You’ve seen it on your Qatar Airways flight and you’ve seen ads about it from Discover Qatar – but when I tell you that Zulal Wellness Resort is an experience, you best believe I went on a journey of self-discovery.
Doha, in it’s glorious winter vibe, is at its peak at the moment. The gentle winds, the cool temperature and a city that is just buzzing with guests and locals at all times. But when you’re here to build a life for yourself, you often forget to connect with yourself. So, when my friend’s insta-stories started showing him bicycling on a lush green island, I was hooked instantly.
“Where is this? Wait, WHAT is this?” “Zulal, north of Qatar”.
Not an answer that I was expecting. An oasis of greenery and what we can only describe as a land of wonder honestly. It didn’t take more than two days to book a weekend escape. Yes, Doha, I love you with all my heart and it is not right of me to want to escape but the corporate life and the everyday buzz can get to you sometimes.
And in those quiet moments before you shut your eyes, the dreaded question pops up: have I lost myself to this ordinary life? Enroute… a Serenity Escape at the Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som
Welcome to Zulal
If you’re like me, you’re probably been swayed by Chiva-Som and its holistic approach to well-being. Zulal Wellness Resort is their first full-immersion wellness resort in the Middle East, and the second resort in the world where Tradition Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) is practised. Science-backed practices immersed with the local culture of Qatar? The ultimate escape begins!
The Sweet Serenity Escape
The minute you take the right turn towards the off-track road to Zulal, you feel the change in the atmosphere – earthy tones, a sprinkle of green and a gentle calmness takes over you. It was almost as if I forgot the buzz of the city I have been living for the last 10 years. Zulal Serenity guests are escorted to the left side of the resort, an area dedicated to guests over 16, free of worries and the ultimate escape to the escape that Zulal promises. Qatari design takes over the architecture as you see a blend of modern minimalism, cool colour palette and natural textures integrate with the natural landscape of the surrounding area.
You’re welcomed with a tea ceremony, where you’re offered a blend depending on your check-in time. Yes, Zulal takes their tea-scapes very seriously, which is why they have over 40 different teas in the tearoom, suited best for your wellness journey.
I checked-in and briefly checked my surroundings; Zulal has done a splending job incorporating modern contemporary art, and blending it with their wellness concept. On my left was the House of Wisdom, a cubeic square made our of Qatari stone, with a sandstone sculpture by Anish Kapoor inside it. The art with its symbolic dimensions, reflecting the universe and its spiritual source, is where your healing begins as you inhale the concept of ‘infinity’ with this piece.
A few steps away was Zulal’s library what I can only label as Belle from Beauty and the Beast’s dream come true. In collaboration with Qatar National Library, I had the option to explore various genres across 4000 books, and I instantly knew I would be making several trips over the weekend here. Once I finished my tea and taking in my surroundings, I was escorted by the hosts to my health and wellness consultation.
A world of wellness
The wellness resort hosts over 60 spa treatment rooms that offer a variety of services including massages, facials and holistic therapies. You can unwind at the hydrotherapy pools, herbal sauna and hammams or sit in the salt room to breathe out the toxins. Your walk around at Zulal will leave you speechless.
I want to disconnect
Even as I took pictures of every step I took in the resort, the urge to disconnect was intense. And Ashlee understood that. He drafted my itinerary with suitable treatments, advised me on the sessions to check into and reassured me that my mind, body and soul would be healed here.
’Marhaba!’
I was escorted to my Advisor, Ashlee’s, consultation room by what I can only describe as the most gentle staff here. And while you think that just the grand welcome overwhelms you, a consultation with Ashlee will make you crave for authenticity in every step. We slipped into a conversation easily as I was asked about my concerns, my health and my reason of coming, all of which pointed out to a weekend away from ‘life’.
Let yourself free with Zulal
A serenity escape means that you have been given the luxury of time. Focusing on six different pillars of holistic wellbeing: nutrition, wellness, fitness, holistc health, aesthetic beauty and spa therapies, your Zulal journey will cater to every requirement you have put forward.
My treatment plan consisted of activities spread across two days which included complimentary group classes, spa treatments, dining recommendations and one-on-one fitness sessions in what was deemed fit during my consultation. We explored Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan, Ayurvedic and Islamic treatments and I was advised to diversify my plan between Tibetan and Islamic approach.
Let’s talk about food
When I tell you I was a bit skeptical about the food, you better believe me. I am a self acclaimed foodie, who loves to indulge in the creamiest of desserts, the luxurious sauces and filling her plate with her proteins and greens. At Zulal, you are promised nutrition for the soul and I won’t lie, I don’t think I was ready for it.
If you want to talk about life-changing experiences, I believe Zulal Wellness Resort is the place to be. Quantity control, flavour, organic and most importantly: a balanced diet. Whether you’re dining at the buffet at Aizoon for breakfast to try the charcoal croissants or lunching at the Pan-Asian Al Sidr with its quinoa salad and citrus garden dessert, your palate is going to be pleasanty surprised.
And if it’s excellence you want to achieve at the first try, I recommend the fine-dining experience at Acacia. The set menu slowly builds up your expectations and gives you exactly what you need; a wholesome experience. I don’t know whether to compliment the presentation more or the taste – both of which were in perfect harmony. From nibblng on the chocolate crispy bread to finishing it off with the black chickpeas hummus, I was in pure bliss. The grilled tenderloin of my foodie dreams with the right temperature and a lush layer of the teriyaki sauce put me in a daze. It was only when I tried the different textures of chocolate as the big finale was when I went running to the chef’s with compliments – plant based brownies and homemade chocolate dessert was on my list and it was truly life-changing
Rediscover yourself with TAIM
Zulal’s extensive treatments will floor anyone the minute they meet an expert. Their tibetian massage left me in a daze of utter relaxation and I would recommend a visit there just to experience it honestly.
But it was the Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) consultation that helped me reconnect with myself. In 30 minutes, a session with Mr.Muktar helped me put all the puzzle pieces of my life together. A concept that blends ancient healing philosophies with modern scietific insights and balances your body, mind and spirit, I was not ready for this experience.
The concept that the human health is governed by four temperament, also linked with four metaphysical correspondents: choleric (fire), phelehmatic (water), sanguine (air) and melancholic (earth). And it takes the experts a pulse-check to determine your element.
TAIM gives you an insight to your soul, answering questions like why is my skin reacting a certain way, how my body reacts in certain weather and so on. All elements of what I put inside me; food, thoughts, energy, come together and basically define your temperament.
When I say my life made sense in this moment, I mean it. A quick flashback of my favourite cities, experiences, foods, experiences just started making sense – yes, that’s how informative this session was.
And the consultation doesn’t end there. TAIM is a sustainable concept that you take with you. I was given an answer for every problem, every query and every scenario. The apothecary had all the herbs and mixes which were prepared for me for my consistently arising problems and Muktar basically streamlined the next few weeks for my journey.
I will be lying if I don’t say that this journey of self-discovery is a little overwhelming. This is why Zulal is built in a way that you will de-stress on your walk to your room. From the gardens of herbs that the team uses for treatments tothe little fountain areas, mangrove implantations to the sun-kissed clear, blue sea, every steps allows you to detach from what you know as the ‘ordinary life’.
And once you step into your room, you’re in a private haven. Overlooking the resort’s lagoon and a personal plunge pool, you hardly feel the need to be anywhere else. With a contemporary touch and the same sandy tones, your lush amenities await. And to make it even better, your closet already comes with compliemntary pajamas and shoes you could wear across the island.
The journey
We all take away difference experiences from all walks of like. For me, Zulal was an eye-opening, life defining experience. A weekend that will go beyond a visit, I experienced wellness in a completely unique way. I explored the fitness studios, discovered stretch classes, the nutrition my body needs compared to what I think it wants, bicycled slowly and let my skin embrace the winter winds – Zulal is a secret escape worth telling the world about.
For further information on booking please contact +974 4477 6500 or visit www.zulal.com
