Qatar is an idyllic destination for a relaxing getaway, offering sun, sea and sand as well as world-class wellness resorts and facilities. The country is busy preparing to welcome visitors back with 117 properties under construction and a number of measures implemented to reassure and protect travellers against Covid-19.
Chief Operating Officer of Qatar National Tourism Council, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Qatar is well-placed to meet the increasing demand for wellness getaways. Our destination offers outstanding resorts for tourists seeking rest and relaxation or outdoor activity, with an abundance of water sports, desert pursuits and mindful sanctuaries available. Qatar is recognised as home to some of the world’s leading wellness facilities – it’s important that we meet the growing demand for wellness breaks and our guest experiences showcase the very best in Middle Eastern hospitality.”
For example, the new Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som offers a unique sustainable resort in Al Ruwais. The resort is set to be the largest wellness destination in the country and the first wellbeing resort in the region. The resort, located in the north of Qatar, will offer treatments and facilities for sun-seeking families or couples looking to escape to the Arabian dunes.
Earlier this year was the much-anticipated opening of the new Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas. With no expense spared, the resort is set across 3.5km of picturesque private beaches and features beautiful and spacious beach villas, each with private pools and gardens for a luxurious yet secluded getaway. The resort also has the largest theme and water park in Qatar and a new luxury destination spa which offers unique, personalised, world-class experiences that showcase the warmth of Qatar’s hospitality.
Spa Manager of Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Adele Osborne said: “Our goal at eforea SPA is to assist guests in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and guide them on a wellbeing journey that is sustainable in their everyday lives. We work on bespoke wellness routines, encompassing practices for a balanced mind, body, and spirit. With 13 treatment rooms, two VIP suites, a traditional Turkish hammam and superb thermal suite facilities, we hope our guests feel thoroughly rested and rejuvenated after a visit.”
Other must-visit signature wellbeing properties include Al Messila, Banana Island Resort, Sharq Village & Spa and Marsa Malaz Kempinski.
Top wellness retreats and properties in Qatar include:
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som – a pioneering destination already accoladed as the “World's Best New Wellness Retreat 2020” by World’s Spa Awards UK. Spread across 280,000 sqm of secluded coastal enclave north of Doha, it is the Middle East’s first full-immersion wellness resort.
Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – Qatar’s first five-star ladies wellness retreat and state-of-the art health centre, set in an authentic oasis of indigenous scented gardens. There are hydro-thermal facilities, including three therapy pools and four hydro-wellness areas.
Banana Island Resort – spread across lush botanical gardens and 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, Banana Island Resort Doha run by Anantara, is a vibrant hotel for those seeking a relaxing retreat.
Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton – one of the biggest and most luxurious spas in Qatar. Modelled after a traditional Qatari village, the spa has 23 treatment rooms and four spa areas, each with a different theme reflective of Qatar’s rich wellness, along with hammam rooms, saunas and a private ladies-only area. Nearly half of the treatments are dedicated to local experiences, offering a new way for guests to familiarise themselves with a destination and enjoy local wellness practices and indigenous ingredients.
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Qatar – situated on The Pearl-Qatar on a private stretch of beach, the five-star hotel boasts a spa in a serene setting across 3,000sqm and 21 treatment rooms. The hotel also offers seven restaurants, four bars, a private beach, tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
