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Dubai to Become World's Top Spa Destination

by Josh Lew (RSS feed) on Aug 14th 2008 at 3:00PM

Besides being a destination for people who like designer boutiques, tall buildings and overpriced restaurants, Dubai is on its way to becoming the best place in the world to find the perfect spa experience. The spa industry is growing by nearly 20% per year. By 2010, it is projected that Dubai will surpass other destinations with a total of 15 million visitors at its spas.

Everyone (including former Mrs. Kid Rock Pamela Anderson) is trying to get in on the hotel boom that the emirate is currently experiencing. And what's a luxury hotel without a spa? Themed spas are virtually required for any glitzy new inn.

Yes, Dubai is theme-happy. They have built housing developments that resemble palm trees and world maps. Spas are not immune from this fad. A few examples: The Ritz-Carlton's Balinese spa, Shangri-La's Chinese themed Spa, an the Indian spa at the Taj Palace.

Dubai has a leg up on, say, Scottsdale, in terms of luxury. But that is probably because it has to. The whole emirate is a luxurious version of an adult DisneyWorld, complete with Formula One racing and shopping malls.

Would people still be flocking to Dubai if it didn't have all those over-the-top elements?

Filed under: United Arab, Hotels and Accommodations, Middle East

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

FJ Aug 15th 2008 8:11AM

The "Pam Anderson's" of the world, are the only people who can afford to go to Dubai and spend that kind of money on "spa's"

nzm Aug 15th 2008 9:53AM

Take care not to confuse Dubai with Abu Dhabi - that's like mixing up California and Texas.

Pam is building in Abu Dhabi and the F1 race is also to be held in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai is the glitzy, tacky next-door neighbour from which the capital emirate, Abu Dhabi, is now learning its tricks. Sadly, they don't appear to have learned from the mistakes.

Hotels all around the world are introducing the spa concept. Frankly, I'd rather go to a Maldives or Thailand spa than one in Dubai.