Zulal Wellness Resort Launches Genomic Testing

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the first and largest full immersion wellness resort in the Middle East has recently introduced genomic testing to its wellness portfolio. Further strengthening its commitment to sustainable health, this new service ensures even higher levels of personalisation from the resort’s wellness retreats and lifestyle programmes to holistically address the challenges of modern living.

As the first wellness resort in the world to blend the holistic wisdom of Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine (TAIM) and the health expertise established by Thai wellness brand Chiva-Som International, Zulal Wellness Resort is dedicated to providing guests with tailored wellness programmes designed to meet their unique health and wellness goals.

The addition of genomic testing provides guests with unprecedented insights into their unique genetic code, enabling a deeper understanding of how lifestyle, environmental and nutritional factors can impact their short and long-term health.

This revolutionary approach is at the forefront of hyper-personalised health and wellness, and as the field of genomics continues to advance, it promises to play an increasingly prominent role in facilitating informed decisions about wellbeing. Reports can reveal information on guests' predisposition to certain diseases and health-related traits such as obesity, along with recommendations on how to mitigate these risks by adopting healthier habits. Insights based on individual genetic makeup ensure each guest receives a truly personalised wellness retreat that addresses their specific needs, empowering them to make proactive health and lifestyle changes.

Zulal Wellness Resort offers two genomic tests, a Vital and a Longevity option:

Vital Genomic Test

The Vital genomic test helps guests explore the depth of their nutrigenetic profile – which is to say, how genes determine the effects nutrients have on the body and health. This can be key in supporting their journey to achieve fitness objectives, athletic performance goals, or to simply feel more energised and focused. The report reveals in-depth insights into an individual’s health, while providing risk assessments of specific diseases.

It is important to note that the report does not test for the risk of chronic conditions but instead assists in identifying possible leading factors; for example, some conditions, such as diabetes, can serve as a precursor or risk factor for other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and strokes. By understanding a guest’s genetic predispositions, Zulal Wellness Resort’s expert consultants can further tailor diet and exercise routines for effective weight control and optimal nutrition, as well as identify proactive dietary and lifestyle steps to reduce potential risk of health concerns in the future.

Longevity Genomic Test

In addition to nutrient and lifestyle genomic testing services, the Longevity package offers chronic disease risk assessment. Early intervention and prevention are key to maintaining optimal health, and genetic variants that are associated with an increased risk for common chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer can be identified by analysing DNA.

As well as all the inclusions in the Vital package, the Longevity package also includes reports on susceptibility to specific chronic diseases and inheritable conditions, as well as drug metabolism to guide potential treatment choices. The test’s identification of sensitivities to allergens and pollutants in a client’s environment aids the creation of a healthier living environment for the long-term.

Heinrich Morio, General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, said: "The introduction of genomics testing at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som affirms our position as a pioneering destination in the realm of holistic health and wellness in the Middle East. We are committed to continuously enhancing and expanding our wellness offerings to provide the ultimate tailored experience personalised for each of our guest’s needs.”

“Genomics testing is non-invasive, easy, and beneficial for every guest. It can provide peace of mind and supports proactive health management while enabling guests to fine-tune their wellness programmes and lifestyle choices. With such personalised results, our wellness team have the insight and knowledge to create a truly bespoke retreat, recommend the most suitable exercise and sleep protocols and offer advice on other lifestyle choices aligned with the guest’s specific genetic makeup,” added Morio.

Through a non-invasive testing method, guests provide a saliva swab before or during their stay, which is then processed in a specialist laboratory with the results returned within six weeks, revealing valuable insights into the health and wellness requirements of each guest.

Upon receiving the report, Zulal Wellness Resort’s health advisors engage in thorough consultations with each guest to create a personalised retreat tailored to their unique findings. This genomic experience comprises result interpretation and personalised fitness regimen recommendations, with insights into associated benefits and treatments. With this valuable information, Zulal Wellness Resort’s experts collaborate with in-house nutritionists to design an optimal diet for guests, taking into account specific individual nutrigenomic details, food sensitivities and intolerances from the genomic report.

While genomics only represents a single facet of an individual’s health profile, it offers exceptionally valuable insights. Combining these insights with expert-led lifestyle modifications to improve diet, physical activity and stress management offers a truly holistic approach to maintaining overall health and disease prevention.