Seeking a flawless complexion, SD visits Marsa Malaz Spa for a facial promising radiant and glowing skin.
Marsa Malaz Spa, located on the lower ground floor of the luxurious Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha, is my escape today for an afternoon of pure pampering and indulgence.
For a majestic walk through the stunning hallways of this five-star luxury hotel, the spa is best accessed from the main entrance. It can also be entered directly through a dedicated entrance near Harry’s Dolce Vita.
I head through a maze of wooden beams, past a beautiful water fountain, to arrive at the spa reception. I fill out the consultation form in the waiting area. Since today’s treatment is a facial, I specify that I would like to focus on dark circles and puffiness.
The spa is large, with plenty of dedicated relaxation areas and an indoor pool. An intricate rose mosaic on the pool floor creates a shimmering centrepiece and adds plenty of aesthetic value to this space. I can hear subtle sounds of cascading water nearby, making this the ideal start to my relaxation journey. I spend a few minutes before the treatment begins, admiring the ambience along with some warm green tea and dates.
The mosaic patterns extend beyond the pool, weaving their way across the walls with varying designs, each unique in its own way.
As I pass by the sauna, shower and locker room, where I’ve secured my belongings, the scent of essential oils lingers in the air. I can’t help but get excited about the 75-minute luxury facial that’s about to begin.
Today’s treatment is called Hydration of the Bisses – a luxurious bath that revitalises and hydrates the skin. Some of the benefits include restoring plumpness, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting skin hydration through a newfound glow.
My therapist, Dalila, gives me some information about the different steps and then proceeds to escort me to a private treatment room with a heated spa bed. Just perfect.
I lie down and get into relaxation mode as my therapist starts with an eye make-up remover, followed by a make-up remover for the whole face.
Valmont – a renowned Swiss cellular cosmetics and skincare brand – is the choice of product today. The brand’s cleansers are a sensory experience. Dalila kicks off a three-step cleansing routine with Icy Falls, a cream that really permeates my pores while gently cleansing from deep within. She massages it into my skin with a butterfly movement technique. It’s robust and effective as it really digs beneath the surface layers and cleanses makeup and impurities that have penetrated upper skin layers.
The second step is exfoliation to remove dead skin. She doesn’t just focus on the face but extends to the neck, shoulder and upper chest areas. Every inch is polished for a smooth, radiant finish. The final step is the most pleasing one. Valmont’s Bubble Falls cleansing foam is applied through a gauze and rolled over the skin. The mild effervescence feels soothing and indulgent. Dalila continues with a toner, followed by a spray primer.
I then experience the main event – a massage with H2O boost through a hydration ampoule. This water-based solution is great for complexion hydration and it stays on for a long time. I really enjoy this face massage. Dalila may have strong hands, but she knows exactly how to manoeuvre them to ensure a gentle face massage, applying the right pressure at different points. I catch a quick snooze – it’s irresistibly relaxing.
Next, she applies a collagen mask to infuse the skin with hydration and firming benefits. The mask brings a tingling sensation (completely normal and natural as it has activators), but once taken off, the difference is instant. I can feel my skin tighter and if I had a mirror, I’m pretty sure I would look younger, too. Removing the mask, Dalila wipes off any residue with a hot towel, leaving my skin ready and prepped for the next step.
She applies a nourishing face serum all over my face and neck, gently massaging it in to enhance absorption and hydration. She targets my under eye area with an eye serum, gently with featherlight movements, to really focus on puffiness and dark circles. Then she finishes off with a face cream.
Before applying some sun cream to conclude the treatment, Dalila surprises me with a hand massage. Unexpected but much needed, her strong hands weave through my palms as she states her realisation of how tense they are. She uses a silky moisturising cream and really kneads it in, and my hands feel great after.
It’s time for the final step – a luxurious sunscreen because it’s still day time and I might consider going for a walk in the sunshine. She gently rubs it on and then hands over a mirror, turning the lights on. I see hydrated, refreshed and wonderfully glowing skin, and I feel better than ever. They were right about the post-facial glow. It’s incredible what a 75-minute facial treatment can do for your well-being and the Hydration of the Bisses is a great option for anyone looking to really pamper themselves with a lush therapy that actually prioritises and enhances your skin health.
It’s a pity to move from the heated bed, but this also means I can warm up further with a heated cup of green tea. I sit comfortably on a leather couch inside the private treatment room and relax for a few more minutes before concluding a truly rejuvenating afternoon at Marsa Malaz Spa. Dalila has worked her magic, and it’s going to be a long time before I forget today’s experience.
For more information or to make a booking, please call Marsa Malaz Spa at
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha on 4035 5555.
@marsamalazspadoha
@marsamalazkempinskidoha