Dubai: the land of seven-star hotels, endless sunshine, and – surprise – one of the most exciting wellness scenes on the planet. This city is a paradise for health-conscious travellers who want to work out, eat well, and unwind in serious style. Picture yourself flowing through sunrise yoga on the beach, refuelling with a spirulina-packed smoothie, then melting away stress in a world-class spa – all before lunch.

Whether you’re a boutique fitness junkie, a plant-based foodie, or just someone who wants to balance indulgence with a little self-care, Dubai delivers. Think ultra-luxe wellness hotels, fitness studios that feel more like nightclubs, and cafes serving raw, organic, and keto-friendly everything. Consider this your ultimate Hip & Healthy guide to Dubai – where to stay, sweat, and fuel up.

STAY & RELAX

It’s safe to say that when it comes to ultra-luxurious and unique hotel experiences, Dubai spoils you for choice – so narrowing it down to just a few is no easy feat. But what you might not know is that the city is now home to a new wave of wellness-focused destinations, making it easier than ever to stick to your health and fitness goals while indulging in serious luxury.

For the wellness warrior, Siro One Za’abeel is a total game-changer. This isn’t just a hotel – it’s a high-performance retreat where you can unleash your inner athlete at the cutting-edge Fitness Lab, recover like a pro with cryotherapy, IV drips, and cupping at the Recovery Lab, and then sink into the best night’s sleep of your life. We’re talking sleep-optimised rooms with temperature-controlled mattresses, meditation pillows, and even in-room Swedish ladders for a sneaky pre-bed stretch session.

If you somehow haven’t heard of Atlantis The Royal (aka the hotel that flew in practically every A-lister under the sun for its opening – yes, Beyoncé included), this is a must-book. It’s a full-on sensory experience, boasting some of Dubai’s most iconic restaurants (Nobu by The Beach, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal), a world-class holistic spa, and one of the most exclusive medi-clinics in the city: AEON. This cutting-edge wellness destination fuses advanced science with time-honoured therapies, offering everything from stem cell therapy and functional medicine to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cold laser treatments, and bespoke female wellness programmes. And of course, a few top-tier facials and injectables – because, well, this is Dubai.

It wouldn’t be a Dubai guide without mentioning Jumeirah – a homegrown luxury hotel brand that’s home to some of the city’s most iconic properties. Of course, there’s the legendary Burj Al Arab, but let’s just say it’s…unique. Still, there’s no denying its striking presence, and Jumeirah Al Naseem offers the ultimate beachside experience with Burj Al Arab views, chic contemporary interiors, and lush gardens. Plus, its picturesque canal-style waterways connect it to Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Al Qasr, giving you access to three incredible hotels, countless top restaurants, and the legendary Talise Spa, nestled among tropical gardens and serene waterways. Dubai knows how to do spas, and the two One&Only hotels are proof. Don’t miss a traditional hammam in your own private suite at One&Only Royal Mirage, or head to The Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm for a luxurious facial.

For the ultimate desert escape, nothing beats Bab Al Shams. Just 45 minutes outside the city, this serene oasis feels like another world, nestled among rolling golden dunes. The spa is breathtaking, offering deeply rejuvenating treatments, holistic therapies like sound meditation, and the perfect setting for sunrise yoga. If adventure is more your speed, you can ride an Arabian horse (or camel – because, well, this is Dubai) into the desert or take a bike across the dunes before retreating to your private villa for some well-earned R&R.

SWEAT

Dubai’s workout scene is the ultimate playground for fitness fanatics, with pretty much every major player (Barry’s, Karve, F45, 1Rebel, Orangetheory…) setting up shop. Whatever your workout preference, Dubai has it. But there’s also an amazing array of homegrown workout studios to try while you’re in town. When it comes to reformer Pilates, Studio14 boasts insta-worthy aesthetics (complete with a cloud sky ceiling and custom-made beige reformers) and some of the best super sculpting classes in Dubai. Plus, there’s an in-house smoothie bar and coffee station, and it has its own super chic line of activewear. Reform Athletica also deserves a mention, with its line-up of body-shaking reformer classes, TRX sessions and sweat-inducing HIIT workouts. If yoga is more your vibe, Dryp – Dubai’s hottest yoga studio (literally) – uses infrared heat technology to enhance your practice.

Feel the burn at Barre Effect, where you’ll hear the words “pulse” and “hold” repeatedly through your dance-inspired workout, guaranteed to tone you up fast while having fun (promise). Or if sitting on a spin bike is your happy place, Crank – a Dubai institution – is where you’ll find all the cool kids riding away.

Dubai’s beaches are also brimming with workout options, from surfing to wakeboarding, stand-up paddling to kite surfing. Or you can just pop on a podcast and go for a long walk by the sea. Kite Beach is a great option, as you can people-watch, stop on the way for an organic coffee or an açai bowl, and enjoy amazing views of the city’s skyline or of the Burj Al Arab depending on which way you roam.

EAT

Foodies, you’ve officially found your heaven. Dubai is a metropolitan melting pot, with people from all around the world calling it home. From a hidden hole in the wall serving up Indian street food to multi-Michelin star gourmet experiences, you’re spoilt for choice. When it comes to healthier dining options, it’s hard to pick just a few, but if we had to, there are a few delicious spots that are must-visits. SEVA has been serving up 100% plant-based, sugar-free, GMO-free, and gluten-free food for over a decade, all in a gorgeous eco-conscious space that oozes zen. Even better? You can enjoy a bowl of healing macrobiotic soup with a side of conscious nachos before popping inside for a yoga class or sound healing session. Planet Terra is also amazing for vegans, with an organic menu – all free from nasties – in a beautiful, boho space. The lentil lasagna, chickpea omelette, and crispy oyster mushroom tacos will sway any devoted carnivore.

Opt for a table outside at Bounty Beets and enjoy organic eggs, healthy wraps, smoothies, and detox juices under the shade of the palms. Speaking of smoothies, the Flinder’s Lane at Common Grounds is pure heaven. Packed with cacao, peanut butter, dates, and protein – it’s a chocoholic’s dream. If you’ve made your way around Dubai’s legendary cycle tracks (nothing beats heading out into the desert dunes as the sun comes up), then The Cycle Bistro is one to bookmark. Its paleo menu packs serious flavour, so you’d never know the pizza, fish and chips, or fudge cake you’re eating is actually healthy.

Let’s not forget you’re on holiday, and no trip to Dubai is complete without dinner on the beach or with a view. Perched on the entrance of The Palm is Tagomago, which brings the best of Spanish Mediterranean cuisine to the shores of Dubai, complete with effortlessly chic interiors. For something a little more romantic, book an outdoor table at 101. This over-water restaurant feels like something out of the Maldives and is the perfect place for a romantic dinner date. If you didn’t snap a pic of your Burj Khalifa view from dinner, did you even go to Dubai? DIFC is brimming with options, from iconic restaurants like LPM, Sexy Fish, Duck & Waffle, and Zuma to cool sushi hotspots like Clap, which has a huge outdoor terrace with skyline views, and Alaya, which serves up Middle Eastern cuisine in the chicest of settings. Two words? Pistachio ice cream. It’s worth the trip to Dubai alone.

words by Frankie Jabarkhyl