The UAE is a land of bold contrasts: shimmering skylines and endless sand dunes, air-conditioned luxury and blazing desert heat. For many of us living in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the climate alone can feel like a daily challenge—especially during the hotter months when temperatures soar above 40°C.

But the physical heat isn’t the only thing affecting our well-being. The combination of high temperatures, overstimulation, and relentless productivity can leave your nervous system in a constant state of overdrive. The result? Irritability, fatigue, burnout, and even sleep disturbances.

The good news is that you don’t need to escape the city or wait for winter to feel better. With the right tools, you can regulate your nervous system and reclaim your sense of calm—no matter how hot it gets outside.

Whether you're a longtime local or a newly arrived expat, the pace of life in the UAE can be exhilarating — and occasionally overwhelming. With the skyline constantly evolving and new opportunities around every corner, it's easy to get swept up in productivity and forget to pause.

If you're craving stillness, serenity, or just a moment to exhale, Abu Dhabi offers a number of beautiful hidden gems and intentional spaces where wellness can be experienced, not just talked about.

In a fast-paced world, wellness practices that promote deep relaxation, clarity, and emotional balance are becoming more sought after than ever—especially in dynamic regions like the United Arab Emirates. One modality making waves across Abu Dhabi and Dubai is sound healing: a practice rooted in ancient wisdom that’s now gaining modern recognition.

Whether you're new to sound healing or curious why it's becoming popular in the Emirates, this guide will introduce you to its origins, how it works, and why it's worth experiencing firsthand.

Relocating to a new country is both exciting and disorienting. After spending 21 years in Los Angeles, I recently made the move to the Emirates to bring Altha’s signature wellness experiences to the Middle East. When I first arrived, I hadn’t yet decided whether to settle in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. While I appreciated Dubai’s fast-paced, entrepreneurial energy, I ultimately felt more aligned with the cultural richness and more relaxed rhythm of Abu Dhabi.

The logistics of settling in have been overwhelming: applying for licenses, setting up a new home, traveling with my dog Zen, navigating cultural differences, and rebuilding community from scratch.

In the midst of this transition, I’ve leaned on the very tools I share with others through Altha — sound healing, breathwork, and therapeutic hypnosis — to stay grounded, centered, and at peace.

Some places shape you. Others call you forward.

For the past 21 years, Los Angeles has been my home—a city of endless sunrises over the Pacific, spontaneous beach walks in Marina del Rey, and the boundless energy of creativity and entrepreneurship. It’s where I built my career, healed my body, and discovered my true calling in hypnotherapy and sound healing.

But some journeys whisper to you before you even realize you're ready. And now, it's time for a new adventure—one that leads me to the Middle East, a region pulsing with innovation, luxury wellness, and infinite possibility.

After two months of packing, planning, and preparing for my next chapter in the Middle East, I knew I needed a moment to pause, reset, and breathe. I’ve learned to listen to those signs—and this time, they pointed me to Uruguay.

National Sleep Week wrapped up in the best way possible—an evening of deep relaxation, sound healing, and shopping at Lunya’s Melrose Bedroom. In collaboration with Hatch and Lunya, we hosted a 45-minute Hypno-Sound bath led by certified clinical hypnotherapist and Altha founder, Letizia. It was designed to guide guests into a restful state and set the stage for quality sleep.

This past week, we had the opportunity to be part of TikTok Shop’s Bloom and Create event at the stunning Casa Del Mar hotel in Santa Monica. With over 250 creators in attendance, the event focused on education, inspiration, and connection, equipping TikTok’s creator community with tools to expand their reach and creativity. As part of this initiative, we were honored to lead a Hypno-Sound Bath to help set the tone for the day; fostering clarity, focus, and presence.

Stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalances have become all too common in our world today. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a holistic approach to healing, reminding us that the mind, body, and spirit are deeply interconnected. Ear acupuncture, or auricular therapy, is one of the most impactful yet often overlooked modalities within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). When combined with the vibrational power of Hypno-Sound Therapy, it creates an incredibly restorative experience. At our recent event, guests experienced this unique fusion of healing techniques, designed to activate the vagus nerve, reset the parasympathetic nervous system, and release physical and emotional blockages. Read on to learn how this powerful practice unfolded:

Nature has long been recognized as a source of renewal for both the body and mind. Spending time outdoors, listening to natural sounds, and engaging with the elements can regulate the nervous system and promote overall well-being. Whether it’s through grounding practices, exposure to natural light, or even visualizing nature in meditation, connecting with the natural world can support our healing on multiple levels.

Here at Altha we believe in the power of sound as a catalyst for healing and transformation. The Mantra Sound Experience: Morning Raagas at Moss in Venice was a reflection of this philosophy, bringing together music, mindfulness, and intentional healing to set a balanced and inspiring tone for the new year. Guided by The Bala Boys (Sriram and Ganesh) and our own Letizia Silvestri, this event offered participants an immersive experience to align and heal their mind, body, and soul.

When PEAQ Wellness first announced its launch in the summer of 2024, we knew it was the beginning of something truly special. As the first social wellness club in the Middle East, PEAQ is more than just a gym or spa, it is a movement redefining how people approach holistic well-being. Officially opening its doors last November, this pioneering space in Dubai blends fitness, recovery, and community to create a wellness experience that is as social as it is personal. From cold plunges to Lagree workouts, PEAQ’s mission is to provide a sanctuary where performance meets restoration.

Downtown Dubai is a city known for its bold, futuristic skyline, but nestled within it is a retreat that feels worlds away from the fast-paced city—Banyan Tree Dubai. As a brand rooted in holistic well-being and sustainability, we were thrilled that this breathtaking resort shares so many of our same values. From the moment I arrived, I felt an immediate sense of calm, surrounded by natural materials, thoughtful details, and an atmosphere designed specifically for relaxation.

There’s a unique kind of silence that follows loss. It humbles you, holds you, and asks you to listen. This month, that silence swept across Los Angeles as devastating fires tore through the Palisades, Altadena, and several other neighborhoods, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. Amid the ashes and grief however, the city’s resilience took center stage.

In early January, Altha made its debut in the lively city of Dubai, a destination known for its luxury, innovation, and unparalleled hospitality. Partnering with the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, we brought the signature experience of Hypo-Sound Baths to an exclusive audience. These customized private sessions, tailored for the hotel’s unique clientele, focused on supporting New Year’s resolutions and fostering manifestation practices.

If you’ve been curious about sound healing and want to experience its benefits firsthand, The Altha Masterclass is the perfect place to start. Designed for beginners and those looking to deepen their personal healing practice, read on to learn how this course can help you achieve your wellness goals in 2025.

Sleep is not just a time to recharge, it is a vital process that impacts every aspect of our physical and mental well-being. Despite its importance, sleep is often sacrificed in the pursuit of productivity. Read on as we explore the data behind sleep deprivation, its health implications, and practical, cost-effective ways to improve your sleep, inspired by the comprehensive insights from The Altha Sleep Guide.

Hypnotherapy, a natural and focused state of mind, has gained recognition for its effectiveness in addressing mental health challenges. By working with the subconscious mind, it offers a unique way to achieve positive change and enhance overall mental well-being. Here at Altha, we specialize in delivering personalized hypnotherapy sessions tailored to your needs.

Earlier this month, we had the honor of hosting a Hypno-Sound Bath for Dyson to celebrate the launch of their new Dyson Wear collection. Held on the rooftop of the beautiful Pendry West Hollywood, this event was a chance to spotlight Dyson’s OnTrac noise-cancelling headphones in a unique, relaxing, and authentic way.

Retail therapy is no longer just about indulging in shopping; it is about creating an atmosphere where customers feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and inspired. Here at Altha we celebrate this concept by integrating wellness experiences into retail spaces. With in-store sound bath sessions, retailers can transform the shopping experience into something truly unique and memorable that leaves a lasting impression on customers.