Nestled off the main road that runs between Dubai and Umm Al-Quwain, and overlooking the beautiful Al-Zorah Golf Course, sits the recently opened Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort in the quiet emirate of Ajman. Described on their website as the region’s first fully integrated wellness experience, I chose to stay at Zoya since I could literally fall out of bed and walk onto the back of the driving range of Al-Zorah Golf Club in preparation for my round of golf the following morning.
I drove from Abu Dhabi on the Friday afternoon and checked into the resort around 2PM. Not long after check-in I received a call to the room and was invited for a quick tour of the facilities, specifically the basement level where they have all sorts of treatment options. I was shown the medical treatment options, the many spas for men, women and couples, the sauna and steam rooms, the laser room, the body contouring room, the physiotherapy room, the fitness center and the injectable room. With such extensive facilities, you get the feeling that if you were to stay at Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort for more than a few weeks you will come away 10 years younger, 10kg lighter and 10 times more attractive. Zoya is certainly geared towards a healthier way of living, unlike any other hotels at which I have stayed around the world.
After an afternoon nap, and just before sunset, I wandered around the hotel grounds taking photos and videos of the beautiful resort, anticipating the various shots that I would have to play the following morning around the golf course just over the fence. The resort faces west, towards the setting sun, allowing its guests relaxing views as the sun heads down over the city of Ajman in the distance. What better way to end the day than by enjoying a healthy iced tea alongside the pool as the late afternoon slowly turns into evening?
Soon it was time for dinner. It was explained to me that Zoya, being a health and wellbeing resort, only serves vegan food along with a fish option. Also, there is no coffee or alcohol served on the property. In the room I had a selection of three teas and the chamomile option was always the number one choice.
For dinner, I selected the vegan poke bowl with tuna from the three options that were presented to me. Although slightly skeptical of what I may have ordered, the food was actually quite good and unlike the food that I am used to eating. The extra amount of soy sauce made just the right amount of difference and the lovely main course was soon finished. Dessert was a small date paste ball with coconut along with another serving of iced tea.
Awaking early the following morning before golf, I headed to the restaurant for breakfast. I ordered the salmon pancake option, but that was not super tasty. The cinnamon ‘coffee’ blend was something that I had not tried before but it turned out to be quite good. Breakfast overlooking a beautiful swimming pool is always a lovely way to start your morning, especially if the day promises clear weather and a round of golf with good friends.
Following the golf it was time to return to the resort and enjoy a quiet afternoon before wondering what was on the dinner menu for my second and final evening. Of the three options, I selected the tuna with sesame seeds and broccoli, a very suitable and tasty choice. Dessert was a healthy yet tasty milkshake and another serving of their tasty iced tea selection.
With the resort being set in a quiet area of Ajman, between mangrove swamps and the beautiful coast, you get the feeling of serenity as soon as you enter the resort. With a minimal number of guests at the resort when I was there, the evening was lovely and quiet. Sitting on the balcony outside the room and gazing over towards the lights of the city of Ajman, I was left to contemplate just how different my golf score could have been had I not let so many shots slip away among the mangrove swamps. The weather in November in the United Arab Emirates is perfect for sitting outside, away from the heat of the summer months, yet before it gets a little chilly once the winter fully sets in.
Overall I enjoyed my short staycation at the lovely Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort. When I next play Al-Zorah Golf Course I will certainly make another reservation and stay at Zoya once again.
If you are looking for a quiet weekend escape in the UAE, consider a visit to Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort in Ajman. The resort is ‘adults only’ so you are guaranteed a peaceful vacation. Start your booking by clicking here. Find the resort on Google Maps by clicking here.
Our other posts from the United Arab Emirates may be found here.
(Visited November 2022)