Asia is lauded as one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive regions. This diversity is aptly reflected in the range of halal offerings available across the spectrum of travel and tourism providers.

Frequently, these offerings tap into halal values and needs of the local community who are a ready-made market for these providers. At the same time, these providers are catering to the booming market for halal as travel opens up post-Covid.

In Thailand, Soneva Kiri at Koh Kood is leveraging on growing interest among Middle East and MENA visitors. In addition to procuring halal meats and preparing the meals in a dedicated kitchen, the resort has increased their efforts to accommodate the needs of Muslim guests and make them feel comfortable.

Says Donna Campbell, Soneva communications director, “Our staff are trained to be gender sensitive when assigning butlers: female guests who travel on their own or with a group of ladies will get female butlers and vice versa. We also remove alcohol from the mini bar and replace it with healthy options.” Prayer mats and a compass showing the direction of the Qiblah (Muslims pray facing Makkah, Saudi Arabia) are also available in guest villas.

Over at Chiva-Som Hua Hin, the wellness resort is showcasing a menu inspired by Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM). Available at its resort until 30 November, the cuisine reflects the wellness philosophy of Chiva-Som’s sister property in Qatar, Zulal Wellness Resort that draws from the archives of Islamic medicinal historians and Prophetic traditions. Balanced dishes introduce guests to the medicinal benefits of herbs and spices such as cinnamon, za’atar and turmeric, known to help improve heart health and for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Airlines and cruises have also jumped on the bandwagon. Royal Brunei Airlines remains the only non-Gulf carrier that is one of the world’s few dry airlines. Apart from offering halal meals onboard, it also provides guests dedicated galleys to observe their prayers. The boutique airline continues to leverage on its national identity and supportive ownership to offer a comfortable flying experience for both Muslims and other guests.

Elsewhere, Resorts World Cruises leads the cruise sector in capturing the potentials of the growing Muslim travel market. Its Genting Dream cruise traversing Asian waters offers a restaurant that operates by the OIC/SMIIC halal standard with a dedicated section for halal meals.

This article was also published in Travel Weekly Asia

What can the Muslim polymath Ibn Sina (980-1037 CE), known in the West as Avicenna, teach us about wellness in time of post-pandemic?

Known as the Prince of Physicians, Ibn Sina’s concept of health and diseases was to balance these three states: physical, mind and spirit.

As traditional medicine and ancient healing wisdom gain momentum for 21st century problems, it has also seen the revival of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM), many of which are inspired by Ibn Sina’s Al Qanun Fi Al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine) written in 1025.

TAIM is a system of healing based on restoring life balance through herbal medication, dietary adjustments and spiritual care. Many of TAIM’s pioneering holistic approach to wellness have influenced and inspired modern medicine.

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar is the world’s first wellness resort dedicated to Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine. Drawing on Chiva-Som’s years of expertise in delivering holistic wellness therapies to guests worldwide, Zulal offers over 400 treatments. Some of these feature both Prophetic and traditional Arabic medicines such as sidr herbs, neem leaves, dates, camel milk, honey and Camelgrass.

Each programme is tailored to individual health needs, whether for relaxation, detox, fitness or weight management. Meals and nutrition have also been curated to be balanced and are rooted in Arabic healthy food traditions.

And here’s the big plus: the resort is divided into two areas – the adults-only Zulal Serenity and the family-friendly Zulal Discovery. So bring the papooses along and embark on a journey of wellness together!

Our favourite resort in Thailand, Soneva Kiri, gets ready to welcome guests celebrating Eid al-Adha.  From July 7th to 16th, guests can enjoy an unforgettable Eid with exceptional dining events and festive feasts, rare experiences, family fun and more.

There are daily Eid-inspired dining programmes such as breakfast with Middle Eastern live cooking stations before stretching out to relax on the secluded sands of North Beach with a delectable lunch of pit-cooked roast lamb. For dinner, a feast of flavours from across North Africa and the Middle East await at the Middle Eastern and Moroccan Street Buffet. There is also hands-on cooking classes where guests can master Indonesian, Indian or Thai dishes.

Then explore the beauty of Koh Kood with the Seven Days, Seven Beaches tour. Hop on a traditional fishing boat and explore secluded beaches, hidden coves and azure bays.

Young guests are not forgotten, too. The Den – a giant moulded bamboo playground shaped like a manta ray – is filled with activities that explore their creativity and imagination. Elsewhere, the Eco Den is specially made for 1 to 5 year olds, with age-specific activities where guests are looked after by qualified childcare experts and local child carers.

Since our last stay, Soneva Kiri has moved up on so many levels. For example, the organic Eco Centre garden now hosts Colours of the Garden where guests can dine on plant-based menu using ingredients that come directly from the garden. Benz Restaurant has been renamed Tuk’s Kitchen but remains the quaint on-stilts building with offering of a ‘no menu’ multicourse Thai meal.

Elsewhere, the resort continues to maintain its halal commitment, sharing with Halaluxe the various halal certificates for the meats and selected ingredients. Chef Cristophe says, “(For) special religion dietary (halal, kosher, etc..), we always use a separate kitchen and special kitchen equipment for respective faith-based needs.”