vibe and mood best.

A Taste of Zulal, Zulal Wellness Resort, Qatar

If this place feels like heaven to you — you are probably not wrong. An absolutely stunning resort that seems to float above the sea, round-the-clock care, and yes, eight massages in five days (how is that even real?). Add in the perfect balance of movement and mindfulness, and you have got the ultimate recharge.
What makes it special?
This isn't just a wellness retreat — it is a treatment in itself. The physio sessions (something you rarely see at other retreats) go deeper into physical strain and muscle recovery. And the holistic treatments? A whole new level of mental reset.
Duration: Starting from 5 days.
Starting from: 6500 AED.

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Programme, Zoya Health & Wellbeing, UAE

If your current priority is health, this retreat is worth considering. Alongside all the classic wellness touches — like massages before lunch and peaceful morning swims in the pool — you will also have access to a full range of medical check-ups. Think spinal, strength and muscle analysis, professional physio sessions (using three different techniques), and even IV nutrient therapy.
What makes it special?
The strong focus on your body and overall health. Everything comes with expert consultations and personalised recommendations. It is also a great option for anyone looking to tone up and reset — with treatments like lymphatic drainage and hammam therapy doing their thing.
Duration: Starting from 3 days.
Starting from: 6300 AED.

Anayata Mind Detox & Yoga Retreat, Jordan

When you first look at the daily schedule of this retreat, your initial reaction might be: why is there so much packed into just one day? Meditation, yoga, therapy sessions, massages, hot and cold plunges — and more. But that is exactly the point: to switch you off from the outside world and gently turn your focus inward.
What makes it special?
The food. You are not just taking care of your body on the outside — you are giving it a full reset from the inside too. The daily menu includes detox juices and light meals, with no added fats or sugars. Everything is designed to cleanse your system and give your body a real break.
Duration: 5 days.
Starting from: 9000 AED.

Tailor-Made Retreat, Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Let’s be honest — what kind of retreat article would this be without mentioning AlUla? Endless silence all around, professional healers, gentle yoga, guided meditation, and sound healing sessions. A pool with a view of a thousand stars. And if you are up for a little adventure — camel rides, buggy rides, or a scenic hike? You choose.
What makes it special?
The retreat itself is lovely — but the setting is next level.
If you have not been to AlUla yet, this is your perfect excuse. Why not mix a little wellness with pure beauty — like doing sound healing in the most Instagrammable desert in the world?
Duration: Starting from 2 days.
Starting from: 2000 AED.

Detox Programme, Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

Palms, sand, mountains, and silence — if that is your idea of a perfect retreat vibe, head to Oman. This specially designed programme includes a mix of massages, detox wraps, and deep-body treatments. And it is not just fluff — the 45-minute wellness screening gives you real medical grounding, so you are not just guessing what your body needs.
What is special here?
For some, the luxury might feel like an extra. But honestly? It could be the most important part of your recharge. Taking care of yourself in a place that looks like another planet (and only a 2-hour drive from Dubai!) — that is next-level healing.
Duration: 3, 5 or 7 days.
Starting from: 6300 AED.

Movement Reset Program, MGM Wellness Clinic, Egypt

Just two nights to reset, recharge, and walk away with a fitness plan for the year ahead! There is definitely some movement involved, but the main focus is still on relaxation — and what could be better than yoga and massages to help with that?
Bonus: It is healthy, it is organic — and it somehow still manages to look absolutely irresistible. Do not be surprised if you finish every plate.
What makes it special?
You get a 60-minute Functional Assessment & Personal Training Session — a full fitness check-up followed by a personalised workout plan tailored to your goals. Perfect for anyone who now walks into the gym, stares at the equipment, and thinks, “Now what?”
Duration: 2–3 days.
Starting from: 1000 AED.

Mermaid & Dolphin Retreat, Egypt

Okay, the name might sound a little silly to some — Mermaid Retreat? Really? But just imagine this: all-inclusive accommodation on a luxurious yacht, endless turquoise sea, morning yoga on the deck, daily massages, and snorkelling in Egypt’s stunning underwater world.
And let’s be honest — we all have that inner child. So why not let yourself pretend, just for an hour, that you are a mermaid swimming freely in the middle of nowhere?
What makes it special?
Swimming with dolphins! But safety comes first — before the swim, you will get a full briefing and all the necessary instructions. After all, dolphins are still wild animals, and their behaviour can not be predicted.
Duration: 7 days.
Starting from: 15 1275 AED.