Dubai, the city that turns the impossible into a postcard, has once again outdone itself and surprised us. Therme Dubai, the world’s tallest high-rise spa project, is not just a wellness resort, it is a statement of principle. Due to open in 2028 and with a budget of just over €192 million, the 45-storey colossus promises to be a sanctuary of relaxation that “emerges from the lake of a revitalised Zabeel Park” in the city centre – a lake that does not exist today – like a collection of “botanical islands stacked into a tower”.
Verticality as a symbol of power
It is well known that wellness is associated today, perhaps more than ever, with closeness to nature. Therme Dubai, however, opts for the opposite: to rise above it. Designed by the architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, known for its avant-garde spirit, the resort defies gravity as much as it defies curiosity: why build a spa in the heights when the desert and the sea are at our feet, within reach of anyone? The answer is simple: because Dubai can.
Verticality is not just an architectural resource, it is also a symbol of power. In a city where skyscrapers are the norm, Therme Dubai stands as a reminder that even relaxation and wellness can be found high in the sky, in a spa suspended hundreds of metres above the ground.
Avant-garde aesthetics and organic design
When viewed from the outside, Therme Dubai’s building is characterised by its transparent, curved façades. Step inside, and the same facades let in natural light and offer panoramic views of the city and the sea. Incidentally, the open-plan interiors flow seamlessly. And its structure combines avant-garde aesthetics with organic forms. And of course, in this gravity-defying design, there is no shortage of thermal pools, a profusion of tropical gardens and waterfalls. On the other hand, the verticality of the project is not only a technical challenge, but also a central element of its architectural identity.
Wellness for a global public
As we can see, Therme Dubai is not just any spa. It is a spa designed for a global clientele seeking exclusive experiences. And one of the aspects of the project is its commitment to sustainability. According to its developers, Therme Dubai will use solar energy and water recycling systems to minimise the environmental impact of its operation. This will undoubtedly satisfy the visitors and tourists tempted by the project, which promises to elevate them “above the concerns of everyday urban life”, seeking luxury with an ecological conscience.
Essence of a city
Like everything Dubai produces, Therme Dubai is a project that will not go unnoticed. Not just because of its colossal scale or architectural ambition, but because it responds to the very essence of a city that makes the extraordinary the norm. Dubai doesn’t build buildings; it builds statements. And Therme Dubai is one of them: a high-rise spa, “an oasis in the sky” that defies convention and gives new meaning to the idea of wellness in the 21st century.
If you want to see more, we encourage you to enter the video that Real Image Production made for the Roads & Transport Authority of Dubai:
Sources: Diller Scofidio + Renfro Architects, Gulf News, Connector, Scene Now.
Images: Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
