Zulul Wellness Resort By Chiva-Som

Chiva-Som, one of the world’s leading wellness brands pioneering sustainable life transformations for over 26 years, debuts in Qatar with Zulal Wellness Resort by ChivaSom. Set to open within 2021, the largest wellness destination in the state will also be the first to introduce a contemporary Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine offering.

Chiva-Som is known the world over for its highly personalised approach to wellness. Its first destination, in Hua Hin, Thailand, offers awardwinning retreat programmes that incorporate movement, relaxation and nutrition in a tranquil beachfront setting. Wellness treatments draw inspiration from the region, fusing Thai, Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies with modern Western approaches.

Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine, or TAIM, is derived from the Canon of Medicine written by physician-philosopher Ibn Sina, or Avicenna, in 1025. Greatly influencing Western medicine, the Canon emphasises restoration and life balance through fitness, diet, mental and spiritual health. Herbs indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula are also noted for their healing properties.

Zulal Wellness Resort’s TAIM treatments will include traditional Qatari hamiz, a deeply relaxing massage using circular strokes, Zulal’s signature tadleek oil infused with medicinal herbs, and hot stones to reenergise the body and stimulate circulation and energy flow. The slimming body mask of camel milk, neem and sidr leaves and essential oils delivers heat and enhances metabolism while detoxifying and hydrating the skin. The resort’s extensive hammam facilities will feature a range of Arabic spa rituals that positively impact both physical and spiritual wellbeing.

The Chiva-Som places great emphasis on healthy, locally sourced cuisine. With ‘food as medicine’, Zulal’s menu will feature indigenous herbs, spices, minerals and marine flora, and traditional superfoods such as figs, dates, olives and camel milk across the resort’s four restaurants.

of each destination”, states Chiva-Som Chairman and CEO, Krip Rojanastien. “Without widespread awareness of the fact, Western medicine has built on the foundations of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine for centuries. Zulal Wellness Resort continues Chiva-Som’s journey of pioneering, bringing a contemporary take on ancient healing practices and incorporating them into the over 400 wellness treatments we offer at the resort for complete healing and life transformation”.

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som is expected to open by the end of the year , with two areas, Zulal Serenity for adults over 16 years of age seeking a path of reset and reflection, and Zulal Discovery for multi-generation families. Zulal Discovery’s unique approach to wellness incorporates educational activities, sports and creative arts, as well as wellness treatments and cuisine, that will appeal to all ages while encouraging family bonding.

Chiva-Som Research & Development Director, Dr. Jason Culp shares with his experience of the past year, the way it’s dramatically changed the way International Spas operate, and his philosophical musings for the future.

Being cut off from our surroundings has undoubtedly yielded a greater appreciation for the environment. With less travel and tourism, we have seen ecosystems slowly recover and with that, a renewed bloom of interest in adventure and the great outdoors.

Nature has a positive impact on many aspects of our wellbeing. It not only helps to ease the minds and soothe the senses, but it has also lasting physical benefits as well. A simple stroll through the forest can help to lower blood pressure, reduce pain, and relieve physical tension in the body. These effects are so powerful that some doctors have even started “prescribing” nature for common ailments. So, how can nature help to promote your wellness?

Inspiration

The awe and beauty of nature inspires poets to write, musicians to compose, and artists to paint. Nature reminds us of the expansive world and calls to the adventurous side of our spirit. Even mental health imbalances that obstruct our desire to fully engage with life, i.e., anxiety and depression, are improved while spending time in nature. Take a moment each day to observe and, if possible, immerse yourself in natural surroundings, amongst the trees and flowers, mountains, or sea. Breathe in deeply and allow nature to fill you with inspiration.

Healing

Our bodies have the inherent ability to restore and return to normal health. However, the immediate environment plays a critical role in the efficiency of healing. Nature seems to hasten the healing process, even for those who suffer from major illness or recovery from surgery. Natural settings help to reduce stress reactions like anxiety, and have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, lower heart rate and blood pressure, induce positive mood states, and even promote healthy immune response.

Connection

Nature is a conduit for connecting us to the elements, our communities, and even our inner selves. Community gardening projects and farmers markets, eco-charities, and volunteerism bring people together and strengthen social bonds. Being away from the faint but ever-present whirring and buzzing of electronics, screen displays, and man-made barriers from the elements, the world opens, and you reconnect with a living and breathing environment. It is within this dynamic stillness that we may discover a deeper meaning in our own lives and existence. Nature connects us and we grow. So, take time to disconnect from the digital realm and reconnect with nature.