Zulal Wellness Retreat by Chiva-Som gearing up for March launch

Leading wellness resort operator Chiva-Som will launch its first wellness destination outside of Thailand at the end of March. 

The Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som will be based in Qatar and is said to be the country’s largest wellness resort, spanning 280,000sqm. It will also be the world’s first dedicated Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medical (TAIM) centre.

Based on Canan of Medicine –  written by physician-philosopher Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, in 1025 – TAIM aims to restore life balance through spiritual therapies, herbal medicines, dietary and mind-body practices. 

Zulal’s wellness experiences aim to restore body, mind and spirit for optimal health and emphasise sustainability.  Its wellness offering is built upon six pillars: Nutrition, Fitness, Spa, Physiotherapy, Holistic Health and Aesthetics, with the tenets of TAIM infused throughout. 

The ‘full-immersion wellness resort’ will offer two distinct pathways to achieve wellness goals – the adults-only Zulal Serenity and the family-focused Zulal Discovery.

The Zulal Serenity resort will feature 60 rooms and suites, designed to offer a calming backdrop to individual guests’ wellness journeys, and extensive wellness facilities including thermal and hydrotherapy suites, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa suites, a gym and fitness studios, a state-of-the-art physiotherapy studio and an aesthetics centre. 

It will offer several wellness programmes – Detox, Weight Management, Fitness and Relaxation – each targeting different health concerns. 

The family-friendly Zulal Discovery pathway will be aimed at guests seeking group wellness experiences and aims to make wellness an integral part of the family bond. Its facilities have been designed by specialists to encourage a sense of unity within the family. Accommodation will be available in a range of set-ups across 120 rooms and suites. 

Programming will teach children the value of health and a sustainable lifestyle through a series of age-appropriate developmental activities. Younger children will be encouraged to explore with nature-based excursions and arts and crafts, while older children and young adults will be encouraged to keep active with kayaking, dancing and personal training sessions. 

It aims to teach children how to balance the physical, mental and emotional elements of wellness and will also introduce them to healthy cuisine and meditation.

Guests on both retreats also have the option to undertake a ‘transformative culinary journey’ with the resort’s dedicated nutritionists. 

The resort will also offer a host of restaurants offering Arabian and Mediterranean cuisine as well as fine dining options. The bespoke menus will offer nutritious meals, including halal and vegan options, created using premium natural ingredients, while dedicated children’s menus will encourage a healthy approach to food from a young age. 

The property is the result of a partnership between Chiva-Som and real-estate company Msheired Properties and will be operated by Chiva-Som and managed by health and wellness director Sandie Johannessen and general manager Daniele Vastolo.

“Zulal Wellness Resort will be a leading destination in Qatar, welcoming guests from across the globe who are passionate about their health and wellbeing,” said Msheireb Properties CEO Eng. Nasser Matar Al Kawari. 

“It’s our aim to become the destination of choice for TAIM therapies, which are deeply rooted in Qatari and wider Arab culture.”

The personalised retreats include accommodation and meals, as well as a health and wellness consultation, daily treatments and unlimited access to wellness facilities, group activities and a digital detox in the resort’s public spaces. 

Chiva-Som chairman and CEO Krip Rojanastien said: “At Chiva-Som we believe in a holistic approach to wellness, drawing on the indigenous traditions of each destination. 

“Zulal Wellness Resort continues Chiva-Som’s journey of pioneering and sustainable development, bringing a contemporary take on ancient wellness practices and incorporating them into the over 400 wellness treatments we offer at the resort for complete wellbeing and life transformation.” 

Daniele Vastolo, general manager of Zulal Wellness Resort, said: “We look forward to welcoming guests to such a unique experience in the Middle East. While rooted in tradition, Zulal Wellness Resort is thoroughly modern in its results-oriented wellness offering, and we cater to guests’ needs with a beautiful setting, expert consultants, and recognition of the holistic connection between body, mind and spirit.”