By Pascal Languillon, CEO Luxe Wellness Club
When we think of Dubai, we immediately think of dazzling modernity and futuristic hotels. Yet the Jumeirah Madinat, celebrating its 20th anniversary, embodies another facet of the city: that ofcharming, almost “historic”luxury. A veritable oasis on the water’s edge, where guests travel by boat between canals and gardens, this iconic hotel combines oriental authenticity and innovative well-being. Here, I tried out one of the city’s most ambitious wellness programs, combining attention to sleep, healthy nutrition, new-generation yoga, medical support and cutting-edge therapies. A complete and refined experience in a place that exudes serenity. Here’s my full story.
An oasis in the heart of Dubai
From the moment I arrived, I had the sensation of entering a world apart. Far from the hustle and bustle of Downtown’s skyscrapers and marina, the
The originality of the place is largely due to the possibility of moving around in abra, the small traditional boats that wind their way between the turquoise lagoons and connect the different parts of the complex. Gliding along the water, admiring the Arab-inspired architecture and breathing the air, which is a little fresher than in the rest of the city, gave me my first real sense of well-being.
This is undoubtedly the magic of the Madinat: the feeling of being able to breathe in a city where everything is often synonymous with speed and gigantism. Here, the pace is slower. You stroll, lose yourself in the narrow streets, contemplate the sand-colored facades. You feel like you’ re in an oasis, almost out of time.
The charm of Dar Al Masyaf’s rooms
I stayed in one of Dar Al Masyaf’s private villas, and more specifically in a Palm House Lagoon Room. The architecture and decoration plunged me straight into a refined oriental universe.
The room is spacious and bright, with large bay windows overlooking the lagoon. Carved woodwork, fabrics with Arabic motifs and touches of warm color create an authentic, almost fairy-tale atmosphere. But it’s the bathroom in particular that impressed me: finely-worked marble, deep bathtub, walk-in shower, and that attention to detail that’s everywhere, from the welcome products to the remarkably soft towels.
The bed, huge and absolutely comfortable, gave me a perfect night’s sleep. The
Healthy or unhealthy gastronomy to suit all tastes
The Madinat has many restaurants, but I chose to explore some very specific options. In one of the hotel’s lounge areas, a healthy menu is offered: balanced dishes, fresh juices, vegetarian options… An elegant way to stay true to a light diet, even on vacation.
I also had an interesting experience at the Greek restaurant. The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits, is celebrated here with generous olive oil, grilled vegetables and perfectly prepared fish. The flavors were there for all to enjoy, and I appreciated this nod to a cuisine that is both gourmet and good for the body.
The spa: tradition and innovation
While the Jumeirah Madinat’s architecture and palm-fringed canals are its first attraction, it was at the Talise Spa that I really got to grips with the resort’s wellness ambitions. Nestled in the heart of lush gardens, the spa opens like a secret sanctuary, almost out of time. Entered via bougainvillea-lined paths, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly disappears, replaced by birdsong and lapping fountains.
What strikes you as soon as you enter is the oriental charm of the premises: sand-colored walls, finely sculpted lanterns, flower-filled patios and peaceful pools. The spa has preserved the soul of the Madinat, that aesthetic inspired by Arab palaces, while combining it with discreet modernity. The treatment rooms, set in small villas surrounded by vegetation, offer a degree of intimacy rare for a complex of this size. Some overlook the canals directly, creating an almost meditative atmosphere even before the treatment begins.
The Talise Spa menu is particularly rich. It draws on both ancestral Middle Eastern rituals – hammams scented with argan oils, deep oriental massages – and practices from Asia, such as reflexology, shiatsu and ayurvedic massages.
What stood out for me was the spa’s willingness to offer innovative experiences, such as the LED mat yoga session I tried out. In an elegant room bathed in light, the connected mat lights up to guide each posture. This subtle technology adds an almost futuristic dimension to an age-old practice, and I found the experience both playful and deeply immersive.
Among the other treatments on offer, I noticed a particular interest in the detox and longevity programs, which combine lymphatic drainage, revitalizing massages and nutritional advice. The spa doesn’t just offer relaxing massages: it seeks to accompany each customer on a genuine journey of regeneration.
The spa also collaborates with partner doctors, such as Dr. Elie from Limitless Human, to integrate longevity into wellness programs. In this way, the Talise Spa does not stand alone: it is part of a global vision that includes the fitness center, nutrition and the Nova Clinic.
The Jumeirah Madinat’s fitness center is nothing short of impressive. State-of-the-art equipment, spacious areas, a motivating atmosphere: everything is designed to enable customers to maintain their fitness routines in the best possible conditions. It’s huge, and there’s even a snow room.
Meeting with Dr Elie Abirached from Limitless Human
During my stay at the Madinat, one of my most memorable encounters was with Dr. Elie Abirached, founder of Limitless Human. More than just a wellness consultant, he represents the vanguard of a holistic, ultra-personalized approach to health. Limitless Human doesn’t just offer one-off treatments: its ambition is to lead a profound and lasting transformation, combining diagnostics, cutting-edge technologies, personalized strategies and ongoing follow-up.
Our discussions were fascinating. Dr. Elie doesn’t just propose standardized protocols: he observes, listens and personalizes. We talked about nutrition, musculature and stress management. I felt a real passion for people and a rare expertise. This meeting left a lasting impression on me, as it illustrates Jumeirah Madinat’s determination to offer a genuine wellness approach that is both serious and based on science.
Dr. Elie also offers specialized protocols under the Peptide Optimization Protocol banner, which aim to act simultaneously on cell regeneration, inflammation control and metabolic optimization, and he can provide remote follow-up.
The Nova Clinic: cell regeneration treatments
Within this fitness center, the integration of NOVA Clinic is a real eye-catcher. This state-of-the-art health center offers advanced medical treatments. NOVA Clinic is renowned in Dubai as one of the most advanced aesthetic centers, combining classic aesthetic medicine with modern regenerative treatments. No longer content with superficial treatments, it boasts a holistic approach – “where aesthetics meets wellness” – incorporating cellular therapies, molecular-level treatments and protocols validated by the Emirates’ health authorities.
Its services include non-invasive procedures: skin care (LED, microneedling, laser resurfacing, etc.), rejuvenation treatments, IV (intravenous) therapy for revitalization, and even stem cell or exosome-based protocols, depending on local regulatory standards. Nova Clinic The idea is clear: act deep down, at cellular level, to produce lasting results beyond the immediate cosmetic effect.
There, I testedozone blood therapy, a technique that enriches the blood with ozone to stimulate oxygenation and boost the immune system (see my interview with Dr. Ruhi Cakir). The experience, both intriguing and invigorating, convinced me of the seriousness of the Jumeirah Madinat’s medical approach. I felt a heightened sense of energy for several days after the treatment.
Our feeling
Jumeirah Madinat is the charm of an oasis in the middle of the urban desert, where you can travel by boat as if in a dream. The comfort of a sumptuous room, the elegance of a marble bathroom, the serenity of an enchanting spa. It’s also the innovation of preventive and regenerative medicine, embodied by passionate experts like Dr. Elie Abirached and the NOVA Clinic teams. The hotel has become a wellness destination in its own right, offering what is arguably the most seductive package in Dubai today.
Book your stay at Jumeirah Madinat
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Rates : From 300 USD per night in low season, more than double in high season. Additional wellness programs. Contact us for a Luxe Wellness Club offer.
Contact us by phone to discuss your holiday plans:
- from France on + 33 1 85 73 22 14
- from Switzerland: +41 22 501 75 16
- from the Emirates: +971 54 583 1623
- from the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652
- from the UK: +44 20 4577 3258
