The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is home to some of the world’s most stunning wellness resorts. With diverse landscapes, rich traditions, and luxurious amenities, each destination offers a unique way to reconnect, relax, and rejuvenate. Here’s an in-depth look at the best of what MENA has to offer.
1. Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Nestled in the stunning canyons of AlUla, Habitas AlUla offers a unique escape that blends heritage with wellness. Each villa offers stunning canyon views and private outdoor spaces, designed to harmonise with the desert.
This resort prioritises sustainable practices and offers experiences like immersive sound baths, open-air yoga sessions, and guided stargazing. The spa’s locally inspired treatments use native ingredients such as Saudi lavender, rose, and desert salt for a unique sensory journey. A must-try is the dawn desert hike which reveals breathtaking sunrise views over the rocky landscape.
Hidden gem: Their Celestial and Alcove Wellness Villas, featuring yoga mats, private in-room massage options, and proximity to the Thuraya Wellness Center for added relaxation.
Read more: Saudi Arabia’s surprising nature spots
2. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman
Perched on Oman’s “Green Mountain,” Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is one of the highest luxury resorts in the world, providing breathtaking views and an unparalleled sense of seclusion. The spa offers traditional Omani treatments, including a rose-infused ritual that incorporates locally sourced Damask rose oil, a local specialty.
Guests can also enjoy hammam treatments and sunrise yoga on a cliffside platform with sweeping canyon views. Adventure seekers can explore mountain trails, while those seeking relaxation can unwind at the spa’s indoor hydrotherapy pool.
Hidden gem: The stargazing viewing platform allows you to gaze at the night sky in the same spot once admired by the late Princess Diana.
Read more: Oman’s untamed beauty: mountains, beaches, islands and wadis
3. Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr, Dubai
Dubai’s Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr is nestled within lush gardens and waterways, creating an oasis of tranquility on the shoreline. This award-winning spa offers cutting-edge treatments like hypnagogic light therapy, which promotes relaxation through immersive visual and auditory experiences. They also offer Ayurveda-inspired treatments and luxurious private cabanas.
Hidden gem: Be sure to book a bespoke hammam ritual in a marble room for a true Middle Eastern wellness experience.
Read more: The five most exclusive hotel rooms in Dubai
4. Rixos Premium, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Winner of Abu Dhabi’s Best Wellness Retreat 2024, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island combines Turkish and Arabic wellness traditions. The extensive spa facilities include a Turkish hammam, sauna, steam rooms, and an exclusive hydrotherapy pool. Signature treatments include deep tissue massage as well as lymphatic drainage. Beachfront cabanas allow for private wellness sessions, and the resort’s personalised detox and nutrition programs alongside its Vitamin Bar are popular with guests looking to reset.
Hidden gem: This resort is also home to the only snow room in Abu Dhabi for some chilling revitalisation.
Read more: When in Abu Dhabi: 7 must-dos for a romantic stopover
5. Anayata Wellbeing, Aqaba, Jordan
Anayata Wellbeing at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba offers a holistic retreat focused on detoxification, rejuvenation, and mind-body balance. Guests can immerse in personalised programs like the Juice Detox and Mind Detox, incorporating yoga, meditation, and sound healing sessions for a transformative wellness experience.
Each program includes access to vegan and juice-based nutrition, along with tailored spa therapies to promote relaxation and stress relief. Set against Aqaba’s scenic backdrop, it’s a serene destination for mindful wellness and physical renewal.
Hidden gem: The Rooftop Meditation Lounge occasionally offers sound healing sessions under the stars creating a serene unique experience.
Read more: Explore Jordan like a royal
6. Zulal Wellness Resort, Qatar
On Qatar’s northern coast, Zulal Wellness Resort is a pioneer in integrating Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with modern wellness practices. The resort offers family-friendly wellness programs and adult-only spaces, each tailored to enhance physical and mental well-being. Guests can book TAIM consultations that cover lifestyle advice, nutrition, and herbal remedies based on ancient Middle Eastern practices.
Hidden gem: The Watsu experience in their dedicated private warm-water pool, is designed for mental and emotional health as well as to increase mobility.
Read more: Qatar’s best-kept travel secrets: seven hidden gems to explore
7. The Oberoi Marrakech, Morocco
The Oberoi Marrakech was ranked the number 1 resort in North Africa and the Middle East in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, 2023. The Oberoi Spa is set amid olive and citrus orchards, providing a refreshing ambiance in the Moroccan heat. The spa specialises in traditional Moroccan treatments, including revitalising hammam rituals and aromatherapy sessions using pure local essential oils.
Private therapy suites overlook a serene water feature, allowing guests to relax amid tranquil surroundings. The resort also offers yoga and meditation classes within its fragrant orchard, enhancing the sensory experience.
Hidden gem: Book an Oberoi signature massage which combines ‘physical sensorial, energetic and emotional sensations’ during the deeply relaxing experience.
8. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Egypt
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is a historic gem and luxurious wellness retreat that offers classic hammam treatments, and its infinity pool provides an unparalleled view of the river. Spa treatments include Egyptian-inspired therapies like Nile mud wraps and deep tissue Nubian massage. The Nile Terrace is the perfect spot to unwind at sunset, offering a breathtaking view of the Nile, making it an ideal place for mindful relaxation and meditation.
Hidden gem: The resort’s indoor pool is an example of elegance with mosaic pillars to transport you back to ancient Egypt.
9. Ma’in Hot Springs Resort & Spa, Jordan
Situated near the Dead Sea, Ma’in Hot Springs Resort & Spa is a sanctuary surrounded by waterfalls and mineral-rich hot springs 264m below sea level. The spa’s unique hydrotherapy treatments leverage the natural spring waters, known for their therapeutic benefits. Each treatment room overlooks natural pools, and guests can opt for private hot spring sessions to relax in seclusion. The mud wrap treatments, using mineral-packed mud from the Dead Sea, are a favourite for detoxifying and rejuvenating the skin.
Hidden gem: A private outdoor massage under a waterfall, where the sounds of flowing water add to the tranquil experience.
10. Banana Island Resort by Anantara, Qatar
Banana Island Resort offers a secluded wellness experience just off the coast of Doha. This island sanctuary is accessible by private catamaran and offers detox, weight loss, and relaxation programs, with treatments that incorporate marine-inspired ingredients like seaweed and algae. The resort has botanical gardens, water sports, and surfing alongside its authentic spa experiences. From traditional holistic healing and Hammam rituals to modern technology-driven treatments, the Anatara Spa & Wellness has something for everyone.
Hidden gem: Try paddleboard yoga on the crystal-clear waters for a unique experience that will leave you with a great workout for the mind and body.
11. Six Senses Kaplankaya, Turkey
Located on the Aegean coast, Six Senses Kaplankaya is known for its blend of wellness, luxury, and sustainability. The resort offers extensive detox programs, yoga retreats, and a hammam that uses traditional Turkish techniques. The 10,000 sqm spa has state-of-the-art fitness equipment as well as hydrothermal areas, Pilates, spinning, and yoga. Treatments integrate local ingredients like olive oil, honey, and herbs grown on-site or from local farmers.
Hidden gem: Try out the Alchemy Bar Workshop which allows you to explore different fruits, spices, herbs, and salts to create your own natural cosmetics.
Read more: Faith, art, and architecture: 10 iconic mosques in the Middle East
12. Clinique La Prairie AMAALA, Saudi Arabia (Coming Soon)
Situated along the Red Sea, Clinique La Prairie AMAALA is a new wellness destination coming in 2025 that will focus on merging cutting-edge medical wellness with holistic health practices. This exclusive resort will feature personalised longevity programs, cryochambers, hyperbaric suites, and holistic treatments, providing a science-backed approach to rejuvenation. Guests will have access to advanced diagnostics, bespoke health plans, and serene surroundings that support both healing and relaxation, tailored to enhance vitality and well-being.
Hidden gem: Alongside the diagnostics lab, training rooms and private dining areas there is also a cooking school for guests to learn how to create delicious, healthy meals.
From medical marvels to ancient therapies, these are some of the best wellness resorts in MENA aimed at providing physical, mental, and emotional rejuvination.
Read more: A woman’s guide to Saudi Arabia
