Discover Dubai's Hidden Wellness Gems Beyond Skyscrapers

Beyond the Skyscrapers, Dive Deeper into Dubai!

Alright, everyone knows Dubai for its glittering high-rises, gourmet spots, and that whole "Dubai Bling" vibe. But hey, there's way more to this city than just fancy dinners and yacht parties (though, those do sound epic). Believe it or not, locals don’t spend every weekend hobnobbing in DIFC or dancing on a yacht – they’ve got a whole array of wellness activities to dive into. Think hiking, paddleboarding, art classes, and even ice baths. So yeah, while we do enjoy wining and dining, Dubai is also a top spot for some serious R&R.

With its all-year sunshine, super low crime rates, and those picture-perfect Blue Flag beaches, it's no shocker that Dubai snagged the title of the second-best city for expats.

Here are our top hangouts for wellness buffs in Dubai:

The Matcha Club

This isn't your average padel club. Nope, the Matcha Club, with spots in Meydan and Al Quoz, rocks a Mediterranean vibe with terracotta courts, burnt-orange fencing, and olive trees. It's your go-to for everything zen – from yoga and meditation to cool restaurants and icy water pools. Whether you're a padel pro, a wellness junkie, or a digital nomad with a stylish kiddo in tow, this is the place to be.

Hatta Honeybee Garden

Swap the skyscrapers for some mountain vibes. Just an hour outside Dubai, you can live the beekeeper life at this honey farm. Don your beekeeper suit, get up close to the 300 hives, and learn the buzz about bees. Plus, you get to taste and snag some unfiltered honey. Sweet deal, right?

Blue Flag Beaches

Dubai’s got a 21 km-long public beach stretch. Perfect if you're into sunbathing or beachcombing. And hey, many of these beaches flaunt the esteemed Blue Flag, a badge of honor for top-notch cleanliness, safety, and environmental management. Jumeirah 1, 2, and 3, plus Umm Suqeim 1 and 2 beaches, all sport this accolade. And heads up, Dubai’s plans to jack up its public beach lengths from 21 km to a whopping 105 km by 2040.

Emirates Bio Farm

Nestled between Dubai and Al Ain in the red desert dunes, this is the UAE’s biggest private organic farm. They’re all about that sustainable life – crop rotations, pesticide usage, and eco-friendly packaging. The whole visitor experience is on point: think tractor rides, field walks, goat feeding, and picking fresh produce. Don’t forget to swing by the Farmer’s Table restaurant for some organic goodies.

Mushrif National Park

A green oasis since 1974, this park covers over 5.25 sq km and hosts 70,000+ ghaf trees. With a 10 km hiking trail, a 5 km multi-purpose track, swimming pools, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball, there’s plenty to keep you active. And the Aventura Nature Adventure Park? Zip lines and rope courses galore!

Posture Pilates

For all you Pilates fans, Posture on the Palm Jumeirah serves up reformer, cadillac, and mat Pilates. They stick to the OG Joseph Pilates methods, focusing on form, core strength, and mobility. It’s not just about burning calories, it’s about a full mind-body-soul experience. Located in Various Loactions.

Surf House Dubai

Surf's up! Dig into healthy eats and sip on hot coffee after a beach swim or a lazy roll out of bed. They serve some of the best acai bowls, avo toasts, poke bowls, and salads. And yes, your furry buddies are welcome too.

Seva Table

Hidden in Jumeirah 1, Seva is a vegan haven. Kick off your shoes, enjoy the magical garden, or dive into a wellness session – from sound healing to Reiki. A perfect escape from city chaos. Must-try? Their mango lassi!

Alserkal Avenue

A hub of art, music, food, and wellness. Workshops, galleries, and cafes galore. From making art at The JamJar to sipping matcha lattes at The Edit, it’s an all-day affair in Dubai’s cultural arena.

Kave

This café in Alserkal is all about upcycling and eco-consciousness. No takeaways here, to cut down on waste. Everything’s reused or recycled. The menu? Healthy and body-friendly. Grab a coffee, bring your own cup, and join their green mission.

Paus

Hit the ‘pause’ button at this cozy villa-café in Umm Suqeim. Yoga classes, sound healing, detox treatments, and yummy all-day breakfasts. Try their iced matcha latte and vegan breakfast fry-up – thank us later!

Museum of the Future

The "most beautiful building in the world" dedicates an entire floor to wellness. Disconnect from tech and reconnect with yourself. Water meditations, vibrations, and sensory experiences – take a journey in Al Waha.

Biolite

For those in tune with aesthetics, Biolite in Jumeirah offers cutting-edge treatments focusing on longevity, nutrition, and sleep. Their Triple Detox iDome and diamond glow facial? Total game-changers.

New Earth Café

Nestled in the green heart of Al Barari, this spot dishes out smoothie bowls, avo toasts, and superfood lattes. A perfect start to your morning amongst palm trees and sunlight

Aura Skypool

The world's tallest 360º infinity pool on the 50th floor of St. Regis. Yoga sessions every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 am, followed by breakfast. It’s like stretching among the clouds with killer views of Dubai.

Samadhi

Jumeirah’s wellness gem. Reflect and Connect yoga studios, a sauna, pool, and ice bath. Plus, hair therapy, a serene garden, and a healthy cafe. Their vegan delights and matcha are to die for.

Lowe

This Michelin Green Star-awarded spot leads the way in sustainable dining. They’re reducing waste and sourcing locally, all while serving killer food. An eco-conscious foodie’s dream!

Coming Soon!

Dubai 2040 Vision

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's grand plan: vibrant, inclusive communities with doubled green spaces. Beaches to expand by 400% and 60% of the area to be nature reserves.

The Loop

By 2040, Dubai will have a 93 km urban 'highway' for walking and cycling, connecting the city year-round with eco-friendly tech. No more sweaty summers!

So, if you thought Dubai was only about bling and skyscrapers, think again and dive into its rich wellness scene. 🧘🏽‍♂️🚴‍♀️🌿