Inside Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, Anjana Spa pairs expert bodywork with advanced skincare in a quietly high-end setting. Sirine Boudjadi puts it to the test.
I’ll never say no to a spa day, it’s very much my thing. Especially when it takes me somewhere I don’t usually end up, like Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North. I’d already been there for dinner at Diego Jun (still not over that meal) and now Anjana Spa has officially put it back on my radar. The hotel isn’t right in the middle of everything, and I actually like that. I’m not squeezing this into a random afternoon or rushing in between plans; I’m going there on purpose. From the outside, it’s big, impressive, very resort-like, so I wasn’t expecting the spa to feel this soft – quiet, dimly lit, almost cocoon-like. I’m handed a cold hibiscus tea as soon as I arrive. It’s part of their ritual: a refreshing drink on arrival, hot tea after treatments, when the body needs to settle.
Spa director Aizhamal takes me around before I start. She’s warm, easy to talk to and clearly very invested in the place. The Anjana name, she explains, comes from a village in Türkiye known for its olive trees, which is reflected in the spa logo: three different shades representing the stages of growth, from unripe to fully matured olives, a symbol of abundance and fertility. The whole place is super elegant and the design blends Ottoman influences with Moroccan touches, which I notice straight away. Arches, domed ceilings, tadelakt walls, soft pools of light, and then the details come into focus: marble everywhere, dark wood, touches of brass, illuminated basins, mirrors framed by curves, lantern accents. The real centrepiece, of course, is the Hammam, genuinely stunning. Definitely coming back to try that properly.
Moments later, I’m settling in for the Anjana Signature Massage, a Balineseinspired treatment with Indonesian therapist Putri, and it’s exactly what I need. Balinese techniques work on circulation and muscle tension simultaneously, and I feel that almost straight away. It starts slow, then gets deeper pretty quickly. Lavender oil (chosen because of my dry skin) sinks in fast, and the movements don’t stay in one place; they travel. She uses her palms, elbows and even her fists at times. The pace and pressure keep changing, which is exactly why it’s effective. My back cracks at one point and after that, the tension drops noticeably through my shoulders and neck. I don’t switch off completely, it’s too engaging for that. By the end, I feel properly loosened and deeply released.
After that, we move straight into the Optimal Facial. Before starting, the therapist hands me a mirror and asks me to take a look at myself. Dehydration, uneven texture, that slightly tired look – it’s all there. Safe to say I came at the right time. The products used are from Elemis, a British brand that blends marine actives, plant ingredients and performance-driven skincare. I’m already sold on their formulas and scents, and I’ve emptied more than one jar of the Cleansing Balm, so convincing me wasn’t exactly difficult. This facial is built around deep cleansing and resurfacing, so it’s less about pampering and more about actually improving skin clarity and smoothness.
We start with the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. Warmed between the hands, then worked in, it melts instantly (balm to oil to milk), removing everything without leaving that tight, stripped feeling. The formula is packed with nourishing plant oils like elderberry and starflower, plus algae extract, known for boosting hydration and improving elasticity. Second step of the double cleanse: the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, which helps remove impurities and prepare the skin for exfoliation. There isn’t an official massage in this protocol, but the way she applies the balm and wash includes sculpting movements: lifting along my jawline, pressing into my cheekbones.
A gentle steam follows to open the pores, and that’s when the resurfacing really kicks in. Toner first, then the Dynamic Resurfacing Pads, powered by lactic acid, antioxidants and probiotics. There’s a slight tingling, but nothing uncomfortable. Then the Dynamic Resurfacing Lotion mixed with Serum 1 takes things further. This part feels more active, a little more prickly, as it pushes cell renewal. The formulas combine exfoliating acids, hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and barrier-supporting actives.
On to the Ultimate Peel-Off Mask, which helps soothe and refine the skin’s surface. While it sets, the therapist massages my neck, keeping everything flowing. Once removed, she applies the Ultimate Hydra Gel Eye Mask along with the Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask to boost hydration and smooth everything out. This time, it’s my scalp that gets a moment of attention too. Final layers go on: essence, serum, eye cream and moisturiser. SPF would be added if the treatment was done during the day. Mirror check at the end and the difference is obvious on my face: clearer, fresher, more even. That well-rested look, as if I’ve actually slept enough for once.
For more information or to make a booking,
please call Anjana Spa at Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North on 7081 9163.
@anjanaspa_qetaifan
@rixospremiumqetaifan