The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Welcome to a world of spa innovation
From Qatar’s first well-being retreat to a Big Sur sleep programme and ‘Blue Health’ breaks by the sea, Charlotte Johnstone tracks the trends
Desert spa openings are numerous in 2021. One of the Middle East’s hottest new hotels is Qatar’s first well-being-dedicated retreat: Zulal Wellness Resort, by the pioneering Chiva-Som. Located on an isolated stretch of coast in Khasooma (“Zulal” means “pure natural water” in Arabic), it comprises two properties; one for adults, the other for families. In the belief that wellness is for everyone, both will offer experiences based on Arabic and Islamic wellness principles. Expect treatments using camel’s milk and Qatar’s pink clay (zulal.com).
In Baja California Sur, Mexico, Paradero Todos Santos (opening this month) is a 35-suite property in a location with a twist: its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer means guests will be able to enjoy five distinct microclimates, from the desert, the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range and the beaches of the Pacific Coast to palm tree groves and agricultural farmland. Activities range from mountain biking to surfing, while back at base the Ojo de Agua Spa offers ancient Mexican healing traditions (paraderohotels.com).
The much-anticipated Six Senses Shaharut, located in Israel’s Negev desert, is scheduled to open in June. The brand has also launched a “Reconnect with Six Senses” package, which can be booked at any property (including new openings Botanique, in the lush forests of Brazil, and historic Fort Barwara in Rajasthan, India). Individual elements may vary by destination, but the over-arching concept is based on local rituals, reconnection, topical discussion and treatments. At Shaharut, this means mindful walks along desert trails with guided meditation sessions at sunrise, spiritual visits to the Neot Semadar Kibbutz community and desert stories in the evenings with stargazing included (sixsenses.com).