02 October 2024 — Amidst Qatar’s serene landscapes, there lies a sanctuary where the earth is cherished as much as the people who walk upon it. At Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, sustainability isn’t just an afterthought, but a priority woven into every aspect of the experience. Every detail at Zulal Wellness Resort is carefully and thoughtfully created with care, not just to nurture the body and soul, but to honour the environment that sustains all life.

Thoughtful Design for a Greener Future

At Zulal Wellness Resort, the connection with nature begins with the very buildings themselves. Designed to take full advantage of natural light and ventilation, the resort’s architecture minimises the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. Built using sustainable materials and achieving the prestigious LEED (Silver) certification, the resort ensures that every element is as kind to the earth as it is to its guests.

Smart Energy Use

Reducing energy consumption is key to minimising CO2 emissions, and at Zulal Wellness Resort, this is achieved through thorough monitoring and innovative technologies. Sensor-activated LED lights ensure no power is wasted, while air conditioning in guest rooms shuts off automatically when not in use. Using Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) in pumps helps control the energy used by adjusting it based on demand, which reduces wasted energy.

Protecting Every Drop of Water

Water, the lifeblood of the desert, is treated with reverence at Zulal. The resort’s advanced water management system includes low-flow aerators (a device attached to the end of a faucet that mixes air with water to reduce the amount of water coming out without sacrificing pressure), dual-flush toilets, and a state-of-the-art Sewage Treatment Plant that recycles wastewater into greywater for irrigation. Water conservation measures have already reduced consumption by 30%. Water collected in lagoons is treated with ozone generators and disinfected with UV lamps, ensuring that even overflow is returned to the sea without waste.

Sustainable Dining

An impressive 90% of the ingredients used at the resort are sourced locally or from sustainable suppliers to support the local economy. At Zulal Serenity, 65% of the dishes are plant-based to promote low-impact, nutrient-rich options for guests, even served directly to in-room dining.

The resort runs a weekly ‘No Bin Day’ initiative, encouraging staff to take only what they need to reduce waste at every meal.

Reducing Waste, One Step at a Time

The resort has banned single-use plastics and replaced them with biodegradable alternatives, such as bamboo key cards. The resort hosts a weekly 'No Bin Day' initiative, inspiring staff to take only what they need during meals, promoting mindful consumption and reducing food waste.

Connecting with Nature and the Community

At Zulal Wellness Resort, sustainability is at the heart of everything, and it’s about more than just preserving resources—it’s about inspiring others to take action too. A key part of this mission is the Mangrove Conservation Programme, where guests, especially children, can learn about the importance of mangroves and even plant their own trees. This programme is just one piece of a larger sustainability plan that includes beach cleanups, sustainable practices, and using eco-friendly, locally sourced products. These initiatives support Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which emphasises the importance of environmental care, and align with the country’s National Biodiversity Strategy, which encourages people to get involved in conservation.

The conservation of mangroves is a signature project of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som and its developer, Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading advocate for sustainable development.

Recently, the Zulal team planted over 200 new mangrove seedlings to celebrate the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.

Zulal Wellness Resort has also partnered with local organisations, including Dadu Children’s Museum of Qatar, incorporating sustainability and family wellness into extracurricular programmes to educate future generations.

Zulal Wellness Resort is also contributing to global efforts, like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on protecting oceans and marine life.

Leading the Way in Sustainable Hospitality

Zulal Wellness Resort’s efforts in sustainability have earned it the Travelife Gold Certification, making it the first wellness resort in Qatar to receive this award. As Resort Manager Holger Glaser puts it, “We believe that wellness and sustainability go hand in hand, and we’re proud to lead the way in both.”

A Future Built on Sustainability

The story of Zulal Wellness Resort is one of continuous improvement. Every day, the resort strives to find new ways to reduce its impact on the environment while enhancing the wellbeing of its guests.

Every decision at Zulal Wellness Resort is guided by the belief that caring for the planet is as essential as caring for ourselves. And in doing so, the resort offers not just a place to relax, but a model for how we can all live more sustainably.