Since being chosen as the host country of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM on December 2, 2010, Qatar has undergone a massive capital and tourism development strategy to diversify its offerings to its citizens and the general public. Throughout the last ten years, the Qatar hotel sector has seen a massive influx of capital investment leading to the most recent announcement of two new hotel and leisure destinations, opening in late 2020 and early 2021. Each bringing a broad range of amenities and experiences, both the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas and Zulal Wellness Resort respectively provide a level of luxury and wellness.
The small but mighty country in the Middle East boasts the third-highest GDP (PPP) per capita in the world, in terms of income, as well as the expanding media group, Al Jazeera Media Network. With a mission to provide residents and tourists a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment, the Qatar National Tourism Council is pleased to show their development to the world at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM.
“Throughout this year and in the run up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM, we are expanding our tourism offering to ensure guests can enjoy the very best in Qatari hospitality,” said his excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of Qatar National Tourism Council and CEO of Qatar Airways. “Extensive hotel and resort development is key to our strategy, and we are pleased to have two outstanding developments underway, including our partnership with Hilton Hotels and Resorts with the Salwa Beach project.”
Starting with the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, set across over two miles of picturesque private beaches, the bright white and blue exteriors invite guests in to experience a relaxing stay. In its traditional Arabian style alongside lush gardens, the resort is located 52 miles southwest of the capital Doha. Along with 246 deluxe hotel rooms and suites due to open in early 2021, 30 villas are now available for bookings. The spacious beach villas, each with private pools and gardens provide guests with a luxurious yet secluded getaway. All guests who stay at the beachside resort can enjoy a range of exclusive features and spectacular restaurants, there are over 20 eateries on site with a cuisine to fit each and every palate, during their stay.
Unique to the resort is the massive 14-acre Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park bringing out the adventure junkie in everyone. The world-class water park features28 slides and rides including Spinning Rapids, Superbowl, lazy and torrent rivers, surfing dunes, Whizzard(riders are enclosed high-speed AquaTubes for side-by-side)mat racing. Those opting to stay dry can choose from many additional attractions such as cliff jumping and diving experiences, go-karting track and laser tag.
After a fun day out in the sun, or for those who simply want to relax on their vacation can indulge in treatments at the Eforea Spa. Home to eight luxurious treatment rooms, as well as a fully equipped VIP room with a Rasul mud chamber – an ancient Arabic bathing ritual that combines heat and steam – the Eforea Spa is a tranquil relaxation and wellness center. Set across two floors, guests can choose between unique treatments, including a restorative Volcanic Stone Massage or a calming Honey Hammam, before unwinding in the steam room, sauna, tropical showers or ice chute.
Just outside of Abu Samra, in a previously undeveloped zone, consisting mainly of desert plains, Zulal Wellness Resort is set to be the largest wellness destination in the country. Set to encompass an impressive 9.6 hectares blending Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with a holistic health and wellbeing philosophy, the resort will be the first wellbeing resort in the region. The resort was designed to minimize its environmental impact with consideration to energy and water efficiency while promoting sustainability for lasting wellness journey for guests.
Established by Chiva-Som, the resort is dedicated to its founding principles of the celebration of the potential for physical, mental and emotional health. From beginning to end, Zulal stays true to the holistic path to wellness that embodies TAIM, accompanied by lifestyle guidance in nutrition, movement and rest. The resort will offer treatments and facilities for sun-seeking families at Zulal Discovery or couples looking to escape to the Arabian dunes at the adults-only Zulal Serenity. The resort will partially open in late 2020 before its complete opening in early 2021.
More information on the hotel and resort openings can be found here www.visitqatar.qa with a range of itineraries and events calendar.
