Traveling to Zulal Wellness Resort in Doha, I had no idea what to expect. Qatar might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a wellness retreat, yet what I experienced was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility and care, with every detail thoughtfully designed to nourish both body and soul.
As the creators of one of the world's most celebrated health spas, Chiva-Som, established in Thailand in the 1980s, the team behind Zulal brings decades of expertise to their second wellness retreat. Nestled in the serene landscapes of the Middle East, Zulal Wellness Resort seamlessly combines luxury with holistic healing traditions. The resort’s staff, representing over 30 nationalities - primarily from Asia - bring extensive expertise in Eastern healing practices, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM), and the resort's distinctive feature, Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM). These ancient approaches are thoughtfully integrated into programs tailored to stress reduction, detox, fitness, healthy aging, and more.
One of the standout features of Zulal is their holistic approach to wellness, known as TAIM (Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine). Under the guidance of Bibi, the in-house TAIM doctor, I felt incredibly cared for. She took the time to assess not just my physical health but my emotional and mental wellbeing too. The personalized approach to wellness that Zulal offers is a true reflection of their belief in treating the whole person, rather than just individual symptoms. It was refreshing to feel seen and understood on such a deep level.
The resort is built in the typical Middle Eastern style, with thick walls and high ceilings, beautifully decorated in warm and natural tones. It’s the small details that make Zulal Wellness Resort truly special: the library of wisdom, the tea ceremony, the bicycles available for guests, and the extensive schedule of daily holistic activities offering a wide range of options (yoga, Pilates, meditation), as well as mudflat walking, chair yoga, padel clinics, stretching, floating meditation, and much more. And, of course, the food deserves a mention. The dishes are like small works of art that—if it were possible—would easily earn a Michelin star.
The staff at Zulal are exceptional. They approached every guest with warmth and a genuine desire to provide personal care. Every interaction felt attentive, with the staff constantly looking at me from a holistic perspective, making sure my experience was as healing and rejuvenating as possible.
Let’s not forget the food! Zulal's cuisine is exceptional, offering high-quality dishes that are not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing. Each meal felt like a work of art, created with fresh, wholesome ingredients designed to support health and wellbeing. Whether I was enjoying a light breakfast or a flavorful dinner, the attention to quality was evident in every bite.
I stayed in one of Zulal's junior suites, which was a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The room was beautifully designed, with large windows offering views of the serene surroundings. What truly stood out to me were the small, thoughtful details that made my stay even more special. For instance, the beautifully engraved water bottle left in my room added a personal touch, and the thick, white cotton Kurta pyjamas provided for each guest were a luxurious comfort. These little details really showcased the resort’s dedication to making every guest feel cared for.
Zulal offers a wide range of holistic activities, from yoga and meditation sessions to nature walks and fitness classes. One of the unique aspects of the resort is the bicycles they provide, which allow guests to cycle from one area of the resort to another, a convenient way of transportation in this vast resort.
One of the most unique and unforgettable experiences I had at Zulal was the floating meditation, which took place outside in the resort's beautiful natural pool. Lying on a soft mattress, gently floating on the water with headphones playing calming music, I found myself gazing up at the stars above. It was an incredibly peaceful way to end the day—if you don’t drift off to sleep, of course! This immersive meditation truly allowed me to disconnect and feel completely at peace.
In addition to the floating meditation, Zulal offers a range of wellness activities that cater to all fitness levels. One highlight for me was the chair yoga class, which was perfect as a woman over 40 dealing with stiffness. The gentle yet effective stretches left me feeling more flexible and at ease, and it was a great way to ease into the day. For a more intense workout, I enjoyed a Pilates Reformer personal training session, which provided a full-body workout that improved my strength and posture. Zulal also offers a range of wellness activities for all interests and fitness levels, including **chair yoga, Pilates, stretching sessions, and even padel clinics**. Each program is thoughtfully designed to help guests find balance and rejuvenate both body and mind.
Afterward, I treated myself to a super stretch session, which helped release tension and left me feeling rejuvenated. Zulal’s focus on wellness, from these tailored physical activities to more relaxing offerings, ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you’re looking to move more or simply unwind.
As part of my wellness plan, I was also given herbal remedies like rose buds for a calming tea and a herbal blend specifically for hormone balance, which were thoughtful touches that made my stay feel even more personalized and holistic. As part of my personalized wellness plan, I was also given herbal remedies. One of my favorites was a soothing tea made from delicate **rose buds**, alongside a herbal blend specifically for hormone balance. These small yet meaningful touches made my experience at Zulal feel even more holistic, integrating natural healing into every aspect of my stay.
Zulal Wellness Resort is more than just a retreat—it's a place where you can reconnect with yourself on all levels, thanks to the perfect blend of holistic treatments, high-quality food, and thoughtful, personalized care. If you're looking for a place to recharge, heal, and feel completely cared for, I can’t recommend Zulal highly enough. My stay was a transformative journey of healing, and I can’t wait to return.
This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com in 2005. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.