If you are not travelling this summer, there is no need to become a coach potato just because it is hot outside. This is your opportunity to grab some ‘me time’ and maybe even get a little fitter in the process. For inspiration, take a look at some of our favourite gyms, pools, beach clubs and spas.
Gym Bunny Heaven
Sheikh Hamdan Centre
Located on Emirates Road, Sheikh Hamdan Centre is one of the biggest multi-purpose facilities in the world. Hamdan gym offers Life Fitness exercise machines for all body types. The beauty about Life Fitness, one of the best brands in the industry, is that there are informative diagrams on all equipment to guide you. Gym supervisor, Mubarak Seiyadu, is also available to assist you. Priced at just Dhs 35 for an entire day’s access, and you will also have access to the sauna. Alternatively, you can register for a monthly membership for Dhs 300. Call 04-3062666 or visit www.hamdansc.com.
FitRepulik
FitRepulik at Dubai Sports City offer personal training options, so that whatever your goal, they’ll make you reach it. From a single 30 or 60-minute session to a season-long package, you can book the perfect personal training package for you - the bigger the package, the better the price. As well as one-to-one training, they offer group training for two to five people. Call 04-5561800 or visit www.fitrepublik.com.
Fitness First
With 23 clubs located around Dubai, there’s no excuse not to get in shape with Fitness First. Your first workout is on them, so try their dedicated Freestyle areas with fitness experts that can help you discover new training techniques and exercises that offer a dynamic and efficient full-body workout. Alternatively, have a go at yoga, spinning or circuit training. To find your nearest branch, visit www.uae.fitnessfirstme.com.
Fitness 360
Fitness 360 believes that being fit needs to be a lifestyle change and aims to do exactly that for every member. They offer state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, group exercise and classes. What’s more, if you join now you can enjoy 12 months for the price of 10. With seven branches spread across the UAE, there’s sure to be one near you. Call 800-5257 or visit www.fitness360.me.
Poolside Pampering
Dubai Ladies Club
Overlooking the golden sands of the Jumeirah coastline, Dubai Ladies Club offers you an escape to a unique sanctuary of tranquillity, relaxation and luxury. Sure to meet the needs of every woman, the club offers the Moroccan-inspired Al Asalla spa, fully-equipped fitness centre and swimming pools, private beach access, outdoor jogging tracks and sport courts. Make this your home away from home this summer. A day pass is priced at Dhs 175 (adults) and Dhs 65 (children) on weekdays or Dhs 200 (adults) and Dhs 75 (children) on weekends. This summer enjoy the Ultimate Daily Entrance package which includes beach and pool access, a 60-minute Al Asalla Spa Signature Massage, gym access and a fitness class for Dhs 550. Call 04-3499922 or visit www.dubailadiesclub.com.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Perched on the eastern crescent of Palm Jumeirah, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is a remarkable resort inspired by traditional Thai architecture in an Arabian setting. Unwind in one of three turquoise swimming lagoons, enjoy a session at the tennis courts or gym, or indulge in a choice of treatments at Anantara Spa. The summer rates for pool and beach access are Dhs 250 per adult and Dhs 100 per child aged 3 to 15 years. Call 04-5678888 or visit www.dubai-palm.anantara.com.
Conrad Hotel
Located in the heart of Dubai’s buzzing financial and shopping district, this hotel offers the ultimate escape within the city. On the 6th floor, Purobeach Urban Oasis is where you can relax on a white lounger near the calming blue water of the sparkling pool and take a peaceful nap in a private cocoon bed surrounded by beautifully landscaped lush gardens. Then as the sun sets, sip refreshing cocktails while listening to the sound of music playing into the evening. Purobeach is open Monday to Sunday, from 6am to 8pm. Day passes are priced at Dhs 125 on weekdays and Dhs 175 on weekends. Call 04-4447111 or visit www.conraddubai.com.
Fairmont The Palm
Fairmont The Palm invites you to spend a day filled with fun and relaxation, as you soak in beautiful views of the Dubai skyline with the Regular Pool & Beach Day Pass. Build a giant sandcastle on the white sand beach and splash around in any one of three outdoor pools. Day passes are available for Dhs 200 (adults) and Dhs 150 (children aged 3 to 12 years) on weekdays and Dhs 300 (adults) and Dhs 150 (children aged 3 to 12 years) on weekends. Rates include access to pools, beach, gym and changing rooms with lockers and showers. Call 04-4573388 or visit www.fairmont.com/palm-dubai.
Hit the Beach
Barasti Beach
If lazy beach days are your thing, there’s no better place to while away the hours than Barasti Beach, located at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Barasti offers the perfect mix of great music, delicious food and divine cocktails against the stunning backdrop of Dubai Marina. If you don’t want to leave when the sun goes down, that’s alright! Stay and party into the night with the world’s best DJs at the renowned Beach party nights. Open daily from 11am, beach access for Barasti Beach is complimentary. Call 04-3993333 or visit www.barastibeach.com.
Hilton JBR
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort in the heart of Dubai Marina offers a private beach, two pools, beautiful gardens and is close to an abundance of shopping, dining and entertainment. Why not book a weekend break or just spend the day enjoying the amazing facilities? This summer, a day pass is priced at Dhs 180 (adults) and Dhs 95 (child). Call 04-3991111.
Rixos The Palm
Situated at the end of The Palm Jumeirah’s crescent, Rixos The Palm Dubai offers a 360° view that spans the Arabian Gulf and the glittering skyline of the Dubai Marina. The day pass beach packages include ‘No Frills’ including beach and pool access, a sun lounger and a towel priced at Dhs 250 per person (weekends) and Dhs 175 (weekdays). Alternatively, for those recuperating from the night before, ‘The Cure’ package offers a Bloody Mary on arrival, a relaxing session in a private cabana by the pool or beach, 30-minute in-cabana massage and poolside burger for Dhs 500 per person based on two sharing. This is subject to 20% discount on weekdays (Sunday to Wednesday) and is available from now until 29th October, advance reservation is required. Call 04-457 5555.
RIVA Beach Club
RIVA has its own stretch of private beach with more than 300 luxury sun loungers and daybeds, all available on an à la carte basis for day hire. You can enjoy the beautiful sandy beach with friends and family hiring a personal sun lounger or daybed for the day, which includes all the facilities such as beach, pool, steam rooms and of course complimentary underground parking. Day passes are priced at Dhs 115 on weekdays and Dhs 190 on weekends. This summer, buy one ticket and get one ticket for free! Call 04-4309466 or email memberships@riva-beach.com.
Retreat to the spa
Armani Hotel
The Armani/Spa offers a fully tailored sensory experience. Find your inner stillness, liberate the body and free your mind this summer with a complimentary 30-minute hands-on attention when booking your favourite wrap, scrub, facial or massage treatment lasting 50 minutes or more. Retreat from the soaring outdoor heat and enter a world of personalised sensory experiences delivered by skilled therapists. This offer is valid until 31st August with prices starting from Dhs 520. Call 04-8883282 or email armanispa.dubai@armanihotels.com.
The Address Dubai Marina
The Address Dubai Marina invites you to try the Spa Summer Treat, an exclusive summer offer with 50% off all massages lasting 50 minutes or more followed by a refreshing dip in the infinity pool. Other promotions include the Aloe Vera Soothing Wrap that incorporates a relaxing head and foot massage, priced at Dhs 199; and the Zesty Summer Treat, offering a sparkling zesty lemon and tangy lime body scrub and cooling soufflé wrap, priced at Dhs 350. Call 04-4367777.
Sofitel The Palm
So Spa invites you to indulge in a luxury spa, with treatment rooms, therapeutic pools, a steam room, Hammam and outdoor cabanas for massages. Enjoy a 50-minute massage with afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge for two people for Dhs 599. Available Sunday to Thursday between 2pm and 6pm. Call 04-4556677.
Talise at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Talise Ottoman Spa invites you for a ‘daycation’ which includes a 45-minute Turkish Hammam or 45 minute Sultan massage, beach and pool access, spa facilities while your little one enjoys complimentary access to Sinbad’s Kids’ Club. It also includes an international set lunch at Sultan’s Lounge Private Dining Room. This is valid until 31st August between 9am and 9pm and is priced at Dhs 590 per person. Call 04-4530455/456 or email jzstalise@jumeirah.com.