Seeking a treatment that brings vibrancy to the complexion, SD heads to Spa InterContinental.
Spa InterContinental is the perfect place to start the ultimate pampering journey. Located at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa, this impressive facility, featuring male and female treatments, is my much-needed escape this week.
The spa entrance feels like stepping into a luxurious sanctuary – one that’s well thought out, serene and aesthetically pleasing. A series of arches and sheer curtains leads up to a circular foyer. Frosted glass doors open up to a softly lit reception where the centrepiece immediately catches the attention. A massive chandelier cascades onto a large white planter filled with black stones and lilac orchids, as if rain is falling over a beautiful zen garden.
The curved walls feature more of those relaxing sheer curtains with purple lights above. The marble floor is designed with concentric circles that instantly make me feel cocooned in a dreamy ambience.
It’s a great peek into what’s to come. Whoever designed this spa knew exactly what they were doing. If I’m going to spoil myself, my first impression confirms that I’ve picked the right spot.
My therapist for today is Kadek, an experienced facialist from Indonesia. She escorts me to probably one of the most beautiful private treatment rooms I’ve ever seen in a spa in Doha. The space is absolutely stunning, bathed in moody fuchsia lighting. In keeping with the circular theme and the breathtaking chandelier in the reception, this treatment room also features a dramatic ceiling chandelier that’s reminiscent of a rain shower. I’m thoroughly pleased that I’m doing a facial today and won’t have to face down at any point.
The best part about this facial (other than the facial itself) is that it starts with the foot ritual. I take off my fluffy slippers and dip my tired feet into a warm bowl of salt antibiotics. Kadek lightly scrubs them clean and then proceeds with a quick foot massage. It’s a great way to start the relaxation process, and you’ll be surprised at how relaxing a facial pampering session can be.
I sip on some cool hibiscus tea and I’m ready to start the treatment. The Intraceuticals facial comes highly recommended, especially if you’re looking for results that are more instant and last longer. It’s quite popular among celebrities, who regularly undergo this treatment to lock in vitamins, deeply moisturise the skin and keep their make-up on for longer. Needless to say, I’m feeling rather important today, as I lie face up on the firm but soft spa bed. The main ingredient in this Intraceuticals treatment is hyaluronic acid, so I’m positive the moisturising is going to be a game-changer.
Kadek begins with a facial cleanser to relax the skin, massaging it into my pores and along the edges of my face. This also helps ease up and prepare the complexion for the upcoming hour. Kadek explains that the products she is using today will hydrate and brighten my skin with vitamin C, resulting in an incredible glow.
She then moves on to the next and very essential step of exfoliation. She gently scrubs my face to remove all dead skin and impurities.
The next step is probably my favourite – using an oxygen machine to deeply penetrate my complexion with a serum and lock the moisture in. The entire process is relaxing; it feels like cold mist sprayed in tiny shots, and even though this is meant to moisturise, it feels like a much-needed respite from the Doha heat. This step of the treatment has a great cooling effect, in addition to all the skin benefits.
The penultimate step features a protection gel. This is quite an important part of the process as it ensures all the good vitamins are locked in and helps retain the effect of this treatment for a long time.
It’s been 60 minutes of uninterrupted bliss as Kadek truly worked her magic and displayed her skills and expertise in reviving my tired skin. I haven’t seen if there really is a glow, but the deep sense of relaxation speaks for itself. The final step is a swipe of lip balm to seal in the pampering and wrap up the treatment.
If it weren’t for the opportunity to look into a mirror and see what I look like, I’d have zero motivation to get off this bed. My therapist advises me to continue exfoliating and use an eye cream for my puffy eyes.
While I admire my rejuvenated, healthy, glowy, almost celebrity-like skin, Kadek prepares a hot peppermint tea in the relaxation area. It’s clear why anyone in showbiz loves Intraceuticals and, needless to say, I was treated like an A-lister today. An hour at Spa InterContinental feels like I’ve spent a whole weekend pampering myself.
For more information or to make a booking, please call Spa InterContinental at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa on 4484 4060.