Ever since Qatar was selected as the host country for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM on December 2, 2010, the nation has been engaged in significant capital and tourism development initiatives to enhance its offerings for both its residents and visitors. Over the past decade, Qatar has witnessed substantial growth in its hotel sector, culminating in the recent unveiling of two new hotel and leisure destinations set to open in late 2020 and early 2021. The Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas and Zulal Wellness Resort are poised to offer a diverse array of amenities and experiences, promising luxury and wellness for all who visit.
The small yet powerful nation in the Middle East boasts the world’s third-highest GDP (PPP) per capita and is home to the expanding media conglomerate, Al Jazeera Media Network. With a vision to create a space where cultural richness harmonizes with modernity and where individuals from around the globe can gather to partake in distinct cultural, sporting, business, and family entertainment experiences, the Qatar National Tourism Council is eager to showcase its progress to the world during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM.
“As we approach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, we are enhancing our tourism offerings to ensure that visitors can enjoy the finest Qatari hospitality,” stated His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Secretary-General of Qatar National Tourism Council and CEO of Qatar Airways. “Extensive development of hotels and resorts is a cornerstone of our strategy, and we are thrilled to have two remarkable projects underway, including our collaboration with Hilton Hotels and Resorts on the Salwa Beach project.”
The Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, situated along more than two miles of stunning private beaches, beckon guests with its bright white and blue façade, offering a serene retreat. Embracing a traditional Arabian design amid verdant gardens, the resort is located 52 miles southwest of the capital, Doha. With 246 deluxe hotel rooms and suites set to welcome guests in early 2021, 30 villas are now open for reservations. Each sprawling beach villa features private pools and gardens, providing guests with a lavish and secluded escape. During their stay, guests can relish a plethora of exclusive amenities and exquisite dining options, with over 20 restaurants on-site catering to various palates.
A standout feature of the resort is the sprawling 14-acre Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, catering to thrill-seekers of all ages. This world-class water park boasts 28 slides and rides, including Spinning Rapids, Superbowl, lazy and torrent rivers, surfing dunes, and Whizzard (a high-speed AquaTubes ride for side-by-side racing). For those who prefer to stay dry, additional attractions such as cliff jumping, diving experiences, a go-karting track, and laser tag are available.
After an exhilarating day under the sun or for those seeking relaxation during their vacation, guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the Eforea Spa. Housing eight luxurious treatment rooms and a fully equipped VIP room featuring a Rasul mud chamber—an ancient Arabic bathing ritual blending heat and steam—the Eforea Spa serves as a tranquil haven for relaxation and wellness. Spanning two levels, guests can select from a range of unique treatments, such as a revitalizing Volcanic Stone Massage or a calming Honey Hammam, followed by unwinding in the steam room, sauna, tropical showers, or ice chute.
Situated just outside Abu Samra in a previously untouched area primarily characterized by desert plains, the Zulal Wellness Resort is poised to become the largest wellness destination in Qatar. Encompassing an expansive 9.6 hectares and blending Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with a holistic health and wellbeing approach, the resort will be the first of its kind in the region. The resort was meticulously designed to minimize its environmental footprint by prioritizing energy and water efficiency while promoting sustainability to ensure a lasting wellness journey for guests.
Established by Chiva-Som, the resort upholds its core tenets of nurturing physical, mental, and emotional health. Following a holistic path to wellness rooted in TAIM, the resort offers lifestyle guidance on nutrition, movement, and rest. Guests can choose from an array of treatments and amenities, whether families seeking sun-soaked adventures at Zulal Discovery or couples desiring a tranquil escape to the Arabian dunes at the adults-only Zulal Serenity. The resort is set to partially open in late 2020, with full operations commencing in early 2021.
For more details on the new hotel and resort openings, visit www.visitqatar.qa for a comprehensive list of itineraries and event schedules.
Image Source: Luxury Travel Magazine
