Thailand's renowned health spa, Chiva-Som, has expanded to the tranquil northern area of Qatar with Zulal Wellness Resort. Expect the same high level of holistic programs, services, treatments, and cuisine that Chiva-Som is famous for.
Where you are going...
Zulal Wellness Resort is located at the far northern point of Qatar, roughly 75 minutes by car from Doha. Set along a sandy beach, the resort features a lagoon running through it, offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Nearby, you'll find Al Khasooma, with Al Ruwais located just five kilometers away. This destination spa is designed to offer peace, privacy, and relaxation.
Why you’ll love it...
Chiva-Som, established in the 1980s as one of Thailand’s first health spas, has earned a stellar reputation and is now recognized as one of the world’s leading health spas. Everything about it exudes quality, and this same level of excellence is reflected in Zulal Wellness Resort, Chiva-Som’s second wellness resort, located in the Middle East. The staff is incredibly diverse, with over 30 nationalities represented, the majority from Asia. The resort draws from a rich variety of Eastern healing traditions, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM), and also incorporates Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) into its wellness programs.
Zulal’s programs are designed around themes like stress relief, weight management, detox, fitness, healthy lifestyle reset, healthy aging, or simply relaxation. The resort’s architecture reflects a typical Middle Eastern style with thick walls, high ceilings, and warm, natural décor. It’s the thoughtful details that truly set Zulal Wellness Resort apart—such as the Library of Wisdom, tea ceremonies, complimentary bicycles, and an extensive schedule of holistic activities. These range from yoga, Pilates, and meditation to unique offerings like mudflat hiking, chair yoga, padel clinics, stretching, and floating meditation. And, of course, the food is a standout feature—beautifully crafted dishes that, if eligible, would easily be worthy of Michelin-star recognition.
Zulal’s wellness zone, meaning "pure natural water" in Arabic, is an adults-only spa spanning around 800 square meters. It features indoor and outdoor pools with jets, ice baths, saunas, steam rooms, lounges, and a tea and water station. There are separate spa facilities for men and women, both offering the same amenities. The resort also has several yoga salas, studios for private and group sessions in yoga, Pilates (with reformers), dance, and stretching, as well as a fitness center with a variety of cardio equipment. When you book a wellness program, your stay begins with a consultation with a holistic doctor. Some programs may also include a session with a TAIM (Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine) doctor, although this can be booked separately as well, and is highly recommended. The TAIM doctor takes a holistic approach, using methods like tongue and heart pulse analysis, along with questionnaires, to determine your wellness profile, and offers tailored advice on nutrition, exercise, and relaxation. The resort offers a full schedule of daily activities, including holistic and fitness classes, stretching sessions, excursions, and workshops, all of which are free to join.
Zulal Wellness Resort is divided into two main areas: Serenity, which is adults-only, and Discovery, a family-friendly section where children are welcome. While there is no strict division between the two, the Serenity area is designed exclusively for adults and is where most guests prefer to stay. Zulal Discovery offers a unique experience for families, with interactive activities that help children and parents learn about healthy living together. These activities are organized by age group, with four different programs for children, parents, and even grandparents. Younger kids can enjoy nature outings and creative projects, while older children can participate in activities like kayaking, dancing, or personal training sessions.
Holistic Activities and Sports
Yoga
Pilates
Tai Chi
Fitness
Stretching
Zumba
Stretching
(Aqua) aerobics
Meditation floating
Padel clinic
Hikes and walks
Excursions
Workshops
What’s on the Menu
Zulal’s cuisine, much like at Chiva-Som, is remarkably delicious and of top-notch quality. The chefs guide you on a culinary journey filled with flavorful and fresh ingredients. There are three dining options: Restaurant Al Sidr offers an Asian-inspired menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with à la carte options available, even for breakfast. Restaurant Aizoon serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a wide selection of healthy Arabic and international dishes. Restaurant Acacia, the fine dining restaurant, is open for dinner and features an exceptional menu of gourmet Arabic and international dishes.
At the Circle of Trust, you can enjoy the natural surroundings and a beautiful sunset while indulging in a healthy BBQ, a personalized menu, and live cooking. If you're on a full or half-board plan, you can enjoy à la carte or choose a four-course menu at any of the three restaurants. Even if you're trying to lose weight, you'll be impressed by the high level of culinary expertise.
We love
The unique blend of Chiva-Som's holistic health and wellness philosophy with Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) is unlike anything else in the world
You can freely use the bicycles available throughout the resort
Guests are provided with high-quality white Kurta-pajamas during their stay
A consultation with the TAIM doctor
Good to know
The hotel does not serve alcohol
At high tide, the water reaches the beach, but during low tide, you may have to walk a kilometer or more to reach the water. It's a great opportunity for mudflat hiking. If you'd like to go paddleboarding or swimming, be sure to check the tide schedules posted by the sea or at the reception
At a glance
Sea & Beach front
Single friendly
Destination spa
Special area for Adults only
Special area for Family friendly
Free holistic activities
Gourmet Healthy cuisine with vegan en vegetarian options
Various holistic therapies: Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM), and also Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM)
Sea & Beach front
Single friendly
Destination spa
Special area for Adults only
Special area for Family friendly
Free holistic activities
Gourmet Healthy cuisine with vegan en vegetarian options
Various holistic therapies: Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM), and also Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM)
Free roomupgrade from Discovery Junior Suite to Serenity Grand room (already calculated in the shown price) - not applicable in Peak season from 15 December - 11 January
Daily laundry services for three pieces of sport attire
Pureandcure Benefits
Free roomupgrade from Discovery Junior Suite to Serenity Grand room (already calculated in the shown price) - not applicable in Peak season from 15 December - 11 January
Daily laundry services for three pieces of sport attire
Pureandcure Benefits
Free roomupgrade from Discovery Junior Suite to Serenity Grand room (already calculated in the shown price) - not applicable in Peak season from 15 December - 11 January
Daily laundry services for three pieces of sport attire
Pureandcure Benefits
Free roomupgrade from Discovery Junior Suite to Serenity Grand room (already calculated in the shown price) - not applicable in Peak season from 15 December - 11 January
Daily laundry services for three pieces of sport attire
Pureandcure Benefits
Free roomupgrade from Discovery Junior Suite to Serenity Grand room (already calculated in the shown price) - not applicable in Peak season from 15 December - 11 January
Daily laundry services for three pieces of sport attire
Pureandcure Benefits
Free roomupgrade from Discovery Junior Suite to Serenity Grand room (already calculated in the shown price) - not applicable in Peak season from 15 December - 11 January
Daily laundry services for three pieces of sport attire
Pureandcure Benefits
Free roomupgrade from Discovery Junior Suite to Serenity Grand room (already calculated in the shown price) - not applicable in Peak season from 15 December - 11 January
Daily laundry services for three pieces of sport attire
Pureandcure Benefits
Free roomupgrade from Discovery Junior Suite to Serenity Grand room (already calculated in the shown price) - not applicable in Peak season from 15 December - 11 January
Daily laundry services for three pieces of sport attire
Pureandcure Benefits
Free roomupgrade from Discovery Junior Suite to Serenity Grand room (already calculated in the shown price) - not applicable in Peak season from 15 December - 11 January
Swimwear: swimwear is obligatory in the spa and pool areas. The sauna and steam bath are separate for men and women
There is an outdoor seawater pool and an indoor aqua circuit.
The Serenity zone is an adults-only area. The Discovery zone is a child-friendly area with a kidsclub for children between 4 and 12 years and for teenagers up to 17 years.
Internet: free of charge in your room and the hotel
To maintain a peaceful and healthy atmosphere, mobile devices are not allowed in the public spaces.
Bathrobe/slippers and Kurta Pyama in your room
Passport and Visa
Most European and UK citizens can obtain a visa-on arrival in Qatar, which allows you to stay in Qatar for up to 30 days. This waiver can be used for either a single trip or multiple trips within the 30-day period, and it can also be extended for an additional 30 days if needed. Ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months after returning and you bring a proof of a return flight ticket to your home country. For stays longer than the 30-day waiver or for purposes other than tourism, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Make sure to check out online whether you need an entry visa and how long you can stay in Qatar before processing your application. Always check for updated entry requirements before traveling. Also, make some copies of your important travel documents and/or save them in a secure online site.
Health Information for Travellers
Vaccinations for Qatar are not obligatory but vaccinations for DTP and Hepatitis A are recommended. For more information, please consult your GP (doctor) or a health travel clinic before you go.
Rooms
Zulal Serenity
Zulal Serenity has 60 rooms and suites with a serene and elegant look. The relaxing views of the beach, sea and lagoon support the connection with yourself and a retreat from the world.
Zulal Discovery
Specially designed for families, Zulal Discovery's 120 rooms are nestled between the resort's desert, sea and lagoon. Each room offers a view of nature.
Ultiem relaxen in bijzonder rustige omgeving. Er is veel aandacht voor jou als gast en de behandelingen trainingen en massages zijn op een hoog nivo. Het meest bijzonder zijn de allervriendelijkste mensen die er werken.
I recently spent time at Zulal Wellness Resort, where I did the Stress Reset and Burnout Recovery program, and I have to say, I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. I had some doubts about the destination, but the calm atmosphere and beautiful setting by the sea surprised me. I have been in Chivasom and Kamalaya before. The program itself was very well thought out, combining yoga, floating meditation in the pool, stretching, which helped me focus on reducing stress and finding balance. The spa treatments were a real highlight, maybe because many therapist come from Thailand, India and Sri Lanka. The consultation with the TAIM doctor gave me some interesting insights into my health, which I wasn’t expecting. One thing that really stood out was the food. It was healthy, fresh, and really tasty, which is not always the case at wellness resorts. Each of the three restaurants offered something different, and the meals always felt like a treat. The architecture of the resort had a Middle Eastern style, but with modern touches, which made it feel both elegant and cozy. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure everything was just right without being overbearing, which I appreciated. I also loved small details like having bicycles to explore the resort and the comfy Kurta-pajamas they provided.
Ik had een uitzonderlijk verblijf in dit wellnessresort. Eerder was ik al een paar keer naar Chivasom geweest. De kwaliteit van de faciliteiten is werkelijk uitstekend, met een scala aan voorzieningen zoals sportscholen, spa's, sauna's, jacuzzi's, zwembaden, een ijskamer en zelfs een Himalaya zoutkamer. De aandacht voor detail en toewijding van het personeel om je verblijf speciaal te maken is ongekend groot. Ze gingen the extra mile om aan mijn wensen te voldoen, inclusief het aanbieden van op maat gemaakte gerechten die pasten bij mijn dieet. Ik ben in een week zo'n 2,5 kilo gewicht kwijtgeraakt.
Web shops need cookies to function properly and to evaluate performance. In addition, cookies are used for advertising and marketing purposes. See our privacy statement for more information about how these cookies are used.