Comprehensive wellness treatments and a highly specialised team are what Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som offers with mastery. Fernanda Langhammer spent three days there to embrace this innovative approach to overall health.
If there is a destination where you will find an array of treatments, not only spa therapies but integral solutions for your overall wellbeing, this place is Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som. The whole resort is designed as a retreat to improve your physical and mental health, with special attention to nourishing your body with delicious food tailored to your necessities – a personalisation that elevates the experience even further.
To embrace what Zulal can offer in terms of spa and wellness treatments, you have to book a stay to fully enjoy the packages they provide and get all the benefits. The experience starts with an initial consultation that tailors your entire stay. You have to complete a comprehensive form regarding your health and preferences before checking in and then your consultant will guide you to the best therapies to cater to your goals.
The facilities are superb, and I have never seen a resort with so many spaces dedicated to wellness. At Zulal, on top of all the spa fixtures, such as a pink salt room, ice cave, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam and many treatment rooms for men and women, there are many fitness studios, a physiotherapy pavilion, a dedicated pool for Watsu (a form of aquatic therapy) and Huzan, an aesthetics centre. Total dedication to mental and physical well-being is the biggest highlight of this resort.
I stayed there for a three-day detox and it was utterly amazing. Orranat was my initial consultant; we spoke for around an hour and chose the therapies that would be best for me. I also had a consultation with Mubaris Ahamed, a TAIM (Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine) specialist. TAIM is rooted in the Arab world and influenced by Islamic traditions and ancient practices. It’s a holistic system of healing that combines medicinal herbs, dietary practices and mind-body-spirit therapies.
The practice is based on six pillars: Atmospheric Air, Food and Drink, Physical Movement and Rest, Mental Movement and Rest, Sleep and Wakefulness and Retention and Evacuation. It considers the balance of the body’s four humours: blood (dam – air), phlegm (balgham – water), yellow bile (safra – fire) and black bile (souda – earth). After a series of analyses, the specialist finds which humour is prevalent in you to create a framework of lifestyle recommendations. It was my first time learning about this type of healing method and I thought it was fascinating. I left with a list of suggested foods to consume and avoid, herbal formulations (that you can purchase at Zulal’s Apothecary pharmacy) to help with my lack of sleep and unbalanced hormones, types of exercise and breathing techniques.
My encounter with Nimra, the physiotherapist, was to assess my posture and discuss any physical pain. As an amateur runner, I wanted to highlight a few points and, after the assessment, she decided to book a specific therapy and a fitness consultancy. The treatment with Yokky was absolutely fantastic; she used radio frequency and light machines but also worked on some stretching and pressure point massage that made me feel incredible afterwards, even though it was quite painful when she was at it. The fitness was all about stretching techniques and tips on improving my performance. The Physiotherapy Pavilion offers some of the latest treatments in the field, including Neurac and Gyrotonic equipment.
I haven’t been the best sleeper lately, so Orranat recommended a few spa therapies. I had the Qatari Hamiz, a deeply relaxing full-body massage. Joom was the therapist, and the massage used circular strokes with tadleek oil, which is locally inspired and infused with indigenous Qatari and Arabic medicinal herbs, in combination with hot stones. I have to say that I am a big fan of hot stone massages as I find them deeply relaxing. The benefit of this treatment is to re-energise the body and stimulate circulation and energy flow.
Therapist Sirida performed a comprehensive scalp massage that combined deep tissue massage with myofascial release techniques (gentle, constant massage that releases tightness and pain in the myofascial tissues) to remove tension from the head, neck and shoulders. Head massages are known for enhancing the quality of sleep – the relaxing effect and improved blood circulation promote balance in the autonomic nervous system. She ended the therapy by applying a hot towel, which was incredibly pleasant. I also used the opportunity to check out some of the outstanding facilities, such as the beautiful Hammam area, the super cool ice cave with snow, the large indoor pool with jets and two plunge pools, one with hot water and the other with cold for contrast bath therapy. But I wanted some calming time, so I spent 15 minutes in the pink salt room relaxing and taking in all its benefits, such as promoting easier breathing, lowering blood pressure and stress levels and improving skin health.
At Huzan, I consulted with Dr Mohamed Lasheen, a dermatologist specialist, who assessed my complexion using Visia, a skin imaging system. I have to say that my facial assessment report could’ve been better. Sun exposure and signs of ageing left me with a series of recommendations, like the popular Botox and fillers – I have to confess that since then, I have been thinking of maybe going for a more invasive type of treatment.
If you are looking for a deep connection with yourself and want to embrace treatments that will effectively help you improve your overall health, I highly recommend a retreat for a few days at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som. The gorgeous place and friendly and helpful staff make the stay even better. After all, self-care is what matters most and there is no better time to do it than now!
For more information or to make a reservation, please call 4477 6500,
WhatsApp 4477 6555 or visit www.chivasom.com/en/zulal/
@zulalwellnessresort