Editor’s Choice: The best spa and wellness centres in the UAE
From barbershops and beauty salons to massages, hammams and facials, these are the best places to relax, recharge and unwind across the Emirates.
The fifth FACT Spa & Wellness Awards UAE took place in June and 56 awards were given out across 29 categories, covering over 150 hotel and independent spas, salons, health clubs, and wellness centres.
The FACT Spa & Wellness Awards recognise brilliance in the health and wellbeing industry, with winners awarded based on both public votes and critics’ opinions. Each category was given two awards, the BEST and the FAVOURITE. The former is the critic’s choice determined by the FACT editorial team.
Without further ado, here are your 2023 winners:
- Beauty Salon in Dubai
- Hair Salon in Dubai
- Male Grooming in Dubai
- Fitness Centre in Dubai
- Swimming Pool in Dubai
- Pool and Beach Day Access in Dubai
- Beach Club in Abu Dhabi
- Beach Club in Dubai
- Wellness Centre in Dubai
- Independent Spa in Abu Dhabi
- Independent Spa in Dubai
- Spa Brand in Dubai
- Spa Design in Dubai
- Facial Treatment in Abu Dhabi
- Facial Treatment in Dubai
- Couples Treatment in Abu Dhabi
- Couples Treatment in Dubai
- Hammam Treatment in Abu Dhabi
- Hammam Treatment in Dubai
- Signature Spa Treatment in Abu Dhabi
- Signature Spa Treatment in Dubai
- Spa-cation in the UAE
- Boutique Spa in Dubai
- City Spa in Abu Dhabi
- City Spa in Dubai
- Resort Spa in Abu Dhabi
- Resort Spa in Dubai
- Spa of the Year in Abu Dhabi
- Spa of the Year in Dubai
BEAUTY SALON IN DUBAI
Salon 971 – Platinum One Tower
If you want statement-worthy nails, look no further than Salon 971. Created by two friends, Cat and Nawal, the pair pride themselves on offering the best service possible. The salon is passionate about creating the kind of artistic designs that get double-tapped on the gram. We’re pretty impressed with its autumnal daisy and pumpkin-coloured design.
HAIR SALON IN DUBAI
Willow Lane – Jumeirah Lake Towers
You’ll have Insta-ready hair when you visit this boho boutique salon. The clean décor is all white walls, beige seats and big mirrors, which are punctuated by gorgeous green plants. Offering a range of hair treatments from cuts to colour, it also caters for curly hair offering cuts and styles. Treatments also cover nails; foot, neck and shoulder massages; and lash and brow services.
MALE GROOMING IN DUBAI
Akin Barber & Shop – Various Locations
The independent – and trendsetting – men’s grooming destination is all about embracing the notion that every aspect of your life should be memorable and uplifting. As a result, the entire Akin Barber & Shop brand is tightly woven with how customers view their way of life and that grooming is an expression of a person’s identity. You’ll find yourself enjoying a speciality coffee from Dubai’s leading roasteries with every cut or shave as your grooming needs are tended to by Akin’s highly skilled hair and beard stylists.
FITNESS CENTRE IN DUBAI
Barry’s – Various Locations
Barry’s has been flexing its muscles across the world from Spain to Singapore, as it has gyms in more than 14 countries. In the UAE, there are locations in Dubai’s DIFC, Dubai Marina and Abu Dhabi’s Galleria Mall. Founded in Los Angeles and loved by A-listers, we love its high-intensity classes and state-of-the-art facilities. Sign up for original HIIT workouts and feel the burn.
SWIMMING POOL IN DUBAI
Cloud 22 – Atlantis The Royal
Luxuriate in a lavish cabana complete with a private plunge pool, or take a dip in the 90-meter infinity sky pool with views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Sip on a delicately crafted cocktail or enjoy a menu of poolside bites and gold-dusted burgers at a venue that is currently only accessible to in-house guests at the newly-opened Atlantis The Royal.
POOL AND BEACH DAY ACCESS IN DUBAI
Burj Al Arab Terrace – Burj Al Arab
When only a feeling of exclusivity will do, we’d recommend Burj Al Arab Terrace. The 10,000 square metre leisure facility stretches 100 metres out into the sea. Take your pick from two pools – we’re especially pleased that there’s a family-friendly (with a swim-up bar) one and an adult-only one (that is an infinity pool). Oh, and there are four Jacuzzis.
BEACH CLUB IN ABU DHABI
Saadiyat Beach Club – Saadiyat Island
The family-friendly Saadiyat Beach Club is located on a 9km stretch of Blue Flag-certified beach. If it’s good enough for the Hawksbill turtles, then it’s good enough for us. As this is a protected habitat, the little creatures may make an appearance, which helps this win cute points. Plus, the Mediterranean dishes at Safina add to the tropical vibe.
BEACH CLUB IN DUBAI
Nikki Beach Dubai – Pearl Jumeira
If you want to make like FACT’s Editor-in-Chief, then head to Nikki Beach Dubai. The chic beach club is located in a serene spot with views of the Arabian Gulf, Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. The venue prides itself on combining music, dining, entertainment, fashion and film into one destination. Dig into salads, sushi, seafood and shisha, then dip into the pool – you have several to choose from.
WELLNESS CENTRE IN DUBAI
Paus; – Al Wasl Road
This café, community space and wellness centre on Al Wasl road rather modestly introduces itself as “just a nice place”, but in reality is so much more. For starters, Paus set out to remedy the notoriously elitist world of wellness, aiming to establish a space that is inviting, inclusive and deliberately slow – and it’s already fostering a sense of community. Recent events have encouraged participants to address heartbreak, get real about body image issues, and let go of unwanted energy in a no-judgement zone. Elsewhere, everything from facial maderotherapy to barre classes and breathwork sessions are on offer so you can both look great and feel grounded and.
INDEPENDENT SPA IN ABU DHABI
Sisters Beauty Lounge – Various Locations
Sisters Beauty Lounge, you are so cool. When a hair menu includes services such as an artistic undercut to a funky crazy colour, you know that it’s definitely on trend. Plus, the full list of services cover hair, nails, facials, lashes, body and waxing. The salon can be found in Al Bateen and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi.
INDEPENDENT SPA IN DUBAI
SENSASIA – Various Locations
We are big fans of homegrown brands at FACT and love SENSASIA’s independent spirit. The one-stop shop for all of your health and beauty needs includes a hammam, spa, nail station and relaxation room. Apparently, guests have even flown in from all over the world to experience the treatments. Locations include Emirates Golf Club, Kempinski Hotel Mall Of The Emirates Dubai and The Village in Jumeriah 1.
SPA BRAND IN DUBAI
Cinq Mondes – Raffles The Palm Dubai
Raffles The Palm Dubai’s Cinq Mondes Spa recently underwent a refurbishment, and is all the better for it. The state-of-the-art treatments include Gharieni Welnamis (vibrational therapy), Celliss (cellulite treatment) and The Quartz Bed (hot sand therapy). Spread over 3,000 square metres, the spa has 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites and an indoor pool. Plus, there are two traditional hammams, a fully-equipped gym, yoga studio, and the biggest indoor pool in the Middle East.
SPA DESIGN IN DUBAI
The Bulgari Spa – Bulgari Resort Dubai
If we could model our bathroom – scrap that – our whole home on any spa in Dubai, it would have to be The Bulgari Spa. Spanning 1,700 square meters, it oozes Italian glamour – it is Bulgari, after all. The vitality pool is inspired by the ancient Caracalla Roman baths, and the whole spa boasts an elegance that is reserved for high-end fashion brands. The luxury hammam, 25-meter pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre are expertly designed, and make the most of the space and views.
FACIAL TREATMENT IN ABU DHABI
The EDITION Spa – The Abu Dhabi EDITION
When you want a modern yet urban vibe, head to The EDITION Spa. The spa has six treatment rooms with private dressing rooms and a couple’s suite. The facial menu is impressive and uses premium products. Options include Blue Diamond by Omorovicza, Gold Hydra Lift by Omorovicza and Tripple Oxygen Glow by Ling. Plus, facial add-ons include an eye and lip mask.
FACIAL TREATMENT IN DUBAI
The Spa – Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
The Spa is a magnificent sanctuary in Dubai with two couples’ suites, a hammam suite and a VIP suite. While you can book a one-day retreat and two-hour-long rituals, the facials are something special. Facials include the Tuning Fork Facial, which combines soundscapes with chromotherapy; the Celestial Black Diamond Non-Surgical Face Lift Facial with 111SKIN’s products and LED therapy; and the Cryo Globe Energy Facial with iced cryo globes.
COUPLES TREATMENT IN ABU DHABI
SPA – Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
This spa at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort is so extensive that it is housed in its own building adjacent to the hotel. Offering side-by-side signature rituals, couples can opt for treatments inside the VIP Deluxe Suite, which features private changing facilities, a steam room, a sauna and a spacious relaxation lounge. It’s the place to enjoy an indulgent and immersive spa experience at one of Abu Dhabi’s most expansive spa and wellness centres.
COUPLES TREATMENT IN DUBAI
Best: Qua Spa – Caesars Palace Dubai
Qua Spa originated in Las Vegas and has bought its on-trend treatments to Dubai. Sure, you have your massages and facials, but you’ve also got drips from Beverly Hill Vitamin Therapy to yoga with Dina Ghandour. Plus, you can get a treatment while you tan – Young LDN offer poolside treatments including a mani and a pedi.
HAMMAM TREATMENT IN ABU DHABI
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental – Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
When you step into The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, it feels like you are stepping into a luxe Bedouin home. Think Arabic carpets, plush cushions and, of course, a beautiful Moroccan hammam. We’d recommend the Mystic Moroccan Hammam, which is a two-and-a-half-hour experience including a full body exfoliation, clay body mask and Argan hair oil application. If you want to share the experience, book The Royal Couples Hammam – you’ll leave feeling like royalty.
HAMMAM TREATMENT IN DUBAI
One&Only Spa – One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Spa’s hammam is the stuff that hammam dreams are made of – think steam rooms, marble slams and herbal baths. The signature treatment is the Traditional Turkish Hammam with with Kessa mitts and black soap. One&Only Spa is also home to 12 exclusive treatment suites, ESPA-inspired massages and facials, steam rooms, saunas and plunge pools. This beautiful beachfront oasis evokes the opulence and splendour of an Arabian palace – the ideal setting for a traditional Hammam.
SIGNATURE SPA TREATMENT IN ABU DHABI
The Pearl Spa – Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island
The Pearl Spa has a boutique feel and is known for its quartz sand therapy. The menu includes HydraFacials and Sodashi Holistic Facials. Put your best face forward, thanks to the LED Light Therapy, Lymphatic Therapy or the Marine Mineral Facial. Plus, when you want to feel A-list, book the Celebrity HydraFacial Booster.
SIGNATURE SPA TREATMENT IN DUBAI
The Pearl Spa – Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
The Pearl Spa is a luxurious haven for your relaxation and rejuvenation needs. Specialised services range from a personalised anti-ageing treatment with Dr Burgener to HydraFacial technology. The Arabian-inspired spa is so beautifully designed and brightly lit across the indoor lap pool as well as rooms big enough for two. The massage menu includes a Swedish massage, Thai massage, reflexology, and pre and post-natal massage.
SPA-CATION IN THE UAE
The Oberoi Spa – The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah
There are few hotels in Ajman that have the kind of loyal fan base as The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah. Always delivering on service or style, this luxury hotel has continued to impress us with its locally-inspired hospitality and modern setting. The holistic treatments and luxurious private hammams all make this stunning spa a Middle Eastern sanctuary.
BOUTIQUE SPA IN DUBAI
Ciel Spa – SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences
We can see why Ciel Spa calls itself a beauty and wellbeing retreat above the clouds, as not only will you be enjoying the view but you’ll feel like you’re on cloud nine. The signature treatments include iS Clinical facials, Voya exfoliation and massages, and Gentleman’s Tonic with facials and massages. The spa also offers yoga in the sky, Gold Dust exfoliation and LED facials.
CITY SPA IN ABU DHABI
Conrad Spa – Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Serenity awaits at the 1,465 sqm Conrad Spa, where private spa rituals are available for individuals or couples. So whether you’re in search of a signature body scrub, massage or facial (the Rasul mud chamber and hammam treatments come highly recommended), Conrad Spa’s customised treatments are sure to align, enhance, and refresh your body and mind.
CITY SPA IN DUBAI
BAR-B Spa – W Dubai – Mina Seyahi
Is it a bar, or is it a spa? Well, it’s a cross between the two and that’s precisely why we love it. Oh, and it has a couple’s massage room with gorgeous views over Dubai – you’ll be torn between closing your eyes and keeping them open. Offering manis, pedis, massages and facials, this is one of Dubai’s trendiest new spas.
RESORT SPA IN ABU DHABI
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental – Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
You’ll feel like royalty when you visit The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, as it has the kind of opulence you expect from a luxury hotel. Spanning 1,500 square meters, it includes seven spa suites, and two hammams – a spacious one and a private one. Designed for special occasions, the treatments include options for brides, grooms and couples.
RESORT SPA IN DUBAI
The Spa – Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
The tranquillity is real at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. When only opulence will do, there are treatments aplenty: Royal Saffron uses 24k gold, saffron and mogra, and Oriental Harmony lets you get massaged by two therapists at once. We love that you can make a day (or three) out of your spa time – choose from A Gentleman’s Day to Empowering Me – A Woman’s Journey. Plus, the spa prides itself on taking a holistic approach, as proven by the three-day ReEnergise detox with a nutritionist, personal trainer, massage and yoga.
SPA OF THE YEAR IN ABU DHABI
SPA – Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
At the heart of SPA – Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resortis a grand Moroccan hammam, which has services spanning 30 to 60 minutes. Excellent for couples, there are luxurious suites and treatments. Not many spas offer treatments spanning three hours and thirty minutes, but Your Spa Time For Two does just that. Taking place in a private room with a sauna and steam room, it includes a massage and facial.
SPA OF THE YEAR IN DUBAI
The SPA – Palazzo Versace Dubai
If it’s good enough for Jennifer Lopez, it’s good enough for us. Palazzo Versace Dubai is a celeb favourite and has treatments that will make you feel red-carpet-ready. We love the luxurious hammam, as you are soaped and scrubbed and leave feeling well and truly pampered. Tip: book the Diamond and Gold Royal Hammam, as it will make you feel like an A-lister.
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