Healing in the Middle East

Qatar is geared up to set new standards in Middle Eastern hospitality with world-class spa resorts and wellness retreats.

QATAR, WITH ITS enviable location on the Arabian Peninsula, attracts travellers for more reasons than one. From the modern capital, Doha, to ancient towns and a stunning shoreline, the country has a lot to offer. A string of new wellness resorts is all set to complement the region’s diverse landscape and offer discerning travellers a slice of Qatari hospitality. According to Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), the country is preparing to welcome back visitors with 117 new properties under construction.

The soon-to-be-launched Zulal Wellness Resort by ChivaSom, for instance, will offer international service standards rooted in traditional Qatari hospitality. Located on the coast in northern Qatar, it is set to be ‘Middle East’s first fullimmersion wellness resort’. It aims to offer wellness services to families in addition to the dedicated and exclusive resort for guests above the age of 16.

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, just off the coast of downtown Doha, comes with overwater villas. Accessible by a private catamaran, the resort is set on a private island surrounded by turquoise lagoons. With 141 rooms, suites and villas, a spa and balance wellness centre, a surf pool, and a dive centre, it makes for a vibrant venue for those seeking a relaxing retreat.

Traditional, romantic, and secluded, Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is a beach resort reminiscent of a Sheikh’s palace. The highlight is that it is home to one of the biggest and most lavish spas in Qatar. It features 23 treatment rooms, four spa areas along with hammam rooms, saunas, and a private ladies-only area.

Some of the other noteworthy wellness resorts in Qatar are Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, which opened its doors earlier this year; Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa featuring Qatar’s first five-star ladies wellness retreat and a state-of-the-art health centre; Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Qatar, which boasts a spa spread across 3,000 square metres and 21 treatment rooms. visitqatar.qa

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Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara offers luxe overwater villas. Below: The soon-to-belaunched Zulal Wellness Resort will have a holistic approach towards health and wellness.

Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is a beach resort reminiscent of a Sheikh’s palace.