A state-of-the-art wellness retreat in Qatar that brought me back to life
After a chaotic year, I was exhausted. Physically and mentally drained. I went for a five-day Stress Reset & Burnout Recovery program at Zulal by Chiva-Som. Here's what happened.
— Victoire, Serenity Ways
The Journey to Complete Disconnection
After an easy one-hour drive from Doha through a lunar-like landscape, you arrive at the serene, remote coastline of Qatar. Disconnection begins the moment you step out of the car. The world just... stops.
Zulal Wellness offers two distinctive experiences: Serenity and Discovery. Understanding the difference is important.
Zulal Serenity: Pure Tranquility
Serenity is the adults-only section, 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 is complete peace.
Privacy matters here. Rooms are secluded, and the manicured gardens invite you to explore various wellness facilities at your own pace. The on-site restaurant serves an Asian-inspired à la carte menu where you can choose to follow a diet plan or simply eat what your body asks for.
Serenity guests also have access to the restaurants at Discovery, giving you flexibility without sacrificing the quiet sanctuary.
Zulal Discovery: The Family Side
Discovery is the family-oriented section. Here you'll see a wonderful mix of people: families, groups of friends from around the world. Western visitors and locals in traditional attire, all feeling equally at home.
The family center offers an impressive range of activities tailored to different ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Mornings are filled with sports and creative sessions. My 10-year-old daughter particularly loved her time with Lydia.
Lunch happens at the main restaurant, where a beautiful buffet caters to every taste. You can eat freely, knowing everything is clean, organic, and thoughtfully prepared with healthy cooking methods.
Afternoons are dedicated to parent-child bonding through manual activities and pure fun. Families with packages can enjoy daily massages in the family facilities. I had a mother-daughter massage that was truly unforgettable.
The central area features a large saltwater pool and a cold swimming pool. You can kayak, paddleboard, and bike around the resort. The rooms are stunning and comfortable, living up to five-star expectations. Attention to detail is everywhere. Some packages include free laundry for your sports attire, and the mini-bar is replenished daily with juices and fruits.
In the evening, choose between the classic restaurant or fine dining at Acacia. Both are delightful.
One important note: the culinary team can accommodate any dietary restrictions. As a vegan and gluten-free person, I found the chefs incredibly accommodating, making sure everything was prepared to my satisfaction.
How the Programs Work
On your first day, you meet with an advisor to organize your schedule based on your booked program. 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 entire holistic offerings.
Your day is filled with complimentary classes. Tai Chi, Padel tennis, stargazing, clay workshops. Something for everyone. My personal favorite way to start the day? Aqua aerobics.
The Gender Separation Question
Since Zulal is 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 experiencing treatments from both male and female therapists. It adds a different dimension to the healing.
The Treatment Menu Is Extraordinary
Zulal by Chiva-Som has 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.
The healing and medical approach follows TAIM principles: Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine. Like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, TAIM considers each individual holistically and balances four 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 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, 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 treatments aimed at improving appearance and promoting aging well.
My Burnout Recovery Story
Let me be honest with you. Despite my daily spiritual and physical practices, after a chaotic year, I was on the verge of complete burnout. Sleepless nights. Unexplained tears. The challenge of caring for my children while feeling completely drained. I realized I needed external help, so 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 particularly special. I highly recommend it.
By day three, I began to release the built-up tension. By the end of the program, I felt like I could finally get back on my feet. The quality of the therapists and sessions was outstanding. A special mention goes to Manwal, whose Reiki sessions were both challenging and transformative.
What I Achieved
My experience at Zulal was extraordinary. I achieved exactly 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 the program could benefit from individual counseling sessions. There were moments when I felt a bit isolated in my process.
The best part of my experience? Everyone now tells me I look two years younger.
Who This Place Serves
Zulal is for people who need serious recovery. If you're exhausted, burnt out, or just deeply depleted, this is one of the best places in the world to reset. The combination of TAIM principles, world-class therapists, and the serene Qatar coastline creates something genuinely healing.
It's also exceptional for families who want wellness without compromise. The Discovery section allows children to have their own transformative experience while parents do the deeper work.
It's for people who appreciate both ancient healing traditions and modern luxury. For those who understand that sometimes you need professional help to find your way back.
My Real Take
Zulal brought me back from a place I didn't think I could return from on my own. The therapists, particularly Manwal, saw me in ways I wasn't even seeing myself. The treatments released things I'd been holding for too long. The peace of that coastline gave me space to breathe again.
I came home looking younger, yes. But more importantly, I came home feeling like myself again. Stronger. Clearer. Ready.
If you're exhausted, if you're running on empty, if you know you need help but don't know where to find it... consider Zulal. Sometimes the answer is in the desert, on a quiet coastline, with people who know how to put you back together.
Sending you lots of peace,
Victoire
Questions about Zulal? Let's talk. Maybe this is your answer, or maybe I'll suggest something else that fits your needs better. Sometimes what we think we need isn't quite right, and that's okay. Finding the real solution is what matters.