Desert Detox: how to enjoy a relaxing holiday in Qatar

Detox: detoxifying, detoxifying, purifying, in particular known as a concentrated treatment in a short time. The word has become very fashionable, touching not only nutrition, but also the lifestyle with the “digital detox”. So here comes the desert detox. The perfect place to practice it? Qatar, the ideal destination to purify the mind, nourish the body and heal the soul, thanks to the numerous proposals between relaxing activities and excursions. Between glamping under the stars and new spas, here’s where to go for a holiday dedicated to psychophysical wellbeing.

The new Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar it is the largest wellness destination in the Middle East. Spanning over 280,000m2, the estate includes a 120-room Family Wellness Resort and an adjacent adults-only Wellness Resort with 60 suites and villas. It offers therapeutic and lifestyle enhancement treatments based on the principles of traditional Arab and Islamic wellness and hosts the first hub for traditional Arab Islamic medicine, a 360-degree approach to healing drawn from Islamic medicinal and herbalist historians and thoughtful, mind- body therapy.

Translating into “purified water”, Zulal is inspired by people’s historical journeys across the Arabian Peninsula in search of water, the seed of life, a concept that encompasses Qatar’s history, culture and heritage. As such, the landscape will incorporate ponds and water features arranged around a series of shaded and fenced gardens; a narrative that takes its cue from the memories of travelers heading to the sea who find refuge in local villages. This retreat allows visitors to rebalance and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. The goal is to restore well-being and increase immunity through various healing traditions and holistic activities. The collection can be booked for a period between 3 and 14 nights.

Glamping under the stars
Venture into the hot desert sand and connect with nature on a trip to Khor Al Adaid, Qatar’s inland sea. Visitors can ride camels, surf the desert in a 4WD doing dune bash and enjoy a traditional buffet dinner, then spend the night under the stars.

Coloring against stress
Coloring isn’t just for kids; it is also a rejuvenating means that adults can use to relax in theArtist Cafe. This hidden gem is located in the Qanat Quartier in The Pearl Qatar, and allows the creative inspirations of the mind to run wild, releasing the stress stroke by stroke.

Stretching, tension and relaxation
Enjoy a day or a weekend of holistic retreat, and indulge in group or individual classes of Ashtanga, Hatha and stretch yoga at the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Visitors can also indulge in a diet based on purifying extracts and juices to nourish the body or take a sound bath in the luxurious spa. Those wishing 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.

Eat healthily
Take care of your body with an exquisite selection of delicious, nutritious and locally sourced meals during a trip to Qatar. Start the day with a tasty breakfast or purification menu at Doha’s first 100% vegan café, Evergreen Organics, which is now present in the city with three different locations. Then, have lunch at the Chef’s Garden or at the restaurant Baladna for a farm-to-table experience, before enjoying a healthy snack from Green and Go.

A rush of energy with kayaking on Purple Island
Rediscover the connection with nature with a tour in kayak in the mangrove reserves of Al Thakira, one of the most renowned natural beauties of Qatar. Drive a kayak through a unique and wide variety of flora and fauna, including flamingos and herons visible according to the season.

A duet of beauty and happiness
Restore the radiance of the skin with the organic line of Botanyproduced and processed locally and created with natural products.

Yoga under the full moon
Absorb the vibrations and energy of the moon to connect, deepen and re-energize the body with yoga classes by Evolve Mind Body Soul. The program increases self-awareness and clarity of mind under the moonlight.

Sound therapy
Attend a meditation class supported by the live melody of Tibetan bells, gongs, music boxes and other musical instruments to awaken the soul with the Niya Yoga. The experience aims to lead the mind into a calm meditative state.

Digital detox
For those who are always on the go and glued to their screens, the Mandarin Oriental offers the Digital Wellness Escape to relieve the stress and strains of frequent use of digital devices.

Spa under the stars
Experience a new world, and enjoy one of Qatar’s most exclusive desert detox experiences: with the “Under The Stars” experience, curated by Saray Spa of the Marriott Marquis Doha, you can even discover the heliport on the 50th floor!