In the UAE, summer is the time of year when we collectively slow down. School's out, the events calendar is quiet, and vacations and staycations are on the cards. This means it's the perfect time to concentrate on your personal well-being.
If you're serious about taking some well-needed time to improve your health and recharge, then a dedicated retreat is the way to go. With that in mind, we round up some of the luxury wellness retreats that are accessible within a seven-hour flight.
1. Zoya Health and Wellbeing Resort, UAE
Location: Al Zorah, a green district in the emirate of Ajman
Journey: About a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi or a one-hour drive from Dubai
Zoya Health and Wellbeing Resort made its way to the UAE in April 2022, shaking up the wellness scene. The purpose-built resort is the first of its kind in the country and offers modern luxury accommodation combined with traditional and contemporary treatments for both day visitors and overnight guests. Not only is it a great option for local residents to retreat from city life, but it is also on the radar of international travellers.
State-of-the-art facilities include fitness studios, yoga pavilions, a comprehensive spa while personalised wellness programmes focus on detoxification, weight management and stress relief. Each is supported with customised meal plans crafted by expert chefs and nutritionists. Guests can enjoy various fitness and outdoor activities, including cycling and yoga, while a dedicated team of wellness consultants, therapists and trainers provide personalised guidance and support, ensuring a tailored and effective wellness journey.
Treatments to try: The Wellness Getaway experience ranges between one and 14 nights and includes a doctor consultation, oxygen therapy, a water relaxation bed, full use of the resort’s facilities, a stay in a deluxe room, and all meals. Optional add-ons include a complete body check-up, a comprehensive health assessment, a full body scan, and optional genetic testing that will offer insights into nutrition, fitness, and general health.
www.zoyawellbeing.com
2. Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan
Location: Sweimeh village in southern Jordan Valley
Journey: A three-hour flight to Amman followed by approximated one-hour drive
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in Jordan is a luxurious wellness retreat that focuses on rejuvenation and relaxation. Located on the shores of the Dead Sea at 434 metres below sea level, the hotel offers direct access to the mineral-rich waters, renowned for their therapeutic properties – the stunning views are a bonus, too. The Ishtar Spa by Resense features a range of treatments designed to promote physical and mental well-being. Guests can indulge in Dead Sea mud wraps, salt scrubs and hydrotherapy sessions, all aimed at detoxification and skin revitalisation. The hotel's serene environment is enhanced by its infinity pools, lush gardens and exquisite architecture inspired by Babylonian design.
Upon checking in, guests are provided with personalised wellness programs to cater to their individual health goals. These can include physical and mental activities such as yoga and meditation, as well as spa treatments.
Treatments to try: The Dead Sea Escape features a 30-minute Dead Sea mud treatment followed by a luxurious 45-minute Arabian massage for an experience of total physical restoration and skin rejuvenation.
www.kempinski.com
3. Raffles Udaipur, India
Location: Udaipur is a city in the north-western state of Rajasthan
Journey: A three-hour, 30-minute flight to Delhi, followed by a one-hour, 15-minute domestic flight to Maharana Pratap Airport, and finally a 20-minute drive to the resort
Raffles Udaipur is a signature Raffles resort set against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills and overlooking the waters of Udai Sagar Lake. This opulent retreat combines the grandeur of Rajasthani architecture with contemporary wellness practices, with many guests travelling from far afield to experience the hotel's well-being offerings.
Guests can indulge in bespoke wellness experiences curated to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. The retreat offers a comprehensive range of holistic treatments, including yoga, meditation, Ayurveda treatments and personalised wellness consultations. Each guest's journey is tailored to their needs, blending ancient healing traditions with modern techniques.
The wellness facilities at Raffles Udaipur include luxurious spa suites, hydrotherapy pools and serene outdoor spaces for yoga and meditation. Wellness cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients complements the holistic approach, promoting nourishment and vitality from within, too.
Treatments to try: Guests can consider The World of Wellness package, which includes a lifestyle consultation by Raffles Udaipur’s Wellbeing Head, suggested spa treatments, a sensorial menu based on your body type, sunset meditation and breath work, sound and carnelian crystal therapy, a trek to a 400-year-old temple and more.
www.raffles.com
4. Ananda In The Himalayas, India
Location: At the foothills of the Himalayas, the city of Rishikesh is in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand
Journey: A four-hour flight to New Delhi, followed by a one-hour domestic flight to Dehradun and a short drive
Ananda In The Himalayas is a luxury spa resort set within the foothills of the famous mountain range, and is located on the estate of a former Indian prince. The destination is steeped in history and mythology, making it an ideal location for those wanting make time for some more traditional tourism exploration during their trip.
But as far as its retreat offering goes, this luxurious destination offers a unique blend of traditional Indian wellness practices and modern amenities. Guests can indulge in personalised Ayurvedic therapies and yoga and meditation sessions, all designed to complement one another for both physical and mental restoration. The retreat also features international spa treatments, including Tibetan Ku Nye massage and reflexology. The peaceful setting, overlooking the Ganges River and lush forests, provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and self-discovery. Ananda's comprehensive wellness programs focus on detoxification, weight management and stress relief, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a transformative and restorative experience.
Treatments to try: Customised Ayurvedic therapy treatments such as Abhyanga (oil massage), Shirodhara (oil pouring on the forehead), and Panchakarma (detoxification) are a must-try. The daily sessions of Hatha yoga, meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) standout here, too.
www.anandaspa.com
5. Amanzoe, Greece
Location: Kranidi is a small town in Argolis, part of the Peloponnese peninsula located at the southern tip of the mainland
Journey: About a five-hour flight to Athens and a 2.5-hour drive from the Greek capital
Amanzoe, part of the Aman Resorts chain, is nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Aegean Sea. The resort blends ancient Greek architecture with modern minimalism, offering a serene sanctuary for rejuvenation. Emphasising holistic wellness through bespoke treatments, Amanzoe offers personalised fitness programmes and nutritious cuisine. Guests can indulge in yoga and meditation sessions amidst olive groves or unwind in the expansive spa featuring private pavilions, hydrotherapy pools and panoramic views.
Here, Aman's global wellness ambassador – the Russian former world No 1 tennis player, Maria Sharapova – has crafted an eponymous retreat package for guests to indulge in, with the next one taking place between September 23-26. The programme aims to tackle "all aspects of resilience" from mindfulness challenges to testing outdoor feats, wrapped up with group dining experiences, restorative therapies, and, naturally, a spot of tennis. Experiences will include a pranayama breathwork and sound bath session, candle-gazing meditation, yoga and more.
Treatments to try: If visiting Amanzoe's spa, be sure to try two of its exclusive treatments: Cellgym and MesoJet. The first aims to mimic the results of Intermittent Hypoxia/Hyperoxia Training, which usually results from exercising in high-altitude environments. This provides the lungs with oxygen-rich and oxygen-reduced air, which supposedly encourages energy production and encourages the body's cells to endure physical challenges better.
MesoJet, meanwhile, incorporates sub-dermal infusions of anti-ageing compounds with skin-tightening radio frequencies to enhance the skin texture and complexion with instant results.
www.aman.com
6. Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand
Location: Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, located in the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula
Journey: A six-hour, 30-minute flight to Bangkok, followed by a short domestic flight to Koh Samui
Kamalaya Koh Samui integrates holistic medicine and ancient local healing traditions to provide a restorative experience. Nestled amidst lush greenery and cascading streams, Kamalaya offers a range of wellness programmes tailored to individual needs. These programmes fall under five pillars: healthy lifestyle, detox and reset, stress and burnout, cultivating heart, body and spirit, and finally, longevity and regeneration. These include packages that look at "sleep enhancement" or "embracing change."
Guests can participate in yoga, Pilates, personal training and aqua aerobics, enhancing physical fitness and mental clarity, while the retreat’s comprehensive spa menu features traditional Thai massage, Ayurvedic therapies and customised treatments using natural ingredients to rejuvenate the body and mind. Nutritional guidance and healthy, delicious cuisine further support guests on their wellness journey.
Treatments to try: For something more rooted in the spiritual, the Embracing Change & Emotional Harmony programme includes working with a wellness consultant, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and a life-enhancing mentor to get practical guidance, as well as receive energy healing treatments.
www.kamalaya.com
7. RAKxa Integrative Wellness Retreat, Thailand
Location: Bang Krachao island, known locally as the green lungs of Bangkok
Journey: A six-hour, 30-minute flight to Bangkok plus a 40-minute drive from Bangkok Airport
RAKxa Integrative Wellness Retreat brings together the latest in medical understanding and technology with traditional, time-tested health and healing treatments.
A personalised wellness package could include a range treatments such as chakra balancing energy healing, which is said to restore the flow of energy through to body, and 60 minutes within a hyperbaric chamber, which promotes lung health by feeding more oxygen to the lungs owing to a higher air pressure, which can stimulate stem cell growth which enables the body to heal.
The resort is nestled within lush greenery and overlooks a lake beside the Chao Phraya River, making it a beautiful spot in Bangkok to experience, too.
Treatments to try: RAKxa’s VitalLife Scientific Wellness Centre sets it apart from other wellness retreats in the region. VitaLife’s treatment packages offer unparalleled scientific insight into your health, helping to craft a deeply personalised approach to your stay.
www.rakxawellness.com
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Results
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If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
RESULTS
6.30pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner Canvassed, Par Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
7.05pm Meydan Cup – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,810m
Winner Dubai Future, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Mouheeb, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
8.15pm Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
9.50pm Meydan Classic – Conditions (TB) $$50,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Topper Bill, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
9.25pm Dubai Sprint – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Man Of Promise, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
Meatless Days
Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
Penguin
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Fixtures
Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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SQUADS
Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Asghar, Bilal Asif, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz
Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Gamage
Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG) and Nigel Llong (ENG)
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
ICC match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 20: 11am to 7pm - Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival and Para jiu-jitsu.
Sunday, April 21: 11am to 6pm - Abu Dhabi World Youth (female) Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Monday, April 22: 11am to 6pm - Abu Dhabi World Youth (male) Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Tuesday, April 23: 11am-6pm Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Wednesday, April 24: 11am-6pm Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Thursday, April 25: 11am-5pm Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Friday, April 26: 3pm to 6pm Finals of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Saturday, April 27: 4pm and 8pm awards ceremony.
Kamindu Mendis bio
Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis
Born: September 30, 1998
Age: 20 years and 26 days
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team
Batting style: Left-hander
Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
CHELSEA SQUAD
Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Rudiger, Christensen, Silva, Chalobah, Sarr, Azpilicueta, James, Kenedy, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Pulisic, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Havertz, Lukaku.
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How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
