Having recently received a life-changing diagnosis of stage 3 lymphedema that’s currently incurable but manageable, I’m now actively running down the road to wellness. Since receiving the test results, I’ve been working hard on my fitness. The toll of daily hospital visits, lymph system treatments, and four hours a day in a specialised machine had me dreaming of a perfect paradise of peace—Marhaba Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som!
Wellness Redefined
Located on the stunning coastline of the northern quarter of Qatar, Zulal is a luxury retreat that truly redefines the wellness experience. A tranquil and idyllic haven, Zulal’s well-being philosophy perfectly blends Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with a holistic, bespoke health and well-being approach.
My initial assessment began before I even arrived at the 280,000 square metres of luxurious beauty that was to be my home for five days. The Zulal team took great care, with gentle guidance, to help me understand my wellness goals and it was clear that my focus had to be on reconnecting with myself and on mindfulness for long-lasting lifestyle impact while also having specialised treatments for my condition.
Set around a beautifully tranquil circle planted with herbs used not only by the apothecary but also by the magician chefs in the kitchen, Zulal offers two distinctly different yet interconnected experiences. Zulal Discovery is a unique concept for families wishing to spend meaningful time together, take a digital detox and reconnect in a healthy environment, whereas Zulal Serenity is tailored for adult guests only for a total mind and body reset.
Stepping out of Zulal’s luxury limousine after just over an hour’s drive from Hamad International Airport and knowing nothing of the Northern Quarter of Qatar, I am genuinely stunned at how beautiful it is. Arriving at Zulal, I immediately sense I’m somewhere spectacular and special. An instant calm washed over me and my energy was becalmed by its surroundings, soothing my soul. Little did I know then just how transformative this stay would be.
A welcome tea ceremony greeted me in the spectacular House of Wisdom, which houses a staggering array of books. With over 200 teas curated by Zulal’s very own in-house Tea Master, I settled for a cup of chamomile while refreshing myself with a cold towel. My wonderful personal butler checks me in and escorts me by buggy to one of sixty perfectly appointed and designed villas. There’s a private plunge pool leading on to the stunning natural beach, so my wellness journey is definitely starting in style. Its exclusive coastal position ensures Zulal is totally secluded, and the mangroves only add to the enchantment. Its tranquility is magical and has the soothing effect of affording me eight hours of blissful sleep.
Wellness Embraced
Waking refreshed beyond measure, it’s time for breakfast. Having worked for years with a celebrity chef and reviewed countless restaurants as part of my job, I’m hopelessly in love with food. I’m such a foodie; even my pets, Frank and Furta, are sausage dogs! Expecting tiny, tasteless portions, I was preparing myself for mind-over-fatter but at Zulal, journeys of true culinary delight awaited along with whimsical flights of fancy mocktails. Zulal’s chefs are magicians, as I didn’t think it possible to create Michelin-style food that tastes and looks delicious yet is calorie controlled.
Journey Inwards
My carefully curated, personalised plan began with a one-to-one breathing class to ground me and teach me sustainable techniques. Next up was a private Tai Chi session, where I quickly realised that my week needed much more of this. I absolutely adored it. Having never tried it before, this elegant form of exercise was challenging and relaxing at the same time. Tougher than strength training, my post Tai Chi Tadleek signature massage was much needed. Zulal’s sensational spa and treatments are second to none. Their world-class therapists’ ability to tailor lymphatic drainage massages combined with physiotherapy treatments to my chronic condition was impressive. Daily check-ins with my dedicated Health & Wellness Advisor allowed me to adapt and change my schedule as my journey progressed.
Journey Forwards
After five gloriously uplifting and joyous days of embracing and enjoying all my treatments, learning about Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine concepts, and discovering detox foods can taste outstandingly delicious, it was having guidance on how to connect with myself that has affected me most. The philosophy and spirit of Zulal are embedded in “Jai Thai” which is service from the heart and that clearly shines through. Just being in Zulal is a spiritual experience, a friendly atmosphere with attentive, caring, and connected staff in wonderfully tranquil surroundings. I’m told that Zulal means pure water, and whilst I’m leaving Zulal rejuvenated, reconnected, calmer, brighter, and most definitely lighter—Zulal isn’t leaving me as I take on new-found habits of drinking more pure water and daily breathing exercises along with its spirit carried in my heart. Marhaba to the new me!
