Football World Cups are stressful enough, particularly if you’re of the Scottish variety, which is why Qatar makes frankincense.
You see what I’ve done there, I’ve only linked the Gulf state with its greatest export, way before they found oil.
Frankincense was one of the spices the Three Wise Men saw fit to take to Bethlehem to give to the baby Jesus.
And we think that if that kind of aromatherapy was deemed good enough for the Messiah then it’s good enough for us.
A Qatar tradition
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som feels the same.
And that is why they’ll pamper you with a wellbeing package fit for a king (or queen).
The resort is the world’s first centre for Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM).
And that’s a system of healing drawn from Islamic medicinal historians and herbalists.
Remember too that Islamic culture puts cleanliness next to godliness (and I’m going to resist the temptation to say that you find both next to each other in an Irish dictionary).
Retreat programmes are available from three to 14 nights in duration.
With the emphasis on improving diet and nutrition, promoting daily physical activity and stress resistance.
And enhancing sleep quality (kip on your side to stop snoring, methinks), and engaging in joyful activities.
Ooh Hamamma
Now nobody loves a hamam more than me apart from Florence Nightingale, King Edward VIII, Omar Sharif and Jenson Button.,
As I found out in Istanbul at the 300-year-old Cagaloglu Hamam in Istanbul.
This stuff is ancient wisdom and Qatar too is steeped in it.
The Zula Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som’s treatments are derived from the Canon of Medicine written by physician-philosopher Avicenna in 1025.
You might know him too as Ibn Sina, and his teachings are among the cornerstones of the history of medicine in Europe and the Middle East.
And you’ll also get to try out the traditional Qatari hamiz.
It’s a deeply relaxing massage using circular strokes with tadleek oil infused with medicinal herbs and hot stones to reenergise the body.
And there’s also the Hijama therapy (cupping therapy).
That’s a slimming body mask of camel milk which delivers heat to enhance metabolic rate while detoxifying the skin.
Camel ye to Qatar
I don’t know what my camel would have thought of that in Jordan with G Adventures, mind.
There’s also a range of Arabic spa rituals at the resort’s extensive hamam facilities.
Located on the picturesque northern tip of Qatar, Zulal Wellness Resort offers two distinct yet interconnecting experiences.
Zulal Serenity is dedicated to adults seeking an immersive health and lifestyle reset.
While Zulal Discovery invites families to connect and embark on a wellness journey together.
Deal us in
So deal us in.
With retreat programmes at Zulal Serenity ranging from three to 14 nights and designed for those seeking a path of reset and reflection.
Packages start from £2,599.00pp when booked with Healing Holidays (020 7843 3597).
The price includes the three-night Taste of Zulal programme, Qatar Airways flights, transfers and full board accommodation.
Why Qatar makes frankincense… well, I’m sure they know.
We do know that Qatar makes sense for a break, particularly around the World Cup when Scotland will be there (Allah be good).
