Massage therapy has lots of benefits for the body and mind. It’s the best solution for relaxing the mind, lowering stress hormones, and relieving muscle pain. If you’re looking for the best massage therapy offering all the services your body is looking for, you can find all of them and more in the best massage centers in Dubai.
Things to Know Before Visiting a Massage Center in Dubai
Don’t be stressed about finding the best massage center in Dubai. The goal of this activity, after all, is to de-stress and relax. If this is your first time hunting for massage treatments and spa services in the city, here’s everything you need to know before you book your appointment in a massage center in Dubai.
What are Massage Centers?
If you haven’t been to one, massage centers are special establishments that offer professional massage services and other wellness activities. Aside from massage therapy, many massage centers today also provide spa treatments and fitness exercises.
Who Can Enter Massage Centers in Dubai?
Visitor entry depends on the policy and services of a massage center in Dubai. There are massage centers that are adult-oriented and don’t allow the entry of children. In other news, there are family-friendly massage centers that don’t just allow children but also offer relaxing services to them.
Considering health restrictions, massage centers in Dubai allow the entry of pregnant women, people of determination, and other visitors with mild health conditions, such as asthma or mild stroke. However, for visitors with underlying or severe health conditions affecting their muscles and bones, it’s best to consult with a doctor first.
Are Massage Centers Safe
Massage centers and similar establishments in Dubai get permission from the local government to operate. And to get this permission, they need proof that they’re housing professionals and offering legitimate services. The Dubai Health Authority is the department responsible for licensing massage therapists across Dubai and inspecting medical facilities, massage centers, and medical spas.
COVID-19 Restrictions
Massage centers and other similar establishments in Dubai are still on a skeletal operation since they offer services with close contact. Some massage centers were shut down by the local government, especially those offering a body to body massage in Dubai, while others are still operating.
Operating massage centers in Dubai follow special health and safety measures to combat COVID-19. Business operators are required by the World Health Organization (WHO) and local authorities to ensure social distancing among guests, sanitize equipment (especially massage beds and chairs), conduct temperature checks for staff and guests, and promote contactless payments. They may also provide new working hours based on local curfews and protocols.
Visitors, too, are required to follow individual safety protocols. Visitors should wear face masks inside the establishment, avoid physical contact among other visitors, and submit basic personal information for contact tracing purposes.
All these COVID-19 protocols are still subject to change daily, weekly, or monthly. The local and the national government could release amended safety protocols in the future as the pandemic progresses and new solutions arise.
When is the Best Time to Visit a Massage Center in Dubai
The best time to visit a massage center in Dubai is during the weekends, after a full busy week. Keep in mind, however, that weekends and evenings are peak hours. Massage centers require higher rates and attract many visitors during peak hours. Regardless of your preferred time and date, the best time really depends on the condition of your body. The best time is when you both need and want a massage in Dubai.
How Long Should a Massage Be?
Massage centers in Dubai typically offer massage services lasting from 50 minutes to 1 and a half hours. This range can already provide an effective full-body treatment. If relaxation is what you’re after, get a 50-minute to 60-minute massage. If you want to get a massage for pain relief, you can go for massage sessions lasting 80 to 90 minutes.
Where to Look for Massage Centers in Dubai?
Dubai is a good retreat place if you need a little pampering or full-body therapy. You can find a selection of treatments anywhere in the city, but here are some of the best districts and areas to get a massage in Dubai.
Jumeirah
Jumeirah is a man-made coastal district in Dubai. It carries the best beaches and resorts of the city, as well as some leisure centers. You’ll mostly find luxury massage centers in Jumeirah.
Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is a large multipurpose road in the city. It’s a popular tourist destination housing the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Given its popularity, you can find many Dubai massage spa establishments in this area.
Deira
Deira, the historic commercial district of Dubai, saw a lot of changes in the past decades. And one of them is the rise of leisure establishments in the district. If you look for a massage center in Deira, you can easily find it.
Preparation Tips and Booking Procedures
Now that you know that Dubai is one of the best places to get the relaxation you need, let’s head to the actual preparations and procedures involved in visiting a massage center in Dubai.
How to Get to the Best Massage Centers in Dubai
Navigating the city to look for leisure activities and massage centers is just a walk in the park. If you want to relax in Dubai and get immediate stress or pain relief, you can easily head to the districts mentioned.
How to Get to Jumeirah
Jumeirah sits on the Persian Gulf coast of Dubai. Travelers with private or rented vehicles can easily reach Jumeirah approximately 15 minutes through Al Ain – Dubai Road/E66 or Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11.
If you want to commute, city buses can directly take you to Jumeirah and its surrounding areas. Take buses 8, C10, X28, depending on your location. If you want to take the metro, take the Red Line and alight at the World Trade Centre Metro Station. From there, you can walk or hire a cab to reach Jumeirah Center.
How to Get to Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is a busy road in the heart of the city. Travelers with private or rented vehicles can easily reach the district from the city center through Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 in approximately 15 minutes.
If you want to commute, city buses can take you to Downtown Dubai and its surrounding areas. Take buses 21, 98E, and F11, depending on your location. If you want to take the metro, ride the Red Line to the Emirates Towers Metro Station. From there, you can take a 9-minute walk to reach Downtown Dubai.
How to Get to Deira
Deira is the former commercial district of Dubai, near the city center. Travelers with private or rented vehicles can easily reach the neighborhood from the city center through Abu Baker Al Siddique Rd in approximately 12 minutes.
If you want to commute, city buses can take you to Deira and its surrounding areas. Take buses 27, C10, C15, and X28, depending on your location. If you want to take the metro, ride the Red Line to the Deira City Centre Metro Station or Oud Metha Metro Station. From there, you can take a 9-minute to 30-minute walk to reach Deira.
What are the Things Visitors Need to Prepare?
Massage centers are relaxation establishments where you can just sit or lie on your back and have the treatment you need. Given this, you don’t have to prepare much before your first massage in Dubai. Just make sure that you feel and look comfortable.
Clothing
Depending on your treatment, the massage therapist will most likely apply oil to your skin. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that you can easily remove and wear again, even with oil, before and after the massage.
Food and Drinks
You’re not allowed to eat during the massage session, but you can drink water or the complimentary drink (e.g., tea) before or after the massage. It’s best to eat a light meal before the treatment.
Is Pre-Booking Necessary?
It’s best to pre-book to schedule your visit, avoid queues, and score a discount. Popular massage centers in Dubai are usually packed with visitors, so pick your preferred time and date at least a day before.
What are the Best Massage Centers in Dubai?
Like tourist attractions, massage centers also stand on every corner of the city. Whether you’re looking for a luxury massage therapy or a body to body massage in Dubai, this list got you covered.
Timeless Spa is a 2020 Travelers’ Choice recipient, courtesy of their outstanding massage and spa treatments for the body, nail, and face. This makes them one of the best leisure brands in the UAE. Their signature massages include Swedish massage, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, De-Stress Back massage, and reflexology.
Rates: starts at 333.33 AED (90.76 USD)
Timing: 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Location: Airport Rd Dubai International Airport Hotel 5th Flr, Dubai 35566 United Arab Emirates
Another massage center in Dubai with a 2020 Travelers’ Choice award, Naturalife Spa has been offering premium spa and massage services since 2008. Their signature massage treatments include Swedish massage, Royal Ottoman massage, Sports massage, and Hot Stone massage. Aside from massages, another bestseller is their traditional Turkish Hamman (bath) service.
Rates: starts at 299 AED (81.41 USD)
Timing: 9:00 PM to 10.00 PM
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, The Walk Dubai 643660, United Arab Emirates
Sofitel Spa has multiple branches in Dubai, but its Downtown Dubai branch recently bagged the 2020 Travelers’ Choice award due to its excellent service and massage treatments. Sofitel Spa is a Dubai massage spa establishment offering pampering packages with a full-body massage, body scrub, and access to indoor wellness facilities, such as pools and baths.
Swissotel hotel offers a massage center in Deira, Dubai. The establishment has eight treatment rooms with one couple suite offering a range of spa treatments such as full-body massage, facial, and body scrub.
Rates: starts at 650 AED (176.96 USD)
Timing: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Sunday to Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Thursday to Saturday
Location: Omar Bin Al Khattab Road Deira, Dubai 185051 United Arab Emirates
Tao Spa is a Dubai massage spa center offering custom, signature, luxury, and specialized massage services. Some of their signature massage treatments include reflexology, face lifting massage, Indian head massage, Balinese massage, Thai massage, and Amethyst stone massage.
Rates: starts at 90 AED (24.50 USD)
Timing: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Saturday to Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Thursday to Friday
Soul Wellness & Spa is another recipient of the 2020 Travelers’ Choice award. They don’t just offer massage treatments done in private luxury rooms; they also have gyms and pools. Some of Soul Wellness & Spa’s signature massage services include Thai massage, Swedish massage, and free-style deep-tissue massage.
Rates: starts at 275 AED 74.87 USD)
Timing: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
Location: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai, 3 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Mandara Spa is one of the most exclusive and luxurious Dubai massage spa centers in the heart of the city. The brand has branches all over the world—in Tokyo, Honolulu, Kuala Lumpur, Cairo, and the Bahamas. Its Dubai branch is inside the Sheraton Grand Hotel, offering signature massage treatments done by professional Balinese therapists in private treatment rooms and couple suites.
Rates: starts at 350 AED (95.29 USD)
Timing: 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM daily
Location: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai, 3 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Final Tips for First-Time Visitors Getting a Massage in Dubai
We’ve already mentioned what to do and what to wear before getting your first massage in Dubai. But in case this is your very first time experiencing this type of relaxation service, we recommend communicating with your assigned massage therapist during the session to relay your preferences and needs. During the session, relax your body and mind and breathe carefully.
What to do After Visiting a Massage Center in Dubai
After a relaxing massage in Dubai, don’t miss the chance to try other leisure activities in the city. Unwind at beaches, waterparks, or resorts in Dubai. If you prefer indoor leisure activities, try some of Dubai’s best luxury and technologically advanced cinemas.
