Qatar’s Zulal Wellness Resort now offers genomic testing, providing guests with personalised insights into their genetic code and tailored wellness experiences to individual DNA profiles. Olivia Palamountain reports
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the Middle East’s first and largest full-immersion wellness destination, has launched a genomic wellness programme that harnesses DNA testing to prescribe personalised health and wellness experiences.
The Qatari resort now offers two types of genomic tests: “Vital” and “Longevity” . The Vital test focuses on nutrigenetics, which explores how an individual’s genes affect nutrient assimilation and overall health. This information is crucial for guests aiming to enhance athletic performance, boost energy levels, or achieve specific fitness goals.
The Longevity test goes a step further by providing a chronic disease risk assessment. This comprehensive analysis can identify genetic variants associated with increased risks of common conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, enabling early intervention and prevention strategies.
Heinrich Morio, general manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, says: “The introduction of genomics testing affirms our position as a pioneering destination in the realm of holistic health and wellness in the Middle East. It provides peace of mind and supports proactive health management while enabling guests to fine-tune their wellness programmes and lifestyle choices.”
The testing process is non-invasive and straightforward. Guests provide a saliva swab either before or during their stay, which is then analysed in a specialist laboratory. Within six weeks, the results offer valuable insights into each guest’s unique health and wellness requirements.
Upon receiving the results, the resort’s health advisors conduct in-depth consultations with each guest to create a bespoke retreat.
This personalised experience includes result interpretation, tailored fitness regimen recommendations and dietary optimisation. In-house nutritionists design meal plans that consider the guest’s specific nutrigenomic details, food sensitivities, and intolerances identified in the genomic report.
While genomic testing represents just one aspect of an individual’s overall health profile, when combined with expert-led lifestyle modifications in diet, physical activity and stress management, it offers a comprehensive approach to maintaining overall health and disease prevention.
As the field of genomics continues to advance, it is expected to play an increasingly prominent role in facilitating informed decisions about wellbeing, potentially revolutionising the way we approach health and wellness retreats.