As the highly anticipated Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som continues to prepare for its opening in Q1 20201, Daniele Vastolo has been selected to helm the project’s pre-opening as GM.

Zulal is the first management undertaking by established wellness resort brand, Chiva-Som, which was appointed by Qatar-based developer Msheireb Properties to operate and manage the resort at the private coastal location.

The resort is poised to become the largest and first fully-immersive wellness resort of its kind in the Middle East, offering a 360-degree wellness experience with a particular focus on Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine.

With over 20 years' hospitality experience, Vastolo joins the resort’s pre-opening team from his role as GM of the Kempinski Summerland Hotel and Resort in Beirut.

He’s focused on promoting health and wellness as a new definition of luxury and lifestyle, and hopes to inspire positive sustainable wellness lifestyle changes with Zulal and support its aim of building healthier societies.

Prior to his time in Lebanon, Vastolo spent six years as group director of Nikki Beach Resort and Spa in Greece and Turkey, before stepping into the Middle East with the pre-opening of Dubai’s Nikki Beach.

With qualifications in both hospitality and management, he’s also led teams as GM of international hospitality groups including Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and Constance Hotels.

Chiva-Som chair and CEO, Krip Rojanastien, said: “We’re delighted to have Daniele on board – with his personal passion for sustainable wellness and extensive experience in the hospitality industry, we’re confident he’ll help launch Zulal to the world next year, all while retaining the inimitable Chiva-Som DNA.”

The resort is being designed to cater to guests of all ages and will include a 120-guestroom family wellness resort. There will also be an adjacent adults-only wellness resort with 60 suites and villas.

Following Chiva-Som’s eco-friendly philosophy, Zulal will operate sustainably and adhere to environmentally-conscious practices.

Landscaping will feature ponds and water features arranged around a series of serene shaded walled gardens, plus a narrative inspired by seabound travellers finding welcoming shelter in local villages.