BysairaWELLBEINGSeptember, 2026

ESCAPE FOR A DAY WITH SPA POOL AND LUNCH

Three Indulgent Day Retreat Packages from Heavenly Spa by Westin.

Now that we’re back in the (hectic) routine, we can’t help but be tempted by a little break. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina has launched a series of day retreats combining spa time, poolside lounging and lunch, giving us a very good excuse to switch off and recharge without leaving the city.

Offering three very tempting packages, it all depends on what you prefer. Think a sun-soaked day by the pool or something a little more restorative, with each option including access to the resort’s beach and pools, time at the spa and a two-course à la carte lunch at either Mare by Bussola or Fish Beach Taverna.

Feeling exhausted, I asked a friend to join me and we both opted for the Rejuvenation Reset, essentially a full day dedicated to switching off and recharging. I arrived at 9am and started with a quick workout at the gym before making my way to the jacuzzi.

Next up was a 45-minute Swedish massage, with just the right amount of pressure to work through the knots and tension without feeling too intense. My therapist spent extra time on the areas that needed it most, particularly my shoulders and upper back, where I tend to hold the most tension. I followed it with some time in the steam room and sauna, and by the time I left the spa I felt lighter, looser and properly relaxed.

Ready for lunch, we walked over to Fish Beach Taverna, a long-time favourite for its relaxed holiday vibe. With its whitewashed setting, cobbled pathways and tables overlooking the water, it has all the charm of a Turkish coastal escape.

The generous portions made it easy to share the two-course meal. We started with the marinated octopus, served with cucumber pickle, peppers, green olives and a lemon olive oil dressing. Tangy and full of flavour, it was followed by the Paros Garidas, juicy shrimp with peppers, dill and a light lemon and olive oil sauce that we happily scooped up with the homemade bread.

For mains, the grilled sea bass was the standout. Perfectly cooked, it came with sautéed potatoes and a crisp fennel and red cabbage salad. We also tried the Trakya Satir Kofte, a generous serving of minced lamb and beef kofte with onion and sumac salad and warm lavash.

After a very satisfying, lazy lunch, there was nowhere we needed to be, so we headed straight to the pool and stayed there for the rest of the afternoon. A sunset swim rounded off the day before a quick shower and the drive home. We left feeling suitably refreshed and already planning our next visit.

THE PACKAGES