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 Chiva-Som. 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 award-winning 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 re-energise 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.
“At Chiva-Som, we believe in a holistic approach to wellness, drawing on the indigenous traditions of each destination”, states Chiva-Som Chairman and CEO, KripRojanastien. “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.
