Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som opened its doors in 2022, and with over 350 different treatments in 13,000 m² of spa space, it has quickly established itself as the wellness hotel to visit in the Middle East. Indeed, until now, the region has not been particularly known for promoting health and well-being, but this is rapidly changing with the forthcoming opening of other establishments… Pascal Languillon, CEO of Luxe Wellness Club, wanted to find out more, so he visited the site to report on his experience and give you an informed recommendation for Zulal.
A wellness resort in the middle of nowhere
Who would have thought two decades ago that a small country like Qatar would host a major global event like the Football World Cup? The world is changing fast, and while Qatar wasn’t known for its health tourism either, things are changing. Indeed, the royal family of Qatar wanted to create a resort entirely dedicated to health and well-being : Zulal Wellness Resort, located in the far north of the small country, 1h20 drive from Doha.
The setting is soothing: situated by the sea and bordering the desert, Zulal seems to be in the middle of nowhere. There’s not much to do in the immediate vicinity, that’s for sure. But here, the journey is an inner one: it’s about refocusing on yourself and taking control of your health, for a few days or weeks.
The planted vegetation has grown rapidly, and today the resort is a veritable oasis of freshness in a country known for its dry, arid climate. A large indoor lagoon offers all-season swimming. Please note, however, that if the hotel is located on a beach, the sea is not swimmable there, as there is no seabed. When the tide is out, the sea retreats completely for several kilometers! If you’re looking for a seaside vacation, don’t bother. On the other hand, if you’re looking for year-round sunshine and a soothing setting for your wellness break, here’s a place to discover without delay to find your inner peace .
I found the design of the place really successful. There are two distinct parts. 60 suites and rooms make up the pristine Zulal Serenity bubble, dedicated to adults. Zulal Discovery offers wellness for the whole family in 120 rooms scattered across another part of the resort.
In the Serenity area where I was staying, , there are several separate buildings: the fitness and physiotherapy area, the hydrotherapy area (one for men, one for women), the pavilion dedicated to medical consultations… Don’t get me wrong, there are 64 treatment rooms in all (a huge number for a spa).
While a tea room offers hundreds of different varieties, a pharmacy specializing in naturopathy allows you to treat yourself with a variety of herbal concoctions. The resort really puts the emphasis on alternative medicine .
There’s a real desire here to be a facility focused onhealth and wellness education. A dietetic cooking workshop enables young and old alike to learn how to cook healthily, while a large library stocked with books from all over the world allows you to perfect your knowledge of the human body and themes linked to better living.
Rooms with private pools
My room was the first category: the “Serenity Grand Deluxe Room”, overlooking the artificial lagoon. Its relatively modest size is offset by a terrace and small private pool. Indeed, all Zulal Serenity rooms have a small pool: more for cooling off than for swimming, given their size, but let’s not deny ourselves the pleasure.
I found the bedding extremely comfortable (to the point of almost wanting to buy the same mattress for my home). The bathroom was perfectly adequate, though not a model of its kind. If I had to do it all over again, I’d probably choose the junior suite category, which faces the sea and has a small lounge, a more spacious bathroom and a larger pool. This is the category I recommend you book.
A gigantic spa and an impressive range of treatments
When the surface area of a luxury hotel spa in Europe reaches 2,500 m², we’re already talking about a major spa, so imagine Zulal’s 13,000 m²! The owners have gone all out. An entire area of hydrotherapy and treatment rooms dedicated to men, and another entirely reserved for women, automatically doubles the surface area…
I was particularly impressed by the outdoor pool in the men’s area, perhaps a little less seduced by the design of the indoor hydrotherapy area, which is well equipped, however, with sauna, steam room, salt grotto, snow shower…
Beyond the facilities, I especially appreciated the quality of the therapists and coaches I met during my stay at Zulal. I received numerous treatments , all of which were perfectly executed. Indeed, Zulal is an offshoot of Chiva Som, the legendary establishment in Thailand, and this is reflected in the professionalism of the teams and medical staff.
I have particularly fond memories of my meeting with the Doctor of Traditional Arabic Medicine, who gave me a new perspective on my health. He then gave me a cupping treatment that left my back totally relaxed, and beautifully marked for a few days.
Another special moment is the bedtime ritual, when you can calm your mind to the sound of multiple Tibetan bowls. This workshop is offered on a regular basis, and you’ll be able to take advantage of it while you’re here.
The physiotherapy section is impressive, with machines like the Neurac I tested at Chenot Palace Weggis and One & Only Portonovi. A Gyrotonic machine is also recommended for treating many muscular ailments and improving flexibility. All in all, the establishment is very comprehensive, even impressive in its range of treatments, and in my opinion is a model of its kind.
High-quality dietetic gastronomy
While I’ve extolled the virtues of the establishment above, I think I was most impressed by its cuisine. I’ve found here some of the best dietetic cuisine in the various spas I’ve tried on my travels.
All dishes are measured in terms of calories, sugars, lipids and proteins, and these measurements appear clearly on the menus, helping you to keep your weight under control. For me, it was a real pleasure to taste all the creations from the different restaurants.
My favorite restaurant was Acacia, with Michelin-star quality. Scallops with beet, octopus with saffron, seafood soup… The flavours are delicious, but still very healthy. Even the desserts are memorable, allowing you to enjoy yourself without putting on pounds. A great success!
Our Video of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som
Our feeling
The Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som has a lot going for it: a wide range of treatments, expert therapists and gourmet dietetic cuisine to name but a few. The educational aspect of the hotel is remarkable, especially when it comes to children. This wellness hotel is a great success and one that we recommend for a few nights or more, why not during a stopover in Qatar?
Luxe Wellness Club
Book Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som (with exclusive Luxe Wellness Club benefit)
Take advantage of our expertise in wellness holidays and contact us for a personalized quote for Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som.
Rates : From around 950 euros per night in a Deluxe room with a Reconnect Retreat. Contact us for a quote and special benefits.
Call us for the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK: +44 20 4577 3258 to discuss your holiday plans.
