Hi! After a cahotic year, I was exhausted, physically and mentally. I went for a 5-day Stress Reset & Burnout Recovery program at Zulal by Chiva-Som. Discover my experience.
I hope you will enjoy it!
— Victoire, Serenity Ways
Arrival and First Impression
After an easy and convenient one-hour drive from Doha, through a lunar-like landscape, you arrive at the serene and remote coastline of Qatar. Disconnection begins the moment you step out of the car.
Zulal Wellness offers two distinctive experiences: Serenity and Discovery.
Zulal Serenity: A Tranquil Retreat for Adults
Serenity is the adults-only section of the resort, where most wellness sessions and activities take place. The library is magnificent, offering over 100 different blends of tea, expertly curated throughout the day. The atmosphere here is one of complete tranquility and peace.
Privacy is a priority in Serenity; rooms are secluded, and the manicured gardens invite you to explore the various wellness facilities. The on-site restaurant offers an Asian-inspired à la carte menu, where you can choose to follow a diet plan or simply indulge at your leisure.
Zulal Serenity guests also have access to the restaurants at Discovery.
Zulal Discovery: A Family-Friendly Haven
Discovery is the family-oriented section of Zulal. Here, you'll encounter a mixed crowd, ranging from families to groups of friends from around the world. The inclusive environment reflects the diversity of the guests, with everyone, from Western visitors to locals in traditional attire, feeling at home.
The family center offers a wide range of activities tailored to different age groups, from toddlers to teenagers. Mornings are filled with sports and creative activities.
My 10-year-old daughter particularly enjoyed her sessions with Lydia.
Lunch is a family affair at the main restaurant, where a beautiful buffet caters to every taste. You can eat freely, knowing that the food is clean, organic, and thoughtfully prepared, with a focus on healthy cooking practices.
Afternoons are dedicated to parent-child bonding, with manual activities and fun for the kids. Families with a package can enjoy daily massages in the family facilities.
I had a blissful mother-daughter massage that was truly unforgettable.
The central area of the resort features a large saltwater pool and a cold swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and other activities, with bikes available to get around the resort. The rooms are stunning and comfortable, living up to the expectations of a five-star property. Attention to detail is evident everywhere; some packages include free laundry for your sports attire, and the mini-bar is replenished daily with juices and fruits.
In the evening, you can choose between the classic restaurant or the fine dining experience at Acacia, both of which are delightful.
Note: the culinary team at Zulal can accommodate any dietary restrictions.
As a vegan + gluten-free person, I found the chefs incredibly accommodating, making sure everything was prepared to my satisfaction.
How Zulal Programs Work
On your first day, you'll meet with an advisor to organize your schedule based on the program you’ve booked. I recommend choosing a retreat with a variety of included treatments.
For example, if your program includes two holistic classic treatments, you can choose any two sessions from the holistic offerings.
A Day at Zulal
Your day at Zulal is filled with a wide variety of complimentary classes. Whether it’s Tai Chi, Padel tennis, stargazing, or a clay workshop, there’s something for everyone.
My personal favorite way to start the day is with aqua aerobics.
Cultural Considerations
As Zulal is located in an Arabic country, the SPA and wellness centers are separated for women and men. This includes the pool, spa facilities, and gym.
For me, the energy of the therapist matters more than their gender, and I appreciated the opportunity to experience treatments from both male and female therapists.
A Vast Array of Treatments
Zulal by Chiva-Som boasts one of the most extensive treatment menus in the world. The quality of the therapists is exceptional; I had some of the best treatments of my life here.
I found the healing and medical approach really interesting. It follows TAIM principles: Traditional Arabic Islamic Medecine. With ancient origins like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medecine, TAIM considers each individual in a holistic manner and balances 4 main elements. The treatments combine medicinal herbs, mind-body therapies and spiritual healing. A very efficient approach.
Zulal therapists come from all over the world, bringing with them the best of Thai, Indian, and other healing traditions.
Daily Treatments
Choose between an invigorating deep tissue massage, an oriental scalp massage, a full-body Tadleek (my personal favorite, especially with Thai masseuses), or a relaxing Al Qadam foot massage.
Fitness
The fitness offerings cater to all preferences, whether you want to move, stretch, or relax. Options range from yoga and Tai Chi to TRX and Watsu.
Holistic
This is my favorite section. The team is truly beyond amazing, and the treatments are extraordinary.
My therapist, Manwal, helped me immensely with holistic massages and Reiki sessions. His treatments were a turning point in my recovery. The Al Ra’s Head Massage, using acupuncture points in the head, was another standout treatment that brought significant relief.
Physio
The physiotherapy offerings include various manual treatments and machines to relieve pain. I found the Releasing Tension therapy particularly effective. Neurac is another interesting option if you haven't tried it yet.
Spa
The spa offers a range of treatments aimed at improving appearance and promoting aging well.
About Zulal Stress Reset & Burnout Recovery Program
Zulal is one of the best places in the world for stress reset and burnout recovery, with a dedicated program designed to help you unwind and heal.
Let me share my experience: despite my daily spiritual and physical practices, after a chaotic year, I was on the verge of burnout. Sleepless nights, unexplained tears, and the challenge of caring for my children left me drained. Realizing that I needed external help, I booked a five-day stress reset and burnout recovery program at Zulal.
The program began with a meeting with my advisor, a kind and helpful nutritionist, who worked with me to organize my sessions and treatments. Each day included a mix of group activities, treatments, and personal reflection.
The floating meditation on the night of the full moon was a particularly special experience, that I highly recommend.
By day three, I began to release the built-up tension, and by the end of the program, I felt like I could finally get back on my feet. The quality of the therapists and the sessions was outstanding.
A special mention goes to Manwal, whose Reiki sessions were both challenging and transformative.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience at Zulal was extraordinary. I achieved what I came for: to regain my strength, sleep better, and release the tension that had been building up inside me.
However, I did feel that the program could benefit from the inclusion of individual counseling sessions, as there were moments when I felt a bit isolated.
The best part of my experience at Zulal?Everyone now telling me I look 2 years younger! 😎
I hope you liked this insider review. If you have questions about Zulal, feel free to ask me.
Sending you lots of peace, Victoire 💛 ⭐
You can also contact me to get my advise about the ideal program for you. Maybe the best retreat for you is Zulal, or maybe it is another great wellness hotel. During the consultation, we will discuss your objectives and find out.
Also, booking your program with Serenity Ways gives you exclusive amenities, without paying more.
