You’ve booked your spa day in Dubai. The pool is warm, the scent of orange blossom is in the air, and you’re about to slip into that soft, fluffy robe. But then it hits you: what do you wear under your robe at a spa? It’s a question most people ask but few talk about openly. And in a place like Dubai-where luxury meets privacy-the answer matters more than you think.
Quick Takeaways
- You don’t need to wear anything under your robe-most spas provide disposable underwear or recommend going nude.
- Swimsuits are fine if you’re using the pool or hammam, but not ideal for body treatments.
- Dubai spas are private, professional, and respectful-no judgment, just comfort.
- Always check the spa’s policy before booking. Some high-end spots like Al Maha or Chedi have specific guidelines.
- Wearing underwear can interfere with treatments like body scrubs, wraps, or massage oils.
The Direct Answer
In most Dubai spas, you wear nothing under your robe. Seriously. The robe is your personal cocoon. You’ll be given a disposable paper panty or left completely bare, depending on the treatment. Therapists are trained professionals who treat your body like a temple-not a photo op. Privacy is built into every step, from private changing rooms to soundproof treatment suites.
What Happens in a Dubai Spa? The Full Picture
Dubai’s spas aren’t just about pampering-they’re about total sensory reset. Think marble floors, chilled cucumber water, and therapists who move like dancers. You’ll be guided through a ritual: shower first, then robe up, then enter a dimly lit room where the only sound is a gentle drumbeat.
Here’s how it flows:
- You arrive and are handed a robe, slippers, and a towel.
- You shower (yes, always) to remove sweat, oils, and sunscreen.
- You’re offered a choice: disposable cotton underwear or nothing at all.
- You enter the treatment room. The therapist knocks, waits for your signal, then closes the door.
- During massage or wrap treatments, you’re covered with towels-only the area being worked on is exposed.
- Afterward, you’re left alone to relax, sip herbal tea, and drift.
No one is staring. No one is judging. And if you’re worried about modesty? You’re not alone. Many first-timers feel the same way. But here’s the truth: spa therapists see hundreds of bodies every week. Yours isn’t unusual. It’s just another one that needs care.
Why Bare Is Better
Let’s get real. If you wear cotton underwear under your robe, it’ll soak up the oils, salts, and serums meant to heal your skin. A body scrub with coconut and sea salt? It won’t reach your skin if there’s fabric in the way. A hot stone massage? The heat won’t penetrate. A detox wrap? The clay won’t draw toxins if you’re wearing a thong.
Most spas in Dubai use premium products-think argan oil from Morocco, Dead Sea mud, and rose quartz-infused balms. These aren’t cheap. They’re meant to work directly on your skin. Wearing underwear defeats the whole point.
And yes, you’ll feel weird at first. But once you’re lying there, warm oil on your back, the therapist’s hands moving like waves, you’ll forget you ever cared.
What About Swimsuits?
Swimsuits are fine if you’re using the thermal pool, hammam, or hydrotherapy area. But once you’re in a treatment room? Forget it. Even the thinnest bikini top will get in the way of shoulder massages. And if you’re doing a full-body wrap? You’ll be asked to remove it.
Some spas, like the Spa at Burj Al Arab a world-renowned luxury spa offering holistic treatments with traditional Arabic and international therapies, provide silk-lined robes and disposable undergarments. Others, like Al Maha Spa a desert retreat offering private villa treatments with Bedouin-inspired rituals, encourage nudity as part of the natural, unfiltered experience.
What Do You Actually Get in Your Treatment Room?
When you walk into the treatment room, you’ll find:
- A heated massage table
- Stacks of warm towels
- Discreetly placed disposable paper panties (usually in a small box)
- A bell or button to signal if you need anything
- Soft lighting and calming music
Most therapists will ask: “Would you like to wear underwear, or would you prefer to go without?”
It’s not a trick question. It’s a gift. They’re giving you control. And most people choose nothing. Why? Because it’s the most relaxing option.
What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)
You don’t need to pack much. Here’s the bare minimum:
- Swimsuit (if using pools or hammam)
- Flip-flops (some spas provide them, but bring your own if you’re picky)
- A towel (if you prefer your own)
- Nothing else.
Leave your jewelry at the hotel. Leave your phone in the locker. Leave your insecurities at the door. This isn’t a fashion show. It’s a reset.
Spa Etiquette in Dubai: What You Need to Know
Dubai’s spas are private, quiet, and deeply respectful. Here’s how to behave:
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Punctuality matters.
- Turn off your phone. Seriously. Even if it’s on silent.
- Don’t talk during treatments unless asked. Let your body relax.
- Tip? Not required, but appreciated. A small gesture goes a long way.
- Don’t rush. Stay in the relaxation lounge for at least 30 minutes after your treatment. Your body needs time to absorb the benefits.
Comparison: What to Wear Under a Spa Robe in Dubai vs. Other Cities
| Location | Typical Undergarment | Therapist’s Preference | Privacy Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai (Luxury Spas) | None or disposable paper underwear | Strongly prefer bare skin | Extremely high-private rooms, no staff entry without permission |
| New York (Urban Spas) | Underwear or swimsuit | Acceptable, but not ideal | High, but shared relaxation areas common |
| Thailand (Traditional Spas) | Loose cotton shorts | Acceptable for cultural comfort | Moderate-some mixed-gender areas |
| Paris (High-End Spas) | None | Almost always bare | Very high-treatment rooms are soundproof sanctuaries |
What If You’re Still Nervous?
That’s okay. You’re not broken. You’re human. Here’s what works:
- Ask for a female therapist if that makes you more comfortable.
- Request a private changing room with a lock.
- Start with a facial or foot massage. Those don’t require full nudity.
- Book a “gentle introduction” package-some spas offer 30-minute sessions just to ease you in.
One guest at The Spa at Address Downtown a modern luxury spa in Dubai with Arabic-inspired treatments and panoramic views told us: “I came in wearing a sports bra and shorts. Left completely bare. Felt like I was reborn.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be naked during a massage in Dubai?
No, you don’t have to be completely naked. But most treatments work best without clothing. You’ll be covered with towels at all times-only the area being treated is exposed. If you’re uncomfortable, say so. Therapists are trained to adjust.
Can I wear my own underwear?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Most spas provide disposable paper underwear for hygiene and comfort. Wearing your own cotton or lace can interfere with treatments, trap oils, and reduce effectiveness. Plus, it’s one less thing to pack.
Are men and women treated together in Dubai spas?
No. Luxury spas in Dubai are gender-segregated. Changing rooms, pools, and treatment rooms are private. You’ll never share a space with someone of the opposite gender. Privacy is non-negotiable.
What if I get an erection during a massage?
It happens. More often than you think. Therapists are trained to ignore it. They’ll adjust the towel, keep the pressure light, and continue. It’s a natural physiological response to relaxation. No one will comment. No one will care.
Do I need to shave before a body treatment?
Not at all. Body scrubs and wraps work better on natural skin. Hair doesn’t interfere. Some people shave for comfort, but it’s not required. If you do, do it 24 hours before to avoid irritation.
Final Thought
At the end of the day, what you wear under your robe doesn’t matter. What matters is that you show up. That you let go. That you let the heat, the oils, the silence, and the skilled hands do their work.
Dubai’s spas aren’t about appearances. They’re about transformation. And sometimes, the most luxurious thing you can do is wear nothing at all.
February 21, 2026 AT 05:46
bro u just gotta go full nude its not that hard like u think u gonna get judged but nope everyone’s too busy chillin n relaxin