Three days of wellness: Dubai

Kick-start your day

Start the day as your best self by slipping on your trainers and taking a jog along the 2.5km Jumeirah Beach running track, just outside Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. It’s a chance to reflect on the day ahead, offering inspiring views of the water and downtown Dubai.

 

Do something different

Scuba diving is – quite literally – an immersive experience, offering a welcome break from the demands and digital devices of the real world. The waters of the Gulf of Oman offer pristine coral reefs, magnificent marine life and even shipwrecks to explore. Local operators such as Al Boom Diving can whizz you to the east coast of Fujairah to visit the best sites and offer PADI-accredited courses for beginners. Speak to your Mandarin Oriental concierge for more recommendations.

 

Settle into stillness

When you come back up for air, head to the Fitness & Wellness Centre at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai to experience a yoga session that melts away muscle tension, helps calm the mind and moves you into a state of relaxation.

 

Kick-start your day 

Set your alarm for dawn and head out for a bike adventure at the Al Qudra Cycling Track. As well as the endorphin boost of cycling, if you arrive in the early hours you’ll enjoy a soul-stirring sunrise and might spot oryx and camels as you go. Trek Bikes offers rentals on site, but these must be booked 72 hours in advance.

Do something different

Wake up your senses at Dubai’s spice souk, where you can take a deep dive into the world of healing herbs and spices, browsing some 150 stalls as delicious fragrances fill the air. Stock up on turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant hibiscus tea.

Settle into stillness

Dubai may be naturally sun-soaked, but you can chill out with a cryotherapy session at Ice Queen. During the short session, your body is exposed, in controlled conditions, to temperatures of -120°C to -160°C. The sub-zero therapy is said to help fight inflammation and improve blood circulation, leaving you feeling calm and relaxed.

Kick-start your day

Get the adrenaline pumping and practice your best moves with a dance session at the hotel’s Fitness & Wellness Centre. Its vibrant classes bring together a range of genres, from street through to Latin and hip-hop.

 

Do something different

For a visual feast, take a scenic drive (or be driven) through the picturesque Hajar Mountains to Hatta Dam. The rugged scenery is soul-soothing in itself and, on arrival, you can see even more of it from a kayak. Try an operator such as Hatta Kayak to help you hit the water.

 

Settle into stillness

A hammam is a quintessential UAE wellness experience, so round off the day in the hammam back at the Spa. This calming ritual of cleansing, exfoliation, massage and moisturising is achieved with local ingredients, including traditional black soap.