Qatar Tourism invites travellers to renew and rejuvenate in the new year with holistic and natural wellness escapes. The perfect place to cleanse the mind, nourish the body and heal the soul, here’s how Qatar’s abundance of spas, activities and relaxing excursions combine to create a transformational ‘desert detox’ healthy holiday.
Chief operating officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Mental health and wellness is becoming more of a necessity than a trend, and Qatar is filling that demand by introducing world-class wellness facilities and activities. Qatar’s new Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som is the largest wellness destination in the Middle East. From having a spa under the stars, or going glamping out under our impressive sand dunes, to taking sunset yoga classes, Qatar offers an outstanding ‘desert detox’ break to work on a new you.”
For those after the ‘desert detox’ Qatar Tourism has rounded up a list of the top healthy experiences. Visitors can pick from an escape to the desert, healthy dining, luxurious downtime in a peaceful location, or a full-scale wellness programme.
For the mind
• Mind Body retreat at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som: This retreat allows visitors to rebalance and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. The aim is to reset well-being and boost immunity through various healing traditions and holistic activities. The retreat can be booked from 3 to 14 nights.
• Glamping under the stars: Step out onto the warm desert sand and connect with nature in a journey to Khor Al Adaid, Qatar’s breath-taking inland sea. Visitors can ride camels, dune bash and feast on a traditional buffet dinner, before spending the night under the stars.
• Colour the stress away: Colouring isn’t just for children; it’s also used as a restorative way for adults to unwind at the Artist Cafe. This hidden gem is located in Qanat Quartier in The Pearl-Qatar and allows the minds creative juices to run free as stress is unleashed with each brushstroke.
For the body
• Stretch, tense, relax: Enjoy a day or a holistic integrative weekend retreat, and indulge in Ashtanga, Hatha and stretch yoga in both group and private classes at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Visitors can also spend time nourishing their bodies with a juice cleanse or take a sound bath in the luxurious spa. Those who wish to stay in the city can visit the W Doha, which recently opened the largest Sisley Spa in the world bringing Parisian elegance to the heart of Doha.
• Dining in health: Treat the body to a delightful selection of nutritious, delicious, and locally sourced meals on a trip to Qatar. Start the day with a delectable breakfast or a cleansing menu at Doha’s first 100 percent vegan café, Evergreen Organics – there are three now in town. Then lunch at Chef’s Garden or Baladna restaurant for a farm-to-table experience, before grabbing a healthy snack for the day from Green and Go.
• Paddle your energy with kayaking at Purple Island: Replenish the connection with nature with a kayak ride at Al Thakira’s mangrove reserves, one of the most beautiful natural sights in Qatar. Guide a kayak through a wide variety of unique flora and fauna, including seasonal flamingos and herons.
• Stay beautiful, stay happy: Replenish the skin’s glow with organic products from Botany, where all products are locally sourced and created with natural products.
For the soul
• Full moon yoga: Absorb the vibrations and energy from the moon to connect, deepen, and re-energise the body with yoga classes by Evolve Mind Body Soul. The programme cultivates increased self-awareness and clarity for the mind under the moonlight.
• Sound healing: Take part in a meditation class supported by live playing of Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and other musical instruments to awaken the soul at Niya Yoga. The experience aims to lead the mind to a calm meditative state.
• The digital detox: For those who are always on the go and glued to their screens the Mandarin Oriental, Doha offers a Digital Wellness Escape to ease stresses and strains resulting from the frequent use of digital devices.
• Spa under the stars: Experience a world beyond and enjoy one of the most unique experiences in Qatar: “Under The Stars” curated by the Saray Spa at the Marriott Marquis Doha – on their 50th-floor helipad!