Beyond the treadmills: New cool fitness venues pop up in UAE
The buzz and commitment when it comes to wellness is as loud in 2023, as it was last year. And this year around, it seems that all players have agreed to not only join hands in making health and fitness a priority but also get innovative as they create spaces offering experiences, memberships, facilities, and more.
“Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, and many of its residents and visitors are health-conscious and prioritise staying active while on holiday, or whilst on a staycation, or simply enjoying the city. Additionally, the city has a strong tourism industry and attracts a large number of business travellers, who may want to maintain their fitness routines while away from home. As a result, hotels in Dubai have responded by investing in state-of-the-art fitness facilities to meet the demand from guests,” said Walid Khayata, recreation manager, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai.
Fitness is a priority in the hospitality industry
“The city’s hot climate and preference for activities such as swimming, running, and cycling make it a desirable destination for fitness enthusiasts. We aim to offer guests the utmost comfort and relaxation whilst staying with us, and with this fitness is extremely important. With this, we continually seek to evolve and enhance our sports and recreational facilities to allow guests to completely unwind and enjoy their favorite activities in a luxurious setting,” added Walid.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai launched two all-new padel tennis courts, serving as a perfect spot to pick up a new hobby or enjoy a wholesome, competitive game with friends and family.
“Many hotels are realizing that guests are interested and very committed to staying active, which is why you can find fitness facilities offering on-site classes, running trails, and other fitness-focused amenities,” said Yuliya Dyugay, Spa Manager, Ciel Spa, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Downtown district.
Various players investing in state-of-the-art fitness facilities
“Fitness used to be seen as a very solitary activity, but over the years we’ve seen an uptake in a group activity such as unique fitness classes; with padel gaining popularity and more of a communal approach to wellness, letting everyone no matter their proclivity to participate in some form of exercise,” said Fadi El Khatib, CEO, and Founder, Champs Sports & Fitness Club, Festival Plaza, Jebel Ali.
“We expect to see an increase in the number ofdestinations offeringg specializedd fitness programs,suc h ass personalizedd yoga and pilates classes, tailored training sessions, and bespoke fitness classes. We will see more and more destinations offering al-fresco fitness options, such as running and cycling trails, swimming pools, and tennis courts, as well as padel courts such as ours,” added Walid.
Interestingly, AURA Skypool Lounge, the world’s highest 360° infinity pool, Palm Tower, is now available to everyone through a digital space created in the Metaverse. Guests can host their Meta yoga class, take a selfie overlooking the pool’s breathtaking views, enjoy lifetime complimentary access, and more. This is in addition to enjoying the facility for a leisurely swim or relaxing in the lounge.
