This ordinary mineral has moved away from the kitchen and conquered the beauty world. Fernanda Langhammer visited ESPA Life for a special treatment involving Himalayan pink salt.
Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail is an incredible resort offering a luxurious stay that goes the extra mile expected in five-star properties. It has a private beach with watersport activities, and it’s home to dining spots such as Scarpetta and SUSHISAMBA Doha. However, there is much more; if you want to embrace wellness, you will find ESPA Life – the only facility of its kind in the Middle East – spread over three floors dedicated to your physical and mental regeneration and relaxation, with 19 treatment rooms.
The entrance of the spa is as grand as it looks inside. A big white wall with wave panels and the ESPA Life logo in black invites you to discover this universe. At the reception, I met Daniela, the Director of Spa & Wellness, and Sofia, the Spa Supervisor, who took me on a tour of the space, showing me all the facilities, such as the sauna, steam room and pool, before dropping me at the welcoming room. There, I was introduced to my therapist, Dema, who brought me a drink with chia seeds, rose water and passion fruit, which helps with digestion – it was delicious. She also told me that I would have the Recharge Salt Stone Ritual, and I couldn’t be more excited as we had just written an article about salt and how it has increased its presence in the beauty universe.
I was then shown the changing room to get ready for the 90 minutes of pure delight that was waiting for me. I was super excited to try this innovative treatment that resembles a hot stone massage but uses heated round slabs of pink Himalayan salt instead of black rocks.
Salt is well-known for its exfoliating properties, but this essential kitchen ingredient has more benefits than just helping to remove dead cells. It can be used in stress relieving baths, help to relax muscles and, when combined with nourishing elements, it works wonders to soften skin and restore hydration. Meanwhile, salt rooms have been praised for helping with respiratory issues and promoting calmness. Some studies show that the fluids in the human body correlate strongly with the concentration of minerals in the oceans, and that’s one of the reasons why using salt in beauty treatments helps to balance these elements in our bodies.
The heated Himalayan salt stone massage helps to improve circulation, relieves stress and anxiety, promotes sleep, lightly exfoliates the skin and, thanks to the unique minerals and anti-microbial properties, it may help relieve chronic pain or skin conditions.
The essence of ESPA Life is to encourage optimum well-being for the entire body. And how does it do that? By promoting equilibrium between body and mind – a beautiful holistic approach. My journey started by choosing the oil Dema would use in my massage. She recommended that I should pick the strongest smell and not my favourite. I chose ESPA’s Restorative Bath & Body Oil, which is composed of lavender and sweet orange oil and stimulates rebalancing and comfort. According to my therapist, it meant my body that day needed that, and maybe if I came back another day, I would choose a different one depending on my mental and physical state.
Dema then asked me to lie on the massage bed facing up. I have to say that I have done many massages in these years of being OHLALA’s editor, but very rarely have they started this way (actually, the only other time was on a previous visit to ESPA Life). But it made a lot of sense, and it was quite comfortable to begin that way. I loved that after placing a weighted eye pillow, she whispered words of relaxation; it put me in the right mindset to fully embrace the experience.
I am usually very tense and my muscles are tight, not only in the usual places, such as my upper back and shoulders, but also in my neck, arms and legs – yes, I know I should find ways to relax, but my busy mind always manages to create tension in my body, trust me, it’s been a long battle. Dema is an experienced therapist and she immediately felt that I needed extra care. She worked the warm salt rocks firmly in every little knot and tensed muscle; she even used a specific oil in my upper back to treat my chronic issue. Her movements were firm but kind and I didn’t feel any real pain; it was just the good sort that makes you feel like, yeah, this is working!
Hot stone massages have always been my favourite, as they truly alleviate muscle tension, but I think I have a new preferred therapy: the salt stone ritual. Somehow, I felt so energised after it; I not only got the relaxation effect but a boost of energy. The texture of the rocks felt really nice on my skin, adhering to it more than the black stones. I think it was the perfect combination of a wonderful treatment performed by an excellent professional.
After my pampering session, I passed by the Wyld Erth juice bar inside the spa space, where an array of healthy smoothies and treats was available. However, I opted for the comforting hot tea served after the therapies and relaxed in the tranquil environment, reflecting on how exceptional this specific treatment was and how much I needed it. I wish I could pay a visit to ESPA Life at least once a month to repeat it!
For more information or to make a booking,
please call ESPA Life at Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail on 4456 5656 or
email espalife.doha@waldorfastoria.com
@waldorfastoriadohalusail