This month, OHLALA’s Homara Choudhary embarks on a soul and skin, deep cleansing journey.
It’s easy to see why global superstars like Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry stay at the Mondrian Doha. It’s one of Doha’s most stylish hotels, brimming with opulence. The 270-room, luxury property was created in collaboration with the globally renowned Dutch designer Marcel Wanders. Mondrian Doha is more than just a hotel; it is a journey through a wonderland of fairy tale designs. It’s one of the country’s most prestigious properties recognised for its structural and sophisticated artistic beauty.
The lavish venue boasts larger-than-life decorative pieces throughout all 24-floors and is home to the world’s largest ESPA, the first of its kind in the Middle East. The decadent wellness centre spans an entire floor. There are 11 palatial treatment rooms, the only traditional Turkish Hammam in Doha – a spa within the spa – as well as specialised areas for private gatherings. It even has its own VIP suite, where you can immerse yourself in an oasis of indulgence with bespoke head-to-toe face and body treatments. There are no less than six signature experiences and separate areas for men and women. I was in Doha’s hidden paradise.
On arrival I was met by my lovely therapist Sandra who offered me a Karkade tea (without sugar) and a hot towel for my hands as I filled out a consent form. I was then escorted to the beautiful, spacious changing room and given a private locker which contained a white fluffy towelling robe, slippers and a bottle of water. I had literally walked into heaven.
The garden-inspired, women-only spa features sumptuous open white spaces and five treatment rooms as well as a multi-level heat experience garden filled with design features such as the ‘Tree of Life’ sculpture and Swarovski crystal rain showers. There was even an intricately carved, full-sized Finnish sauna made with Scandinavian wood.
The Ultimate Hammam is ESPA’s most popular treatment. It’s a two-hour experience to ‘cleanse, smooth, hydrate and nourish the skin and banish muscular stress and tension’. It was exactly what I needed. My entire body was one gigantic knot and it needed unravelling.
You can choose between the Turkish or Moroccan Hammam experience. I went for the latter as it involved a hydrating marine mud mask and my skin was in desperate need of moisture. The Hammam is justifiably the main centrepiece of the spa with intricate tile work and two treatment areas under a shimmering Swarovski crystal canopy. I was mesmerised by the glittering mosaic walls and floor tiles, an extravagant feast for the senses.
Unlike most Hammams, it wasn’t too hot or steamy. The tiles were warm and my skin felt instantly soothed as I made my way into the steam room to have the black soap applied. As I inhaled the argan oil and I soaked in the steam, my shoulders gently relaxed as Sandra carefully lathered my skin.
The combination of the heat and steam instantly eased my aching muscles and within 10 minutes my entire body was ready to be buffed. My skin was exfoliated with Kesa – a Moroccan bath loofah. Sandra didn’t hold back. She took her time scrubbing the dead skin cells away until my body was glistening. After rinsing my skin with luscious, warm water, Sandra worked her magic on my tresses. My long hair was shampooed and conditioned using organic ESPA products. As she rinsed my hair, I felt renewed and rejuvenated with each drop of water.
My soul felt as if it had been on a spiritual journey as my tiredness was washed away. Lastly, I was enveloped in a marine mud mask. Once fully applied, I was taken back to the steam room where I relaxed as the mask nourished my squeaky-clean skin. After five minutes I showered off and was taken to one of the candescent treatment rooms for my next experience.
All massages start with a relaxing foot bath. Sandra conducted a sensory test to determine what kind of aromatherapy oil my body required. She decided to combine two types; the ESPA ‘Fitness’ body oil with restorative Indian Bay and clove bud to soothe and relax. And the signature ‘Soothing’ oil with warm peaceful aromatic myrrh’s notes plus frankincense and rose geranium to ease the mind and de-stress the body.
It worked. After checking the type of pressure I was comfortable with, Sandra managed to massage out the remaining knots in my neck and shoulders. She paid particular attention to addressing the tension along my back. I immediately felt tranquil and restored. In fact, I felt brand new.
PS.: It’s worth noting that currently the award-winning spa is offering a 45-minute ‘Ladies Social Hammam’ where you can go with up to four friends and have a Turkish or Moroccan Hammam. There’s also a special pool day on Wednesdays from 9am to 3pm.
For more information and to make a reservation, please call ESPA at Mondrian Doha on 4045 5555.