Wellness Travel
The Best Wellness Travel Experiences in the Middle East, From Yoga Retreats to a Digital Detox for Kids
The global trend for wellness travel has shown no sign of slowing down, with 94% of travelers now incorporating some form of self-care into their trips, according to a report by trend forecaster Virtuoso. Traditionally, travelers from the Middle East might head to the likes of Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Maldives to embark on a wellness escape, spa-cation, or fitness boot camp, but many are now looking for something closer to home.
From one-night escapes to inspire better sleep and educational healing festivals led by experts to week-long tailor-made programs that call for a more drastic change in lifestyle, the Middle East is fast becoming home to wellness-focused experiences to suit everyone, from the time-poor stressed CEO to the stay-at-home mom with burnout. Here are some of the best wellness experiences in the Middle East to book in 2025.
Longevity Programme at The Medi-Spa at Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, Morocco
The Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay on Morocco’s northern coastline opened its doors in 2024, bringing with it a 46,285-square-foot state-of-the-art medi-spa. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea within a 10-hectare estate, the hotel is a contemporary homage to its homeland with all the hallmarks of its opulent parent property in Marrakech—and a dreamy location in which to undergo a wellness retreat. The seven-day Longevity Programme takes a holistic approach to rejuvenation through a packed itinerary of diagnostics and wellness protocols. The first day focuses on health consultations to analyze sleep quality, fitness, stress levels, and longevity, coupled with lymphatic drainage to kickstart the detox process. The following days combine personal training and fitness classes with a tailored nutrition plan, personalized treatments based on diagnostic test results, cryotherapy, acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, and relaxation experiences like breathwork and sound healing.
City Wellness Retreat, Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, Dubai
The City Wellness Retreat is a three-night detox program that harnesses Clinique La Prairie’s 90 years of scientific knowledge, designed to inspire a healthier lifestyle. Led by experts in medicine, nutrition, fitness, and aesthetics, the retreat combines detoxifying treatments, an anti-inflammatory diet and personal training sessions that come together in a packed itinerary of 13 services. Day one is about gathering data and diagnostics in order to analyze the body’s overall ability to detox and fight inflammation by measuring metabolic health, energy, immune health, total body water, and distribution of fat and muscle. You will also have a blood test to investigate the presence of heavy metals and micronutrients, and a face scan brutally predicts how you’ll age. The following days begin with a detoxifying breakfast, followed by a personal training session with in-house fitness expert Adonis and a slew of detoxifying treatments like a Chi Nei Tsang stomach massage, hydrafacial, infrared sauna, and a Longevity Path to Detox treatment that includes a salt bath, mud mask, and a powerful hosing down—a quick fix that works.
Discover Yoga Program at Zighy Bay, Oman
Available over three, five, and seven nights, Zighy Bay’s Discover Yoga retreat is fully focused on the synergy between the body and mind. The program consists of daily one-on-one yoga sessions with an expert teacher to ensure correct posture, push your limits, and explore the theory behind each individual asana. To accompany the movement sessions, there will also be guided pranayama to explore the benefits of yogic breathwork, meditation, and signature massages to soothe tired muscles. Suited to all experience levels, the program acts as the perfect initiation for those beginning a yoga journey and is a great refresher course for anyone returning to the practice. Zighy Bay appeared on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2025.
Family wellness retreats for children at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar
Answering the call for more education around physical and emotional wellness for children, Zulal Wellness Resort in Qatar has introduced three family-focused retreats aimed at arming kids with healthier habits. The Fit for Life program combines a workout schedule with a personalized nutrition plan to encourage a more positive relationship with food and fitness. The Thrive with Confidence itinerary is packed with confidence-boosting workshops that provide kids with the tools to overcome anxiety in social situations. Activities like games created to enhance social skills, role playing, and storytelling are combined with guided meditations, breathing exercises, and journaling sessions that give children the ability to thrive. A hot topic right now and one most parents struggle with is how to get kids away from their phones. The Digital Detox retreat encourages families to reconnect with the real world on guided hikes and nature walks, yoga and meditation, and creative pastimes like art and music therapy. There are dedicated digital-free zones throughout the resort where technology is banned, and parents will be taught how to create a balanced environment at home, away from social media and other digital distractions.
Barry’s x Beyond Wellness in AlUla, Saudi Arabia
This November, global fitness brand Barry’s will host a luxury wellness retreat in partnership with Dubai-based Beyond Wellness at Banyan Tree AlUla. Surrounded by ancient rock formations, the bootcamp will focus on Barry’s core workouts that take place throughout the weekend, fueled by a nutritionally balanced menu to ensure optimum performance. The retreat will also hold calming breathwork sessions, meditations, and sound healings to leave guests feeling fully relaxed and rejuvenated. The full itinerary is yet to be confirmed, but can be booked closer to the time online.
Fitness Program at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Let’s face it, keeping up with your fitness goals is tough. If you’ve let your gym routine slip, the fitness program at Six Senses Southern Dunes—located deep in the rolling desertscape of Saudi Arabia’s red-tinged desert—is designed to get you back on track. Don’t expect an aggressive bootcamp style schedule, this fitness retreat is about taking it at your own pace to remind you of all the positive aspects that working out can bring: a fitter body and healthier mind. Played out over three, five, and seven days, the schedule is an indulgent mix of spa treatments, wellness cuisine, and personal training sessions that will leave you fighting fit to return to reality.
Longevity & Renewal retreat, Rosewood Abu Dhabi
If looking for a quick wellness fix, check in to the Rosewood Abu Dhabi for a one-night Longevity & Renewal Retreat designed to create a pause for personal reflection and escape from city life. Located on Al Maryah Island, surrounded by the city and views of the Arabian Sea, the hotel is a peaceful bolthole in an ideal locale to retreat for a night of me-time away from the challenges of modern life. Beginning with a personal consultation with a health coach who will arm you with knowledge on how to live a more healthful lifestyle in a bid to improve your longevity overall, the program will be accompanied by a guided journaling session to allow you to set intentions and goals for the future. For physical wellness, a 60-minute longevity massage will set the tone for a peaceful night’s sleep, and come morning a 45-minute session of yoga and breathwork will leave you calm and able to face the challenges of a new day.
Snoopy Retreats, Fujairah
Snoopy Island in Fujairah acts as the backdrop to a three-day active retreat which focuses on bringing a community of like-minded people together to enjoy meditation, hiking, beach games, and Wim Hof Method ice bath and breathwork sessions. Taking place over various weekends across the year with guests staying at Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort, the retreat starts with a Friday evening meditation, followed by a welcoming circle and group dinner. Day two begins with a sunrise hike into the picturesque rugged Hajar mountains and commences with a day of rest and relaxation on the shores of the Indian Ocean, taking part in beach games and making new friends. On the third and final day, Bechara El Khoury, a certified level three instructor of the Wim Hof Method, will guide an early morning ice bath session, followed by a day of snorkeling and kayaking around Snoopy Island. The retreats take place throughout the year, check the website for upcoming dates.
The sleeping ritual, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeira Beach
Four Seasons’ hotels across the Middle East are entering 2025 with a definitive focus on helping guests to achieve great sleep, following the results of a Yougov survey that found only 19% of GCC respondents achieve the recommended eight hours of sleep, and 24% get less than six hours a night. At the Dubai resort, The Pearl Spa has introduced a number of experiences that can be booked onto an overnight stay, specially created to improve the sleep quality of its guests. The Sleeping Ritual begins with relaxing tea to calm the body and an accompanying foot bath, before a 40-minute back, shoulder, neck, and scalp massage kneads away any tension, stimulating the vagus nerve to reduce anxiety and instill harmony. For those who like to sleep outside, the Poolside Nap encompasses a 30-minute scalp and foot massage, blocking out light and sound with sleep mask and headset. Immersive in-room accessories include heady aromatherapy pillow sprays, CBD balm and bath salts, Therabody eye goggles, and a Morphee Sound and Meditation machine on-hand to further induce deep relaxation.
Kayan Wellness Festival
A three-day festival focusing on wellness and conscious living is coming to Abu Dhabi on January 31, bringing with it a line-up of inspiring international guest speakers and leaders in the wellness sphere, who will be hosting talks and workshops to educate on how to live life to the best of your ability through knowing how to be—and stay—well. Situated on Fahid Island, the festival will be populated by pavilions centred around pillars of wellbeing: biohacking, physical vitality, mental clarity, and inner peace among them. There will also be a Feel Good Market with pop-ups serving nourishing food, Tea House, Kids’ Hideout, and The Heart—a 360-degree stage where local talent will perform at the end of an interactive day of holistic wellbeing activities.
The speakers include renowned Indian yogi and spiritual leader, Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation who will be giving a special talk on inner engineering and the power of holistic wellbeing; biohacker, longevity expert, human biologist, and host of The Ultimate Human Podcast, Gary Brecka, who will educate on how to live a chemical-free lifestyle; multi-disciplinary physician and microbiome expert Zach Bush; Mo Gawdat, former CBO at Google X discussing how AI is reshaping happiness; and Dubai-based therapist and best-selling author Marisa Peer teaching the fundamentals of manifesting your best life, among others.
A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller Middle East..
Wellness Travel
Catalysing medical and wellness tourism for a healthier global future
“Heal in India: Catalysing medical and wellness tourism for a healthier global future” is a comprehensive thought leadership report developed by KPMG in India in collaboration with the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). This report outlines a strategic roadmap to position India as a premier global destination for medical tourism and wellness tourism, leveraging the country’s unique strengths in both modern healthcare and traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH).
India’s healthcare ecosystem is rapidly evolving, offering a compelling blend of clinical excellence, cost-effective treatments, and holistic wellness experiences. The report highlights how the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, a sub-brand of the Incredible India campaign, is designed to integrate these strengths into a seamless, patient-centric journey for international medical travelers. With over 1,700 NABH-accredited hospitals, 63 JCI-accredited institutions, and a growing network of AYUSH wellness centers, India is well-positioned to meet the rising global demand for affordable, high-quality healthcare.
Wellness Travel
Why Istanbul is becoming the ultimate luxury wellness escape
Over recent years Istanbul, the dazzling metropolis straddling Europe and Asia, has emerged as a global beacon for luxury wellness, where cutting-edge medical expertise meets cultural indulgence. For the discerning traveller seeking transformative self-care, the city offers a seamless blend of world-class cosmetic surgeries, opulent accommodations, and a vibrant lifestyle scene that caters to those with a taste for the extraordinary – and from rejuvenating treatments to curated experiences, Istanbul redefines wellness tourism with sophistication and allure.
The city’s allure lies in its ability to intertwine wellness with opulence. Affordable yet luxurious, it offers five-star experiences at a fraction of European prices, spanning everything from flights to fine dining. Not only that, but it’s also famous for its advanced healthcare sector and luxurious private facilities – and has made a name for itself as one of the top places in the world to visit for medical tourism, and in particular, hair transplant procedures.
Here, we take a closer look at why Istanbul is becoming irresistible to the luxury wellness traveller – and why you should add it to your 2025 trip list.
Where to stay
For the ultimate stay, the nearby Istanbul Marriott Hotel, a five-star haven boasting a state-of-the-art spa where guests can unwind with tailored massages and rejuvenating therapies, alongside a pristine tennis court for those who blend fitness with leisure, serves as the perfect base for a wellness-themed escape. Its modern, minimalistic design and panoramic city views make it a perfect retreat after a day of pampering, exploring Istanbul’s historic hammams, such as the opulent Çemberlitaş Hamamı, where centuries-old rituals cleanse body and soul in a setting of marble elegance.
Luxury experiences
For the luxury traveller, Istanbul is a destination where the senses are thoroughly indulged; a private yacht cruise along the Bosphorus offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, dotted with Ottoman palaces and modern mansions like the waterfront Sait Halim Pasha Mansion, a symbol of Istanbul’s grandeur. Dining at Michelin-starred Nicole, perched above the Bosphorus, where innovative Turkish cuisine meets global sophistication, or indulging in cocktails at The Roof at The Ritz-Carlton, a hotspot for the city’s elite, are both musts.
If you’re craving exclusivity, Nişantaşı’s high-end boutiques offer bespoke Turkish designs, from silk kaftans to artisanal jewellery, perfect for curating a polished wardrobe.
Medical tourism
The Istanbul Marriott works alongside two of the most famous cosmetic clinics in Europe: Dr. Serkan Aygin’s Clinic and Doku Medical. The Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic received the Best Hair Transplant in Europe award at the Paris Ritz Hotel in 2019, and is considered by far the best option for getting a hair transplant in Turkey. Doku Medical, which places a focus on dermatology, skin rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery, is its sister clinic, and a lush private facility offering a holistic approach to beauty and wellness that resonates with luxury seekers.
Nightlife and entertainment
Istanbul is becoming increasingly fashionable for its vibrant clubs and nightlife scene too, only comparable in energy and flamboyancy to Berlin or Barcelona. Socialites will find in the vibrant Taksim district a contemporary edge, with its queer-friendly bars and upscale cafes along Istiklal Avenue. Here, Istanbul’s progressive spirit shines, rooted in a history of fluid identities, and this cultural depth, paired with modern inclusivity, makes the city a welcoming haven for all.
Cultural heritage
Much has been discussed about the city’s cultural heritage. While Istanbul’s past is certainly dazzling, its modern art scene has nothing to envy of the New York’s MoMA or London’s Tate Modern. Curated experiences through the Pera Museum or the contemporary Istanbul Modern showcase Ottoman miniatures and avant-garde installations, guided by expert curators for a bespoke journey with these tours, often paired with private access to historic sites like the Topkapi Palace, certain to appeal to the cultured traveller who values rarity and refinement.
Food and drink
Istanbul is also amongst the main cities in Europe in the number of Michelin restaurants located within it. Beyond Nicole, Sunset Grill and Bar in Ulus serves up exquisite sushi and Turkish fusion dishes with panoramic views, and is frequented by the city’s elite – while for an intimate experience, book a table at Tugra, located in the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, where Ottoman-inspired cuisine is served in a setting of gilded opulence. These venues elevate Istanbul’s culinary scene to a global stage, and are more than enough reason to visit alone for self-confessed foodies.
Luxury shopping
Shopping aficionados will find in the Grand Bazaar’s hidden ateliers 100-year old Patek Philippe collections, among all sorts of other true wonders and unimaginable gems. In Bağdat Avenue’s designer boutiques, rivalling Bond Street for exclusivity, master artisans craft handwoven carpets worth tens of thousands.
The bottom line
Istanbul’s magic lies in its ability to cater to the sophisticated traveller’s every desire, from the serenity of a hammam to the thrill of a Bosphorus yacht. If you’re looking for a luxurious city break with a difference in 2025, then look no further, because it ticks all the boxes for a visit that is memorable for all the right reasons.
Wellness Travel
India’s New Strategy Promises To Revolutionize Medical And Wellness Tourism Worldwide
Friday, July 18, 2025
Dworked international medical and wellness is to become India’s calling card, as a new national strategy to raise the country’s status in global healthcare was unveiled. FHRAI, in association with KPMG in India, released a path-breaking report, “Heal in India: Catalysing Medical and Wellness Tourism for a Healthier Global Future”. The future of India as the world’s most preferred destination for MVT is reliant on its strategic approach, such as those outlined in this report, which was unveiled at the Heal in India 2025 Medical & Wellness Tourism Summit.
The summit opened with a welcoming speech from Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, emphasizing India’s robust competence to emerge as the leader of medical tourism. Representatives from the healthcare, wellness, tourism, and hospitality sectors participated. Mr. Billa underlined the need for cooperation between all players and said that India’s quest to become a global healthcare destination will be successful only if it connects hospitals, tourism service providers, and hospitality providers.
Healthcare Industry in India and Global Increase in Demand
India has been known for its prestigious health care centers for years, especially in Tier 1 cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. But “The new approach consists in taking such high-quality medical care to smaller cities, and the need of smaller towns for good healthcare looks promising, as this trend looks promising because in these smaller cities and regions too, international patients will find the same excellent health care that draws millions to the top-of-the-line hospitals. The biggest issue, says Mr. Billa, however, isn’t about increasing the size of the market; it’s about ensuring that growth in the sector has a real impact on the nation as well. That translates to driving GDP growth, generating employment, and enhancing forex inflows, along with establishing a reputation with overseas patients.
India has had international patients travelling from the United States, Canada, the UK, Bangladesh, and Iraq over the years, who have come down to the country due to the low-cost, high-quality health care it offers. The fresh figures indicate that more than 2 million medical travelers make their way to India every year, availing varying types of services such as complex surgeries, dental treatments, and traditional recovery therapies such as Ayurveda and Yoga.
Ayurveda and Wellness: The Healing Advantage of India’s Traditional Medicine
The “Heal in India” campaign likewise brings out India’s heritage in Ayurveda and wellness therapies. Dr. Manoj Nesari, a senior official at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, identified India’s centuries-old healing tradition as driving the interest in medical tourism to the country. In a world increasingly keen on alternative medicine, the country’s ancient healing traditions are coming more and more to be seen as viable and effective alternatives to Western cures.
There has been a growing effort by the government to make Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma more visible on the world map, of late.” These ancient treatments are becoming popular as people increasingly look for holistic and preventative treatments, making India the destination for wellness tourism. Combining Ayurveda and Yoga with modern medicine has made it a more attractive and holistic practice to those who are looking at techniques to promote healthy living and to offer remedies to people.
Releasing India: Unlocking the Potential of Our Medical and Wellness Tourism Industry
Besides bettering India’s medical quotient, the Heal in India initiative is concentrating on creating an ecosystem that interests global patients to come to the country for their treatment. As the article points out, India’s medical tourism market is projected to jump from $18.2 billion in 2025 to $58.2 billion in 2035, increasing at 12.3% each year. To achieve this growth, we will need the public and private sectors working together, investing in healthcare infrastructure, and nurturing the healthcare talent of the future, enabled by digital tools that make healthcare easier and more effective.
Apart from augmenting the healthcare infrastructure, the government is thinking of setting up specialised wellness clusters in states such as Kerala, which is known for its Ayurveda, and Maharashtra, which has multispecialty hospitals. These clusters will offer a single stop for the tourists to get their medical treatment as well as wellness therapies, ensuring that the treatment is complete in all respects.
World Core Protection Selling The Planet: Global Brands Go The Strategic Marketing Library
The report also gives several strategic suggestions, including having national and state-level ‘Heal in India’ missions to bring coordination of all efforts from all sides. The government also plans to use global branding campaigns via embassies, expos, and digital media to promote India as a top spot for medical and wellness tourism.
Additionally, with the adoption of technology, like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), there can be operational efficiency in healthcare and a superior patient experience. These tools will be part of what will help to foster trust, in which patients can access their medical records, make informed choices, and have virtual visits with their provider.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
But, buoyant as it India’s prospects may be, the country’s medical tourism industry has its headwinds. There is a fundamental issue, and that is around QA (Quality Assurance) & PS (Patient Safety) throughout the entire healthcare VC (Value Chain). The government will work to overcome these challenges by enhancing infrastructure, developing human resources to global standards, and introducing multilingual hospitality services to serve foreign tourists.
One member of the “Heal in India 2025 Summit” stressed that services need to be high-quality in order to meet international standards. India seeks to make for itself a brand on the foundation of clinical excellence coupled with compassion, not just medical therapies, but healing experiences that make patients feel valued and safe.
Conclusion: Emergence of India as a World Health Superpower
India is poised to become a global leader in medical and wellness tourism. With the rollout of the “Heal in India” initiative, the country has pledged to deliver holistic healthcare solutions that integrate modern clinical knowledge with traditional healing. With the growing demand in the world for cost-effective, high-quality, and holistic healthcare options, India’s status as a favourite destination for medical tourists will only expand.
Given adequate policy encouragement, infrastructure investment, and global engagement, India is to be the world’s healing capital. The ‘Heal in India’ is the first of its kind global healthcare diplomacy, redefining how health and wellness are experienced throughout the world, a confluence of the country’s rich medical history and innovative modern medicine and technology.
(Source: Government of India, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, FHRAI, KPMG India)
Tags: alternative medicine India, Ayurveda tourism, Bangalore, Delhi, Heal in India, healthcare in India, Healthcare Tourism, India, India medical tourism, India wellness destinations, kerala, maharashtra, medical tourism India, medical visas India, mumbai, Tier 1 cities, tier 2 cities, wellness tourism India
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