You’ve definitely heard of yoga retreats, wellness getaways, and spa weekends. But have you come across the latest trend in the healthy lifestyle world – a Darkness retreat? This unique experience is a little mystery, very spiritual and totally different from the typical self-care holiday. And it’s expected to be one of the biggest trends to hit the deck this 2025. Come with me, and I’ll tell you everything you need to know, including if you can find the experience in Dubai.

Also read: Predictions For UAE’s 2026 Public Holidays – How Many Long Weekends Will There Be?

So, What Exactly Is A Darkness Retreat?

Imagine a place where you spend several days in complete and total darkness. That means no phones, no sunlight, no distractions. Sounds intense? That’s kind of the point. Darkness retreats actually have deep roots in Tibetan Buddhism and the ancient Bön tradition. Originally designed for advanced spiritual seekers, these retreats involve spending extended time in pitch-black rooms under the guidance of a spiritual teacher. The goal is to reconnect with your inner self, block out external noise (literally), and tap into a much deeper state of awareness.

What Happens In A Darkness Retreat?

You’ll be in a quiet, completely dark space, almost like a cave or crypt. It’s silent, still, and free from the outside world. This is where guests voluntarily spend time – from a few days to over a week – hoping to free their minds and gain a new perspective on life.

Are There Even Any Benefits From Doing This?

It wouldn’t be a spiritual journey if there were no benefits. Darkness retreats may sound a little out there, but there are actually a lot you can gain from this experience:

• Relief from SAD: People with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) often find comfort in total darkness, as it can reset their natural body rhythms and help lift low moods.
• Sharper Focus: Without the usual visual and audio distractions, your brain can tune in more clearly to what really matters.
• Less Stress, Less Anxiety: No buzzing phones, no social media, no pressure. Just quiet time for your mind and body to truly relax.
• A Creativity Boost: Some people believe the calm, blank-slate feeling of the dark inspires fresh ideas and out-of-the-box thinking.
• Deep Mindfulness: Being alone with your thoughts can lead to powerful emotional insights and better self-understanding.
• A Chance to Go Deeper Spiritually: Some who try darkness retreats experience altered states of consciousness, leading to what they describe as life-changing revelations.
• Better Sleep: Being in full darkness helps your body produce melatonin, which is key for regulating healthy sleep cycles.
• Emotional Processing: With no distractions, you may finally face and work through emotions or experiences you’ve been avoiding.

And that’s just to name a few

Somethings To Keep In Mind

But as powerful as they sound, darkness retreats aren’t an ‘end-all solution’. Here’s what you should know before getting into things:

• Not a Replacement for Therapy: While this can be healing experience, darkness retreats are not a substitute for professional mental health support.
• It Can Get Intense: Spending so much time in silence and darkness can bring up boredom, anxiety, or tough emotions. It’s all part of the process, but it’s good to know what you’re getting into before you start.

Why Has This Become A New Trend?

What might have started as a niche spiritual practice is now making waves in the mainstream wellness world. During the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, industry experts spotlighted darkness retreats as a top trend to watch in 2025. As more people look for deeper, more meaningful ways to rest and reset, there’s a clear shift away from screen-heavy, stimulation-packed vacations. Instead, travellers are craving for more simplicity in life. Think nature walks, quiet reflection, creative workshops, or tech-free rooms with no Wi-Fi or TVs. And don’t you think darkness retreats fit right into this new mindset? They offer full disconnection and a chance to truly unwind.

So, Does Dubai Have A Darkness Retreat For Us To Experience?

I wouldn’t say the answer to this question is ‘No’, I’d say the answer is – not yet. As of today, there are no official darkness retreats in Dubai or the UAE that offer the full, authentic experience. But with how quickly wellness trends take off here, it’s only a matter of time before we see Dubai go beyond darkness retreats and open a full blown darkness sanctuary!

Would You Give It A Try?

So, what do you think? Could you handle total darkness for days in a row? Would you embrace the silence or run straight for the light switch? If you’re someone who enjoys meaningful self-reflection or is curious about spiritual practices, a darkness retreat might be right up your alley.