STRESS-BUSTING BREAKS

How two luxury Dubai hotels are offering wellness treatments that boost the immune system and promote relaxation in an era where health is wealth

- ALLYSON PORTEE

If there was ever a year defined by upheaval and stress, it was 2020. The pandemic hit every country and community and continues to take its toll in 2021, disrupting our personal and professional lives. Amid this turmoil, there are constants, and taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing — to boost the immune system, promote relaxation and prevent illness — is one of them. It’s more relevant today than ever before.

If you’re looking for a destination where following this strategy is made easy, Dubai could be the answer, offering some of the best R&R spots in the region.

Residents made the most of them as soon as lockdown restrictions were lifted, booking staycations and spa appointments at leading hotels and resorts in an effort to evade the stress of 2020. Demand for wellness programmes and immunity-boosting treatments rocketed as COVID-weary customers looked to recharge and re-set.

Time-honoured techniques

“With COVID there are many uncertainties, so many of our guests have been very stressed, which weakens their immune systems, so our massages and stretching therapies have been very useful,” confirms Maria D. Marques, Manager at The Guerlain Spa at The One&Only The Palm. “The stronger the immune system the better, as it can protect us from any virus.”