By now it’s common knowledge, or at least all over our Instagram feeds, that having an ice bath by submerging your body in a tub of ice cubes is good for you.
Madonna and Lady Gaga are among those who regularly practice plunging themselves in sub-zero bathtubs.
And of course, anything that’s good enough for the A-list is readily available across Dubai, we’ve rounded up the best places to have an ice bath in Dubai.
Azure Beach
Azure Beach, located at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, is now offering a complimentary ice bath experience to all its guests. Submerge into the chilled tub after a grueling workout or bike ride.
From Dhs200. Daily, 10am-8pm. Azure Beach, Rixos Premium Dubai JBR (052 777 9472)
Breasy
Located at Five Palm Resort and Fairmont on West Beach Palm Jumeirah, Breasy has only just launched in 2024, and its weekly classes are already in high demand. There is plenty of services to add on to your ice bath too from breathwork sessions to tutorials on how to master Sadhu nail boards.
From Dhs125. Open daily from 9am-6pm and weekends from 7am-6pm. West beach Palm Jumeirah, Fairmont and Five Palm resorts (058 256 1918)
Chill Dipper Community at Reform Social & Grill
Open to all, including beginners, this Saturday morning session includes a HIIT workout to get the heart rate going and warmed up before you jump into the ice to cool down. You’ll be reassured every step of the way, with support from experienced personal trainer Mason McDonald and the @chilldippercommunity to help you through it.
Dhs100. Every Sat 9am-10.30am. Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes (05 8590 4971).
Contrast
You can head to Contrast to take a plunge in chilling waters. The wellness hub also has an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna which are perfect to warm up after an icy dip. If you really want to go all out with a wellness day vitamin IV drips and massages can also be booked in. Bring on self-care.
From Dhs95. Open daily 7.30am-9.30am. Golden Mile 6, Palm Jumeirah contrast-wellness.com.
Cool Out! Breath In!
Set up by long time Dubai resident and life coach Benoit Demeulemeester, Cool Out! Breath In! puts on a weekly schedule of ice baths at various locations including Kite Beach and Al Manara. Benoit creates a sense of community around his submersion experiences, including dinner or tea and coffee as part of his sessions. With a focus on breathing exercises, these sessions are revitalising experiences.
From Dhs150. Visit his Instagram page for the schedule @cooloutbreahtin (050 881 8735).
Excellency Center
This rehabilitation centre in Downtown Dubai offers an ice bath experience when you book in advance. For Dhs120 you will have access to a bathtub full of ice, while the expert talks you through the process.
On Sundays, breathing coach and true ice queen (move over Elsa) Elisabeth Bohler talks you through the benefits of the practice before guiding you through the 3-minute immersion in 0-degree water. Gentle yet firm, Elisabeth’s approach (including an affirming mantra) help even the most sceptic participant get through the process.
Dhs120, daily (pre-booking required). Excellency Center, Building B201, The Opus by Omniyat, Al A’amal St, Business Bay (044 53 3377).
ReFIVE Spa
Head to FIVE’s Palm Jumeirah spa and you’ll get a one-on-one ice bath experience for Dhs125. The treatment includes up to 15 minutes of submersion in the bathtub of water (set between 6-7 degrees, so not technically an ice bath, but still cold enough) and a guided deep breathing exercise while you’re in the water.
Dhs125 (per session), ReFIVE Spa, Five Palm Jumeirah (04 455 9964).
What is ice bath therapy?
Used by both athletes and those looking to cultivate a mind-over-matter type practice in their lives, ice bath therapy is the practice of completely submerging the body in a bathtub full of ice. Thought to have several benefits for the body, professional athletes use them post-event and as part of their training programme.
The history of ice baths
Though popularised on Instagram (Joe Wicks we’re looking at you), the cold has been used therapeutically for over 5,000 years, used in ancient medicine to treat fevers, swelling and bleeding.
In the 15th century, physician John Floyer wrote an enquiry into the medicinal properties of cold baths. And since then they have become standard practice for athletes, during both training and rehabilitation.
Why is are ice baths beneficial?
Easing aching muscles and reducing inflammation is probably what ice is most commonly associated with, but spending time in sub-zero temperatures is also thought to boost your central nervous system. Stimulating your body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system can mean improved reactions to stress, a better mood and improved sleep quality.
Aside from the physical benefits of the ice, the practice has meditative principles that mean you’re left feeling centred and empowered – if you can sit in a bath of ice cubes for three minutes, the uncomfortable parts of daily life don’t seem so bad anymore.
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