ZOYA - the Birth of an Integrated Wellness Retreat in the UAE

Sunshine all over

As Europe winds down for the summer season, and people (including me) are looking for a bit of sunshine to warm my bones in a not too far away destination, I am very excited about visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), that I can get to in less than a seven-hour flight. For many years I wondered why there were no retreats in this part of the world, but I guess as people become more aware of staying healthy and the importance of self-care, so did the emergence of more wellbeing dedicated retreats to meet the growing demand. So here I travel to Zoya Health & Wellness resort in Ajman, one of the seven states of the UAE, and the first Medical spa in this region.

Watching the birds throughout the day

My first impression was the ease of getting to the retreat. I was visiting for four nights only so I didn’t want to spend a lot of time getting there. I was very happy that I was whisked away from the airport and arrived at ZOYA within 40 minutes of leaving Dubai airport. The retreat is small and sweet overlooking a golf course and is nestled in an ancient Mangrove, which I did not expect to see in the UAE. My room was a Premium Room with views of the golf course and trees and the obligatory high rises that are typical of the Middle East way into the background. It is definitely a peaceful place and I loved listening to and watching the birds throughout the day (admittedly, this not something I was expecting in this part of the world).

Medical equipment

ZOYA is clearly not just a pampering spa. A lot of thought and investment has gone into the facilities and equipment on site. The Myoline Isometric Strength Analysis is a whole body measurement tool that measures 28 different muscles, how strong and weak they are and which side of your body is stronger and possibly overcompensating for the other side causing structural inbalance and injuries. The Pedoscan shows how you stand, and how your weight is distributed between the different sides of the body and how this affects your gait and posture. The 3D and 4D Spine & Posture Analysis monitors any postural deformities or not so obvious spinal issues that could have accumulated over time.

Medical gym

The results gathered from the diagnostic for your body evaluation are used to create tailor made movement and fitness programmes for you. There is a medical gym which connects with a special programme that is put together for you by the Fitness Specialist through a bracelet. The gym machinery will measure your progress and how you are doing the exercises – it is very high tech and very impressive. I see quite some male guests who love the combination of tech and working towards a healthier and fitter version of themselves. There is also a Anti Gravity Running machine which allows you to burn more calories if you have any injuries or heart problems that restrict your movement. I had a go on this as I was very curious and indeed did a good workout which didn’t seem commensurate with my effort levels.

Physiotherapy

There is also lots of impressive physiotherapy equipment to help with pain, lymphatic drainage and even a cryotherapy machine which tested my cold exposure capacity. As a big advocate of cold exposure to help boost immunity and general wellbeing I have to say I was not disappointed with how I felt after the cryotherapy treatment – rejuvenated and euphoric! If you are doing one of the medical programmes you are seen by a doctor and your bio markers and bloodwork is carried out. They have Vitamin Infusion therapy available that the doctor will prescribe, oxygen therapy and colonic hydrotherapy for a cleanse. 

The food

ZOYA’s food vision is a mainly plant based with some fish options. Each day you are given a choice of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner with at least one fish option and also a juice alternative if you want to do a detox and stay off solid food. There is strictly no coffee and no alcohol so get ready to detox. I did suffer from a caffeine (or lack of) headache on day two but a stint in the infra red sauna and a good massage made me feel so much better.

The spa treatments

The spa treatments are very good with experienced therapists mainly from Asia, offering a variety of treatments from different types of massages, wraps, and facials. There is also an aesthetic doctor available on request if you want to have some non invasive beauty treatments. I was assigned a programme manager to make sure all was going well with my day and to help me with any changes to my schedule which made my life easier.

Weekly activities

Activities begin with a morning walk to the Mangrove and continue throughout the day with a mixture of yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, aqua fitness and Pilates, depending on the day. With all the treatments and activities, I definitely had enough to do to fill my time and also try and soak up some sun by the pool. I also had a go on the underwater bikes and treadmill in the pool which was fun.

Who should go?

I think ZOYA is a great choice for an easy to get to wellness break in the sunshine, especially in the winter. It is not particularly a super slick or super luxury option but the expertise and equipment they have on site is quite impressive. The detox and other medical programmes are really good value for money given the inclusions and the place itself is comfortable. If you don’t want to do a full detox or programme, and just want to go and have some relaxing treatments detoxifying food, and move your body, it provides a good choice for a short wellness break in a safe and friendly environment.

More information about ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort?