Established wellness resort brand Chiva-Som is preparing to operate and manage its first international location outside Thailand, named Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som.

The resort is situated in a private coastal location in Qatar and has a grand opening scheduled for 29 March 2022.

Qatar-based developer Msheireb Properties appointed Chiva-Som to manage and operate Zulal, which is set to become home to the world's first contemporary showcase of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM).

Derived from the Canon of Medicine – written by physician-philosopher Ibn Sina in 1025 – TAIM emphasises restoring balance through herbal medicines, spiritual therapies and dietary and mind-body practices.

The wellness experience at Zulal will be built upon six pillars: nutrition, fitness, spa, physiotherapy, holistic health and aesthetics.

Experienced spa director and industry figure Sandie Johannessen has been appointed Zulal’s director of health and wellness and will work alongside general manager Daniele Vastolo.

The resort will offer two distinct paths to achieving wellness goals, the adults-only Zulal Serenity and the family-focused Zulal Discovery.

Zulal Serenity

The Zulal Serenity resort will feature 60 rooms and suites offering a calming backdrop to individual journeys of wellness.

With seven programmes available – each tailored to individual health needs – guests will be able to choose from relaxation, detox, weight management or fitness.

Wellness facilities will include thermal and hydrotherapy suites, indoor and outdoor pools, spa suites, a gym and exercise studios, a state-of-the-art physiotherapy studio and an aesthetics centre.

Zulal DiscoveryMeanwhile, Zulal Discovery will cater to guests seeking family experiences and aim to make wellness an integral part of the family bond. Programmes will be customised for multi-generations and specific age groups.

Facilities have been designed by child and family specialists to bring families together, while accommodation is offered in a range of set-ups across 120 rooms and suites.

Programmes will be centred around teaching children the value of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle with age-appropriate developmental activities.

While younger children will be encouraged to explore, with nature-based outings and arts and crafts, older children will spend their time keeping active, with kayaking, dancing and personal training.

Balancing physical, mental and emotional elements of wellness, they’ll also be introduced to meditation and healthy cuisines.

All personalised wellness retreats offered will include accommodation, meals, a health and wellness consultation, daily treatments and unlimited access to wellness facilities and group activities.

Nutritious cuisine

As part of the holistic wellness experience at Zulal, guests will be able to choose from an array of restaurants including Arabian and Mediterranean cuisine and fine dining options.

Menus will be bespoke, nutritious and include halal and vegan selections, created using premium natural ingredients.

At Zulal Discovery, dedicated children’s menus will be available to encourage a healthy approach to food from a young age.

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

"Zulal will take a contemporary approach to ancient wellness practices and incorporate this into over 400 wellness treatments on offer at the resort for complete wellbeing and life transformation.”