How to turn long-haul flights and layovers into a reset – and arrive feeling renewed

When facing long layovers or early departures, a revitalising massage, a quiet nap pod or a warm shower can mean arriving at the gate already feeling restored.

It’s a moment of calm that sets the tone – whether you’re hopping on a business trip or taking that long-awaited vacation to Europe or the Maldives. Emirates’ premium class lounges are designed to soothe the senses from the start, with its signature spa therapies – available only at its Dubai lounges – relaxation areas and wellness touches to help you transition from daily life into getaway mode.

Onboard, Emirates extends this philosophy of well-being into the cabin with wellness-led dining options, comfortable seating, mood lighting and amenity kits to encourage rest and self-care. It’s an experience designed to counter the stress usually associated with long-haul travel, allowing you to land feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever awaits.

Whether you’re seeking a gentle reset or a transformational escape, with Emirates you can ensure that the journey itself is part of the therapy – one that begins the moment you step into the airport.

A gentler start: Wellness touches in the airport lounges

When travelling with Emirates, it might be worth your while to check in early, so that you can enjoy the delights of its lounges. 

There are 41 around the world (seven alone in Dubai), each one designed to be the perfect place to have an indulgent shower to wash away the stress of the day, before sinking into a velvety chaise longue with a gourmet meal and your favourite tipple. 

In Dubai, start your relaxation at Timeless Spa, with its signature menu treatments and beauty therapies, tailored to your preferences using luxury Babor products. If you’re flying first class, some of these treatments will be complimentary.

Coffee connoisseurs can sip on a brew by the Barista Experience by Costa Coffee, while celebratory moments can be marked at the Champagne Experience by Moet & Chandon. Need to detox? The Health Hub can be your go-to with its range of nutritious snacks and fresh juices. 

Cabin comforts: Wellness continues in the sky 

Once seated in business or first class, you’ll find yourself ensconced in plush booths and suites, each designed to cocoon you in space, quiet and privacy. 

Don noise-cancelling headphones and snuggle into fully flat beds made up with soft blankets, cotton-lined duvets and generously-sized pillows so that you can slumber sweetly as the plane crosses time zones and continents. 

Dining in premium cabins allows you to enjoy regionally-inspired menus created by Emirates master chefs, which are refreshed monthly to ensure variety for frequent travellers. There are also fine champagnes, award-winning wines and vintage port to be enjoyed with your meals. 

On the A380, stretch your legs and take a walk to the onboard lounge situated at the rear of the business class cabin on the upper deck, for a range of delectable snacks, a fully stocked bar and booth seating.  

If rich fare is not to your liking, there are a plethora of wellness-led dining options onboard, such as lighter meals, gourmet vegan dishes, nutrient-rich ingredients and herb-infused beverages. Try a zucchini tart, some jackfruit biryani or a bowl of vegan mapo tofu. You can also opt for low-sodium, low-fat or low lactose meals.

Spa indulgence: Pampering rituals in the sky

Spoil yourself with mid-flight pampering, starting with the Bulgari amenity kit that’s stocked with a hairbrush, mirror and wheat straw toothbrush, lip balm, shaving foam and Bulgari fragrances. 

First class passengers get an additional kit from Byredo with facial toner, eye cream, chamomile sleep oil and pillow mist, which they can spray on their fluffy faux sheepskin blankets and soft mattresses. 

Upping the cosy factor for first class are the Hydra Active moisturising pyjamas, with matching slippers and eye mask, featuring hydra-active microcapsule technology that keeps skin hydrated during the flight. This patented technology uses microcapsules embedded in the fabric to gently release vitamin C and olive oil. 

Don them after a long, hot shower in the A380 onboard shower spa, using Voya shampoos, soaps and creams – and don’t be surprised if you find yourself sleeping deeply all the way to your destination. 

Smooth landing: Relax, recharge, reset

After you wake glowing and refreshed, disembark and hop into a chauffeur-driven car that will take you easily from airport to resort or business meeting, removing one more layer of stress from the journey. 

If you’re chasing deeper rejuvenation, think of your Emirates flight as the first stage of your restorative journey.

Plan for some serious R&R leveraging on the airline’s global network, which covers some of the world’s most relaxing destinations – think retreats in Germany’s heilbad spa towns, wellness resorts over the crystalline waters of the Maldives and desert sanctuaries in Dubai that blend modern luxury with ancient healing traditions. 

See how Emirates brings more calm and comfort into every premium class journey.