By
Cherelle Mukoko
on
15th October 2024
Situated as a pioneering wellness destination in the Middle East, Zulal Wellness Resort offers a rare blend
of holistic health and luxury, curated by the renowned Chiva-Som group.
This retreat doesn’t just cater to adults looking for relaxation and rejuvenation but also embraces family wellness, an increasingly sought-after concept in high-end travel.
When it comes to family vacations, finding a destination that caters to both wellness and family- friendly experiences is no easy feat. The balance between relaxation, luxury, and family bonding can be tricky. Enter Zulal Wellness Resort, nestled on the serene northern tip of Qatar. This was not only our first experience in Qatar but also a unique journey where wellness and family bonding merged seamlessly.
Our family was immediately drawn to Zulal Wellness Resort’s approach—focused on offering holistic, personalised wellness experiences while ensuring that every member of the family is catered to.
From the moment we arrived, it became clear that this was more than just a vacation; it was an opportunity to reconnect as a family in an environment designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Architectural Serenity: A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Design
The architecture at Zulal Wellness Resort plays a crucial role in creating an environment of serenity and mindfulness. From the moment you arrive, the soothing sounds of water flowing through the various fountains and pools envelop you, setting a calming tone. The design itself is a masterpiece of modern minimalism, with smooth, tactile walls that are soft to the touch, encouraging you to slow down and appreciate the textures around you. The neutral colour palette, with its earthy tones and soft hues, instils an immediate sense of relaxation and calm. Flashes of sunlight filter through the tall pillars, casting warm, natural light that dances gently across the tranquil spaces. These carefully curated design elements, combined with the resort’s flowing architectural forms, blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, seamlessly.
The All-Important First Impression: Family Consultation
Upon our arrival at Zulal Wellness Resort, we were greeted with a level of hospitality that instantly set a high tone for the rest of our stay. The resort's team wasted no time in conducting a personalised family consultation to assess our wellness goals and preferences. This wasn’t just a formal exercise—it felt deeply tailored to our needs. My husband and I are always keen to ensure that we make the most of our wellness escapes, and it was heartening to see that the resort takes family well-being just as seriously as individual care.
This family consultation was an essential touch, as it allowed the wellness professionals to craft personalised programs for us that not only focused on relaxation but also included activities that would enable us to bond as a family. The attention to detail was evident from the get-go:
A Sanctuary of Luxurious Wellness and Thoughtful Amenities
Often, we find ourselves torn between relaxation and spending quality time together, but Zulal Wellness Resort managed to perfectly marry the two. The resort offers a thoughtfully curated timetable of activities, allowing guests the flexibility to choose between individual wellness pursuits or shared family experiences. This well-planned schedule made it easy for us to engage in activities that suited our personal interests as well as those that helped us bond as a family.
For my daughter, the range of kids’ activities was extensive, and she found joy in everything from learning to cook healthy snacks with the resort's chefs to engaging in creative projects like making paper animals. An unforgettable moment for our daughter was when she and her dad went kayaking together—an exhilarating adventure on the resort's calm waters—while I took the opportunity to indulge in a deeply relaxing hot stone massage at the spa. The freedom to personalise our day based on the thoughtfully arranged itinerary ensured that no member of the family felt left out. Whether we were enjoying activities together or taking time for individual wellness, the balance provided between “adult” and “kid” activities created a holistic family experience that left us feeling closer and more refreshed.
As a parent, one of the standout features was the kids’ club. I have never felt comfortable leaving my daughter at a kids’ club during previous vacations, regardless of the destination. However, Zulal Wellness Resort's kid’s program and caring staff completely changed my perspective. It wasn’t just a place for children to play and pass time—it was an immersive environment designed to foster creativity and learning. I felt secure enough to enjoy my own relaxation activities, knowing my daughter was in capable and attentive hands, this sense of trust allowed my husband and me to unwind completely, something we rarely achieve on family trips.
A Healthy Dining Experience: Pure Indulgence Without Guilt
Nutrition for our family was something that I wanted to take control of, as someone who is a health-conscious individual, it is not always implemented at home with the varying palettes. Dining at Zulal Wellness Resort truly opened our eyes to healthy food options. We were blown away by the resort’s commitment to providing healthy, clean, and delicious food. The menu is entirely free from dairy, gluten, and GMOs, offering a wealth of nutrient-dense, plant-based dishes to organic meats that even my 4-year-old daughter enjoyed without hesitation.
Dining at Zulal Wellness Resort is a true culinary adventure, and one of the highlights was Acacia, the resort’s fine dining restaurant. What sets this venue apart is its ability to maintain the grandeur and “theatre” of high-end dining, even while sticking to a strictly healthy, organic, and non-GMO menu. Each meal felt like a carefully crafted experience, with innovative presentations and flavours that rival any Michelin-starred establishment. Despite the health-conscious approach, the indulgence was palpable—a rare feat in wellness dining.
The culinary experience extended beyond just eating; it was about mindful consumption. The chefs and nutritionists worked closely together to ensure that each dish complemented our wellness goals, reinforcing the personalised attention we experienced from the start of our stay.
Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM)
Zulal Wellness Resort offers a unique and profound experience by combining the ancient wisdom of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with modern holistic practices. My personal TAIM consultation offered a deeper understanding of my own body and how its balance directly influences my overall well-being. TAIM, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Islamic medicine, focuses on understanding the individual’s unique constitution and imbalances. The consultation assessed not only my physical health but also my emotional and mental states, providing insight into how lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors influence well-being.
During the session, the practitioner identified key areas where I could enhance my health and vitality through tailored wellness practices and lifestyle adjustments. This included personalised recommendations on nutrition, herbal remedies, and mindful living that are part of TAIM’s preventive approach to health. For me, it was a revelation—learning how the body can heal itself through natural elements, guided by centuries-old principles of maintaining balance between the body’s internal systems and the external world. The blend of ancient wisdom with contemporary wellness solutions is truly one of Zulal Wellness Resort's most compelling offerings.
The spa facilities at Zulal Wellness Resort are nothing short of extraordinary, blending state-of-the-art technology with deeply rooted holistic treatments that align perfectly with their Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) philosophy. Designed to promote comprehensive healing, the spa offers an extensive array of amenities tailored separately for men and women, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. Among these offerings are steam rooms, saunas, and the traditional hammam, which echo the cleansing rituals of ancient wellness practices. For those seeking more unique therapeutic environments, the spa features an Arctic Cave for cold therapy and a Salt Cave, renowned for its purifying properties. Whether you're indulging in a signature massage or experiencing the healing warmth of the sauna, every detail is designed to align with your body’s natural rhythms and needs, as identified through TAIM consultations.
A Standout First Impression of Qatar
Zulal Wellness Resort also offered us a remarkable introduction to Qatar itself. The country’s rich culture and commitment to hospitality were evident in every interaction, from the warm welcome we received upon arrival to the constant care and attention throughout our stay. The resort embodies the essence of Qatari hospitality, blending modern luxury with traditional values of generosity and care.
Our experience at Zulal Wellness Resort was nothing short of transformative. It’s rare to find a place that so seamlessly combines luxury, holistic well-being, and family bonding into one cohesive experience. This trip gave us not just a sense of physical renewal but emotional and mental rejuvenation, too. As frequent travellers, we can confidently say that Zulal Wellness Resort has set a new benchmark for wellness retreats, and we look forward to returning to this sanctuary of well-being and luxury again soon.
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som
Address: Al Ruwais, Qatar
Bookings: https://www.chivasom.com/en/zulal/
