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Dubai Tourism has certified The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel as a five-star wellness resort
The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel has been officially recognised as a five-star wellness resort by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism).
The property received the new classification, following a number of site visits by authorities.
The Rayya Wellness Centre, housed within the retreat offers a variety of packages for relaxation or rejuvenation, plus a dedicated Rayya Fitness Centre, Rayya Spa and Rayya Kids’ Club.
Situated along Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent, the resort comprises 255 rooms and suites, and four dining venues serving healthy cuisine. The hotel also recently launched Rayya Nutri, a healthy meal plan delivery service prepared by the onsite wellness chefs.
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Speaking about the new certification, Dubai Tourism’s executive director of the Tourism Activities and Classification Sector Khalid Saeed Bin Touq said: “We’re 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
“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.”
Accor cluster general manager Samir Arora said: “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 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.”
Despite the UAE’s evident suitability as a wellness destination, with emirates including alcohol-free Sharjah and mountainous Ras Al Khaimah offering healthy outdoor activities, world-renowned wellness resorts have been lacking in the UAE’s hospitality offering.
To attend programmes at retreats by leading wellness brands, such as Hyatt-owned Miraval, Sha, Chenot and La Prairie, GCC consumers have had to travel overseas. But the landscape is changing.
This year saw the launch of Qatar’s Zulal Wellness Resort operated in association with Thailand’s world-famous Chiva Som. In the UAE, Ajman-based Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort opened.
With strong management, a high-quality product, promotion and favourable word-of-mouth reputation, these retreats could find their place on the global wellness map and keep GCC-based consumers within domestic markets, while attracting international wellness seekers to the region.
For more information, visit www.theretreatpalmdubai.com