Tourism Breaking News
The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel has been officially recognized as a five-star wellness resort by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism).
The region’s first wellbeing resort receives the new classification, following a number of site visits to identify all classification and licensing procedures. Situated along Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent, the resort offers 255 rooms and design-led suites as well as four dining options which showcase an array of healthy cuisine. The world’s first Rayya Wellness Centre housed within the property offers a variety of all-inclusive retreat packages that have been expertly designed for relaxation and rejuvenation to improve mind, body and spirit. The wellbeing resort also features a dedicated Rayya Fitness Centre, esco Rayya Spa and Rayya Kids Club.
The hotel also recently launched Rayya Nutri, a comprehensive range of healthy meal plans developed by the team. Rayya Nutri meals are offered via delivery and come with a list of ingredients, alongside the nutritional facts of each dish.
Khalid Saeed Bin Touq, Executive Director, Tourism Activities and Classification Sector, Dubai Tourism, commented: “We are delighted to officially present the first wellness hotel certification to The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel.
“The demand for wellness tourism continues to increase as more travellers become mindful of their health and well-being. Dubai continually strives to further enhance its position as a global wellness destination with its distinctive attributes being the most modern world class infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance one’s wellbeing, and a diverse group of experts and practitioners from across the globe, in addition to ensuring that the highest standards of health and safety measures are in place across sectors in line with international practices. There are currently similar developments underway in Dubai and we look forward to seeing more businesses getting on board the active wellness movement in the city and help further accelerate momentum across the industry.”
Samir Arora, cluster general manager, commented: “The Retreat Palm Dubai is honoured to be officially named as the first and so far, only five-star wellness resort in the UAE. With a dedicated in-house wellness team, our distinct range of personalised retreats, healthy meal options, and wellbeing products set us apart from all the hotels and resorts not just in Dubai, but across the region.”
He added: “We believe that Dubai has a great potential to be recognised as a wellness destination. Our goal is to be a trailblazer in integrating wellness and hospitality, and to make it our mission to put Dubai in the global wellness map.”
Mohamed Al Mheiri, Director of Health Tourism Department at Dubai Health Authority, said: “Dubai is the top Arab destination for medical tourism and sixth globally based on the International Medical Tourism Index in 2020. It offers travellers safe, reliable, and innovative services that can help improve their health and, consequently, the quality of their lives along with various tourism options.
“Dubai has a strategic location, modern medical facilities, and an outstanding network of health professionals, making the city an ideal international wellness tourism hub. The Retreat Palm Dubai’s unique offerings fittingly embody how health, wellness, tourism, and hospitality work in harmony.”
Sumair Tariq, managing director, R Hotels, said: “R Hotels congratulates Samir and his team at The Retreat Palm Dubai for securing the five-star classification and for being recognised as a pioneer wellness resort in the UAE. With the ever-increasing number of hospitality developments in the region, it is crucial to create a product that truly stands out from the rest. The group has allocated ample time for research, resources, and investments, and has partnered with trusted brands to bring this project to fruition.”
Currently, The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel offers bespoke wellness retreats, which include pre-arrival consultation with a lead coach and a pre-arrival detox nutrition assessment for a personalized menu during the stay. Guests are welcomed with an aroma and colour therapy, that comes with an energy bracelet. The retreats are also comprised of signature treatments from Rayya Wellness; curated nutritious meals and detox juices; private sessions including tailor-made wellbeing and fitness activities like yoga and meditation classes; night-care sleep rituals; and access to the hotel’s health amenities including the gym, sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi, cold plunge pool, and oxygen therapy facilities.
On top of its in-house wellness products and services, The Retreat Palm Dubai also partnered with American Aesthetic Center Dubai to open a branch within the property. The premium aesthetic clinic will offer patients with the most advanced and innovative techniques for both surgical and non-surgical treatments like hair transplant, skin care procedures, and more.
The hotel also teamed up with Meraki Wellbeing Center, and Emotional Wellness Clinic to present more options to the guests. Meraki Wellbeing Center offers non-invasive, effective, and powerful result-oriented solutions based on holistic approaches involving the mind and body. Some of its services include meditation and yoga classes, healing therapies, transformational coaching, and more. Emotional Wellness Clinic, headed by Dr Balu Pitchiah, MBBS, MRCPsych, MBA (Oxon), specializes in mental health, emotional wellbeing, and behavioural health aspects of people across all age groups. The clinic addresses an individual’s needs through high-quality medical services including diagnostic assessments, treatment recommendations, and specialist psychological counselling.
