Sandie Johannessen appointed health and wellness director at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som

Leading wellness resort brand Chiva-Som has appointed Sandie Johannessen to lead its Qatari resort, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, as director of health and welllness. 

In her new role, Johannessen will be responsible for guiding Zulal’s health and wellness philosophy and curating transformative wellness practices, while overseeing the delivery of the brand’s high service standards.

She will also oversee and cultivate the resort’s wellness and sustainability culture and deliver on Chiva-Som’s commitment to ‘people, planet and profit’, ensuring that this philosophy resonates throughout the guest experience. 

In addition, Johannessen will bring a  holistic approach to health and wellness, combining her studies in yoga, meditation, dietetics and philosophy to create experiences where ‘serenity is palpable’. 

She brings more than 20 years experience to the position, gleaned from a career in the natural and global wellness markets, having previously worked in Scandinavia, the Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand, Seychelles, India, the UK and the US.

Previous roles include as spa director at Shangri-La and Aman, as well as a seven-year stint with Four Seasons, where she held several high-profile posts, including senior spa director of Middle East and Africa and senior spa director of Asia Pacific. 

“It’s a privilege to be leading the health and wellness team at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som. Here’s to helping many more people to rebalance, heal and thrive,” Johannessen shared on Linkedin.

Chiva-Som CEO and chairman Krip Rojanastien said: “With the appointment of Sandie Johannessen, we will further be well-positioned to continue the vision of Chiva-Som through Zulal Wellness Resort.

“Her knowledge and skillset are augmented by a genuine passion for achieving sustainable holistic wellness goals in herself and in others.

“An inspiring leader, her values of a ‘selfless service’ will set the tone for us in our commitment to motivate guests towards an enlightened approach to their lifestyle. She will play a key role in championing our brand ethos,” he added. 

Daniele Vastolo, general manager of Zulal Wellness Resort, said: “We’re excited to welcome Sandie to the team and look forward to working with her to create an incomparable and distinct guest experience and journey that is synonymous with Chiva-Som and will define Zulal Wellness Resort as the modern pioneer for Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM).”

Set to open in February 2022, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som has been described as the largest wellness destination in Qatar. Chiva-Som’s first international property, the brand claims the resort will be the world’s first centre for TAIM.