Looking for some relaxing me-time, SD heads to ESPA for a memorable treatment.
The only way to describe ESPA at Mondrian Doha is otherworldly.
Renowned Dutch architect Marcel Wanders has created nothing short of a wonder when bringing this magical and serene space to life.
When I enter the spa reception, I am immediately enveloped by a whiff of luxury. There are beautiful chandeliers dotted around, complemented by a bold grey and white abstract-style floor. It almost feels like I am walking on a large piece of art. I stroll past three glass cloches that house coveted spa awards. Nice, a reassuring start, I would say.
There are cosy seating nooks everywhere and the cream tones evoke a strong sense of sophistication. The contrast is quite incredible. From contemporary elegance to dreamlike fantasy, the contradicting elements blend in a seamless manner, showing the incredible design prowess of Marcel Wanders. This is truly a sanctuary.
A cold butterfly tea and a hot rose-shaped towel later, I am ready for my Signature 60-minute massage, in the trusty hands of my therapist, Martini. She walks me to my treatment room, but on the way, we stop by the different treatment areas and relaxation spaces in the spa.
The most striking is the vibrant mosaic relaxation area with swings hanging from the ceiling. I’ve never seen a spa like this. Reds, pinks and whites add a fantastical feeling to the space and the crystal chandeliers swooping down feel like a sparkly rainshower. This art installation meets wellness is just the treat our eyes need before settling into complete comfort.
I slip into a fluffy robe and enter my private massage room. Martini gives me the lay of the land – admire your surroundings, choose your oil and kick back while she transports you into a deep state of relaxation.
There’s a choice between two oils – Restorative with notes of lavender, good for circulation and relaxation, and Energising with lemongrass, ideal for deeper muscle penetration.
Since I am a light to medium pressure type of person, the obvious choice is Restorative. Plus, the lavender smells divine.
After making myself comfortable face down on the spa bed, Martini gets started. She begins with a gentle rub down from the feet all the way up to my shoulders, over a warm towel.
The Signature massage focuses on areas that I choose – neck, shoulders, back and feet. She starts kneading my back with a mix of light and medium movements. It’s interesting how tactfully she switches between both. Unexpectedly, the treatment takes it up a notch with a hot stone. The relaxation is immense as the heat from the stone penetrates my skin, instantly creating a feeling of comfort. She spends a good 20 minutes on my aching, sore, tense back and shoulder muscles, before moving on to my feet and legs. The pressure increases – she knows exactly where the pain points are. After 30 minutes, the massage has alleviated the stress from every important muscle in my body.
Meanwhile, I can’t help but escape into Marcel Wanders’ wonderland. If I were ever to get lost in a fairytale, this is exactly where I’d like to be stuck for an indefinite period of time.
It’s time to turn over, and she continues, allowing me to completely let go and feel the pleasure of every movement. She finally addresses my scalp area, gently massaging the temples and head, until I fall asleep. Everything is a blur after that and before I completely sink into my dreams, she wakes me up as the treatment concludes. I take a few minutes to gather strength to move off of this incredibly comfortable spa bed and get dressed again.
She waits to escort me back to another relaxation area – not quite as beautiful as the previous one, but perfect for the headspace I am in. Right now, an egg-shaped swing chair would probably render me motionless for the rest of the evening.
I sit on one of the four large couches, right across from a beautifully constructed dome. The detailing is intricate and the art is masterful. The relaxation area is truly a sight to behold. The peppermint tea is just what I need right now.
It’s been unforgettable and, as I am on my way out, I stop at the reception to say goodbye and compliment the spa manager on a job well done. She gives me a really good reason to come back – the ESPA Hydrafacial Signature. It’s not an ordinary Hydrafacial; it’s a bespoke treatment in collaboration with ESPA and the brand’s flawless product range.
This treatment is perfect for all skin types and is a unique therapy featuring cryotherapy globes, ice, Dermaluxe Light and Britenol Serum. I am sold and instantly make an appointment for a repeat visit to try this out.
There’s no better way to conclude an evening of pampering at a spa than locking in the next treatment. Date and time fixed – see you soon, ESPA.
For more information or to make a booking, please call ESPA at Mondrian Doha on 4045 5555 or WhatsApp 3301 3370.
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