The Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som is hosting three- to eight-night prenatal retreats to “nurture and empower” expectant mothers. Jenny Southan reports
The world’s first wellness-focused family resort, the Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar, has designed a new “Mother-To-Be” retreat. The three- to eight-night holistic prenatal programme combines nurturing treatments to enhance wellbeing during all phases of the pregnancy while providing parents with the necessary tools to support and empower them, leaving them feeling relaxed, in control and positive about the journey into parenthood.
The “Mother-To-Be” programme is open to women in all trimesters and can be tailored for couples or birth support partners who wish to be part of the journey. A curated selection of nurturing treatments and nourishing wellness cuisine enables mums-to-be to understand the physical changes that occur during the pregnancy, as well as help strengthen the body, ease aches and pains and improve sleep.
Simultaneously, they will learn to connect with the baby during the bonding experience and prepare them for birth in a mindful and positive way.
Under the careful guidance of licensed healthcare professionals, the retreat programme includes prenatal yoga sessions and Postural Corrective Therapy designed to strengthen the body and improve movement; meditation and breathing exercises to support mothers during labour; acupuncture to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and heartburn; rejuvenating facials, massages and aromatherapy to revitalise the body; the Gyrotonic® Method to strengthen abdominal muscles and relieve lower back strain, leg swelling and constipation; and the Neurac Method and craniosacral therapy, to help prepare the body for a successful delivery.
The retreat programme also offers access to Zulal’s in-house nutritional consultants to provide advice on making healthy food choices and maintaining a balanced diet.
Understanding that maternal wellness is trifold, and the mind, body and spirit are inextricably connected, Zulal Wellness Resort also provides a range of complementary-care services to emotionally support mothers during their pregnancy journey.
Mother-to-Be retreats at Zulal Wellness Resort start from QAR7,300 (£1,791) per night, based on two people sharing a Serenity Grand Deluxe room. Retreat prices include a health and wellness consultation; personalised daily wellness cuisine and complimentary herbs and teas; a choice of daily spa treatments; additional spa, holistic, physiotherapy and aesthetic treatments (subject to length of stay); fitness activities; mangrove activities; use of the hydrothermal area; plus free laundering of up to three items of sports attire per day.