Discovering Tranquility and Tradition at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som

From the moment my flight descended over the desert, I knew my journey to Zulal Wellness Resort would be special. Nestled in the far north of Qatar, Zulal Wellness Resort is an oasis of serenity. Inspired by Sheikha Moza's vision, this sanctuary breathes new life into the Middle East's rich health traditions, realised through a partnership with Chiva Som of Thailand and guided by its six pillars of wellness: Nutrition, Fitness, Spa, Physio, Holistic Health, and Aesthetics.

The Journey Begis: A Warm Welcome

A traditional tea ceremony signalled the beginning of my wellness journey. This ritual, steeped in cultural significance, was not just a welcome but an immersion into the traditions that form the bedrock of Zulal's philosophy. Despite my brief stay, every moment was meticulously crafted to ensure a rich, fulfilling experience, showcasing not just an incredibly well thought out and custom-built wellness resort but a journey into self-discovery and rejuvenation.

Even though it was Ramadan and things were on the quieter side at the resort, it didn’t take long for me to click with another solo traveler from London. We were both heading to yoga on my first morning there, and just chatting and sharing our stories along the way sparked an instant friendship. It’s one of those moments that I love about taking part in wellness retreats and solo travel — and it was definitely a highlight of the trip.

Engaging in Wellness: A Holistic Approach

Zulal's comprehensive approach to wellness, is rooted in Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) yet embraces contemporary practices. After an in-depth consultation, the doctor recommended that I take part in the Optimal Physio Fit retreat. My fitness sessions, spa treatments, and physiotherapy consultations were personalised to my needs, aimed at reducing some nagging back pain while resetting my overall well-being at the same time. Nutrition was a highlight, with meals that were not only delicious but also conscientiously aligned with the guiding wellness principles.

Ultimate Comfort Meets Natural Bliss at Zulal

Zulal Wellness Resort seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, as if it was always destined to be part of the landscape. It harmonises beautifully with the environment, surrounded by lush greenery, including gardens filled with herbs and plants mentioned in the Koran and the Prophet's sayings for their healing properties, alongside tranquil water features.

The accommodations are designed with earthy and neutral tones, creating a calming sanctuary. In your room, a plethora of luxurious amenities await: a personalised reusable water bottle, a stylish beach tote which you can keep, tea for all times of the day, and a minibar stocked with healthy snacks like fresh fruit, energy balls, and kombucha. The Egyptian cotton pyjamas provided, are perfect for lounging in during rare moments of downtime from the myriad of treatments, private wellness sessions, and dips in your private plunge pool.

Among Zulal’s standout facilities are its well equipped gyms and gender-separated hydrotherapy areas, an expansive spa boasting 64 treatment rooms, yoga and Pilates studios with views over the lagoon, a dedicated physiotherapy department, and specialised areas for wellness consultations and aesthetic services. The resort is thoughtfully divided into two sections to cater to different needs: the tranquil, adults-only Serenity with 60 rooms, and the family-friendly Discovery, offering 120 rooms. Embracing a unique ‘Family Wellness’ philosophy, Zulal introduces an array of activities and programs specifically designed to enhance family bonds and promote a healthy lifestyle for all. To ensure the optimal experience for every guest, children are welcomed exclusively in the Discovery section.

Culinary Excellence Meets Wellness

Zulal's culinary philosophy shines across its four restaurants and a café, each embodying the resort's dedication to balanced, fresh diets. Al-Sidr and Aizoon cater to global and Arabic tastes, respectively, with special attention to nutritional needs. The beach club Malbu introduces Mediterranean flavours and mocktails by the gulf, while Acacia reinterprets international and Arabian cuisine with a focus on local flavours. My dining experience at Acacia, truly was a highlight, featuring dishes like fresh scallops in beetroot and tender teriyaki beef tenderloin, both as nourishing as they were delicious.

Activity and Serenity

Starting the day with yoga or Tai Chi establishes a tranquil ambiance, seamlessly transitioning into an evening of profound calmness through the Zulal sleep session or serene floating meditation. Nestled between these peaceful bookends lies a diverse array of engaging activities and workshops designed to enrich your wellness journey. From marine eco walks that connect you with the natural world, to the energising rhythm of aqua boxing, the gentle precision of Pilates, the competitive spirit of Padel tennis, and the creative fulfilment of clay workshops—each experience is curated to enhance your well-being.

Given my busy schedule, I found it challenging to participate in many of these offerings. However, for those able to immerse themselves more fully, I recommend a stay of at least 5 nights. This duration allows you to not only delve into the sessions but also to luxuriate in the facilities at a more leisurely pace.

In Conclusion: Zulal Wellness Resort is transforming health tourism in the Middle East by offering a serene escape that delves deep into traditional healing practices. With its array of specialised treatments, luxurious amenities, and a focus on both individual and communal wellness, Zulal invites guests to discover the depth of Arabic and Islamic healing traditions in a rejuvenating setting, an opportunity to truly disconnect, engage with each session and treatment deeply, and return home feeling rejuvenated. Highly recommended.