You’ve booked your luxury spa day in Dubai. You’ve picked the perfect treatment-maybe a hot stone massage or a gold leaf facial. You’ve even chosen the resort: Armani Spa, Al Maha, or the iconic Waldorf Astoria. But as you’re getting ready, one question pops up: What do I wear under my robe at the spa? It’s a simple question, but it’s the one that makes people second-guess their whole spa experience.
The short answer? You don’t need to wear anything at all. Most luxury spas in Dubai expect you to go bare underneath your robe. But let’s break this down properly-because what you do (or don’t do) under that robe affects your comfort, your treatment, and how relaxed you actually feel.
Why This Question Matters More Than You Think
Spa robes in Dubai aren’t just fluffy towels with sleeves. They’re part of a ritual. They’re designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a private sanctuary where rules are gentle, expectations are clear, and your comfort is the top priority. But if you’re sitting there wondering whether you should wear underwear, a swimsuit, or nothing at all, you’re not relaxing-you’re stressing.
And here’s the truth: the better you understand what’s expected, the more you’ll enjoy your treatment. No awkward adjustments. No worrying about visible lines. No fear of the therapist walking in. Just pure, uninterrupted calm.
What’s Actually Expected Under the Robe?
In Dubai’s top-tier spas, the standard is simple: you’ll be asked to undress completely before your treatment. You’ll be given a robe to wear while walking to and from the treatment room. Once you’re inside, the therapist will close the door, dim the lights, and leave you to get settled on the table under a warm towel.
Here’s how it works step by step:
- You arrive in your robe, tied loosely.
- You’re guided to a private room with a massage table.
- The therapist says, “Take your time. I’ll be back in a moment.”
- You remove your robe and lie down, covered only by the provided towel.
- The therapist returns, lifts the towel only where needed, and begins the treatment.
That’s it. No swimsuits. No underwear. No bras. Nothing. Just you, the warmth of the room, and the sound of gentle music.
Why Going Naked Is the Norm (and Why It’s Better)
You might be thinking: “But what if I’m self-conscious?” You’re not alone. Many first-timers feel this way. But here’s what you need to know: therapists in Dubai’s luxury spas are professionals. They’ve seen it all. They’re trained to treat your body with respect, not judgment.
Wearing anything underneath can actually hurt your experience. Here’s why:
- Swimsuits leave marks-elastic bands, straps, and seams can dig into your skin, leaving red lines that ruin the smoothness of your post-treatment glow.
- Underwear gets in the way-if you’re getting a back massage, a thong or bikini bottom can press into your skin. For a full-body treatment, it’s just extra fabric you don’t need.
- It disrupts the flow-therapists work with oil, heat, and pressure. Anything under the towel can interfere with technique, especially during deep tissue or hot stone work.
- It’s not hygienic-many spas use disposable paper underwear if you insist on coverage. But these are thin, uncomfortable, and often shift during treatment.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t wear socks during a foot massage, right? Same logic applies everywhere else.
What If I’m Not Comfortable With That?
That’s completely okay. You’re not required to do anything that makes you uneasy. Most spas in Dubai offer a compromise: disposable paper underwear. They’re lightweight, biodegradable, and designed to be worn under the towel during treatments. You can ask for them when you check in.
Some spas also offer optional coverage for certain treatments-like a cotton brief for men during body scrubs or a soft cotton top for women during back treatments. It’s not the norm, but it’s available if you ask.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until you’re on the table to bring this up. Tell the receptionist when you check in. That way, they can prepare everything quietly and make sure you feel supported.
What About the Locker Room? What Should I Bring?
Here’s what you actually need to pack for your spa day in Dubai:
- A change of clothes for after your treatment (they’ll have robes and slippers, but you’ll want your own outfit for leaving).
- A towel if you prefer your own (though most spas provide premium ones).
- Flip-flops for walking around (the floors can be cold or wet).
- A small bag for your phone, wallet, and jewelry.
Leave your regular underwear, swimsuits, and bras at home. You won’t need them. And if you’re worried about modesty, remember: the locker rooms are gender-segregated, private, and quiet. No one is watching. No one is judging. You’re here to unwind.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
When you enter the treatment room, you’ll notice the temperature is warm-around 28°C, perfect for muscle relaxation. The lights are low. The scent of lavender or sandalwood lingers in the air. A soft towel is draped over the table.
When the therapist leaves you alone, you’ll have a minute to get comfortable. Lie down. Breathe. Cover yourself with the towel. When they return, they’ll ask if you’re ready. They’ll never rush you. And they’ll always leave the room while you undress or redress.
During the treatment, only the area being worked on will be uncovered. The rest stays tucked under the towel. It’s called “draping,” and it’s a professional standard you’ll find in every high-end spa worldwide.
Spa Robe Etiquette in Dubai: Do’s and Don’ts
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for behaving like a pro in Dubai’s luxury spas:
- Do arrive 15 minutes early to use the steam room or pool.
- Do shower before your treatment-most spas require it.
- Do turn off your phone. Seriously. No one wants to hear your Zoom call during a massage.
- Don’t wear perfume or heavy lotions. They interfere with oils used in treatments.
- Don’t wear jewelry. Even a simple necklace can get caught or leave marks.
- Don’t try to wear your own robe. Spas provide custom ones-thicker, warmer, and designed for the environment.
Comparison: What You Can Wear vs. What You Should Wear
| Option | Pros | Cons | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing (bare skin) | Best for treatment effectiveness, no marks, maximum relaxation | May feel uncomfortable at first if you’re self-conscious | Yes - the standard in luxury spas |
| Disposable paper underwear | Provides minimal coverage, hygienic, available on request | Can shift during treatment, not as comfortable as you’d think | Yes - if you need it |
| Swimsuit | Familiar, feels safe | Leaves visible lines, blocks oil absorption, interferes with massage | No - avoid unless it’s a poolside treatment |
| Underwear or bra | Feels normal | Creates pressure points, restricts circulation, uncomfortable under towel | No - not recommended |
| Your own robe | Familiar comfort | Spas provide superior robes-yours won’t match the environment | No - leave it at home |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be naked during my massage?
You don’t have to be completely naked, but you will be uncovered during the treatment-only the area being worked on will be exposed. Most people choose to remove all clothing for the best results. If you’re uncomfortable, ask for disposable paper underwear. It’s normal to request this.
What if I get an erection during a massage?
It happens. More often than you think. It’s a natural physical response to relaxation and touch-not sexual. Therapists are trained to ignore it. They’ll continue the treatment normally, and you should too. Just breathe. It’s not a big deal. No one will say anything.
Can I wear my own towel instead of the one they give me?
You can bring your own towel, but most luxury spas in Dubai use thick, heated towels designed for treatments. They’re warmer, softer, and more absorbent than regular towels. You’ll probably prefer theirs.
Is it okay to talk during the massage?
You can talk if you want to, but most people find silence helps them relax deeper. If you need to tell the therapist about pressure, temperature, or discomfort, speak up. That’s what they’re there for. But if you’re quiet, they’ll assume you’re enjoying it.
Do I need to tip at luxury spas in Dubai?
Tipping isn’t required, but it’s appreciated. Most guests leave 10-15% if they had a great experience. Some spas include a service charge-check your bill. If in doubt, a small gift card or a thank-you note means just as much.
Final Thought: This Is Your Time
Dubai’s spas aren’t just about pampering-they’re about releasing control. Letting go. Trusting the process. The robe is your armor. The towel is your safety blanket. And underneath? You’re free. No expectations. No judgments. Just you, your breath, and the quiet hum of the city outside.
So next time you slip into that robe, don’t worry about what’s underneath. Worry about what’s inside. Because that’s what this day is really for.
January 21, 2026 AT 14:00
Let's cut through the fluff-the standard in luxury spas is dermal exposure during treatments. Any fabric between skin and therapist's hands creates impedance in thermal transfer and oleophobic absorption. Paper briefs are a Band-Aid solution for the aesthetically insecure. You're paying for neuromuscular decompression, not modesty theater.
Therapists aren't voyeurs-they're biomechanical engineers. The draping protocol exists for clinical efficacy, not moral comfort. If you're flinching at nudity, you're not ready for somatic therapy.
Period.