The New Spa And Pampering Destinations To Know For 2026
Journey by land and sea to these pampering spas, whose restorative treatments are your ticket to serenity
Urban Legend
Step into this two-floor sanctuary in the heart of Dubai, and you’ll feel miles away from the hectic pace of the city. Wellness, beauty, movement and nourishment are the pillars The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai is built on, with vitality pools, sprawling treatment suites, pools and a state-of-the-art gym sharing space. Opt for the Sidr Secret Rasul that harnesses the power of this natural local exfoliant. You’ll be so relaxed you’ll want to check in to a room to continue the pampering rather than face the traffic outside.
For more information, visit mandarinoriental.com
Sail On An Ocean Of Tranquility
Olympians know a thing or two about mental and physical wellbeing. Next July, the British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson will headline a week-long Wellness activation at Sea voyage aboard Cunard’s new Queen Anne. As the ship travels to the Norwegian fjords, she will share the secrets of her success ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Guests will also have the chance to book a ‘Recover’, ‘Energise’ or ‘Relax’ package for the ultimate journey to health. Castekfalfi.com. Cunard’s first seven-night Wellness At Sea voyage to the Norwegian fjords on ‘Queen Anne’, departs from Southampton on July 5, 2026. Prices start from Dhs12,285 a person, based on two sharing a Princess Grill suite.
Relax On The Railways
The latest luxury train from Belmond, the Britannic Explorer has three stellar itineraries through Cumbria, Cornwall or Wales. Its Wellness Suite comes courtesy of Wildsmith, whose products are made using natural ingredients from the brand’s farm at Heckfield Place. We recommend the ‘Signature Circadian Rhythm Reset’, created especially for the Explorer, which comprises a set of tailored treatments prescribed for the morning, midday and the evening. The ‘Britannic Explorer’ (belmond.com), from Dhs54,000 a cabin for a three-night itinerary.
For reservations, contact [email protected].
Follow The Pace Of Nature
High in the Tuscan hills, where vineyards roll into olive groves and swallows dip over terracotta rooftops, Castelfalfi’s spa exudes a quiet opulence befitting the 2,700-acre estate’s past as a home to the Medicis. Housed within a once-abandoned mediaeval borgo, it is run in partnership with the Thai wellness brand Rakxa and features a thermal suite of twin saunas, a steam room and an ice-cold plunge pool. New seasonal retreats offer truffle hunting in autumn, olive-oil tastings in summer and meditative nature walks all year round.
For more information, visit castelfalfi.com. Prices start from Dhs3,735 a room a night.
Sacra Spa, Dubai
One of Middle East’s most transformative wellness destinations, Sacra Dubai, is opening in 2026, in Jumeirah 1. Blending ancient bathing traditions with cutting-edge spa innovation, in a sprawling sanctuary of relaxation and recovery. Anchored by the largest Russian banya in the region, Sacra invites guests on a holistic journey through thermal rituals, contrast therapy, steam rooms and more – all designed to reset the body and mind. With thoughtfully separated spaces for men and women, bespoke massages and treatments, Mediterranean and Eastern European‑inspired wellness cuisine, and a partnership with SKIN 111 medical wellness clinic, it promises a full experience that transcends the traditional spa day.
Akari Wellness, Dubai
Refined wellness sanctuary, Akari in One Central, Dubai, blends science-led therapies and divine design to elevate holistic wellbeing. Drawing inspiration from Japanese concepts of light, balance and harmony, the space creates a restorative atmosphere. Treatments like Red Light Therapy and Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training (IHHT) are balanced with nutrition at the Brain Bar, prompting cellular vitality, mental clarity and deep regeneration in a serene setting.
Olympia Resort, Abu Dhabi
A groundbreaking destination, Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi, is located on Hudayriyat Island, and is set to open in the first quarter of 2026. Designed for active travelers and wellness seekers, the resort seamlessly blends high-performance sports facilities, cutting-edge recovery and wellness experiences. Guests are able to train on professional pitches, cycle scenic island routes, surf, and enjoy water sports, and then recharge in recover lounges or hypoxic rooms. With an ethos of “Stay Beyond Ordinary” Olympia invites visitors to combine movement, mindfulness and relaxation.
Images Courtesy of Belmond, Christopher Ison, and Frederik Vercruysse
From the Harper’s Bazaar Arabia January 2026 issue