The past year hasn’t been kind to anyone. Frankly, it’s been exhausting and, with the holiday season upon us, who doesn’t need an afternoon escape? Homara Choudhary discovered that the luxurious five-star Saray Spa, tucked away on the seventh floor of the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, is a majestic oasis of calm.
Removed from the hustle and bustle of Doha’s busy streets, I stepped into an urban retreat right in the heart of the city. The décor was dark and sumptuous with warm wood tones. The atmosphere peaceful and serene, lit with aromatic candles. My shoulders instantly relaxed and my mood lifted. Upon my arrival my therapist, Susi, offered me a refreshing cold towel and a delicately flavoured detox Tamarind Lemonade. After going through a detailed consultation, we opted for the African-inspired, 90-minute Signature Sleep Improvement Massage. The ideal treatment for busy lifestyles and perfect for fighting jet lag.
There are seven palatial treatment rooms at the spa, each one named after an aromatic plant. I was shown the tranquil relaxation areas, the steam room and the sauna. There is also a designated couples’ treatment room. After changing into a soft, white, terry cloth robe, I was ushered into the ‘Citrus’ treatment room where Susi was ready to work her magic. As she began by washing my feet with soapy warm water, Susi explained the spa uses ancient healing techniques in their treatments and locally sourced products as much as possible.
My feet proceeded to be soaked in milk, known for its nourishing properties to soften the skin. I felt like Cleopatra. Susi then scrubbed my toes with a soap containing sea salt and lemon, pressing them gently in the water before drying them off.
Having frequented many of Doha’s five-star spas, this was one of the few times I wasn’t freezing cold. Not only was the room comfortably warm, but the massage table was also heated! As soothing music played in the background, Susi placed a hot towel on my back to get my circulation going before she gently massaged my shoulders and back with warm almond oil. As she firmly kneaded my skin, I could feel the tension slowly being released. After turning over, I was given a sublime head massage. I could feel each ball of tension gradually being erased one by one. Using firm strokes the stubborn knots along my neck and shoulders also gradually loosened. She then gently worked on relaxing my facial muscles. I could literally feel the stress melting away.
As Susi worked on my pressure points, using a combination of stretches and firm massage, she explained that the last 15 minutes of the treatment would involve guided meditation using a Himalayan ball, a rain stick and chimes. As I listened to the soft melodic tones of the instruments, it wasn’t long before I felt like I was floating and slowly drifted off into a deep sleep.
I was gently woken out of my dreamlike state for my rejuvenating, antiageing, oxygen treatment. My face needed to look as restored as the rest of me and I was ready for my non-surgical facelift. This skin quenching facial was perfect for functions or special occasions. It uses hyaluronic acid technology, ideal for parched skin. The unique technique allows the Rejuvenate Profession Serum to sink deep into the epidermis, providing intense hydration. The specifically designed serum contains vitamins A, C and E and antioxidants that dramatically lift and tone the skin. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Susi began the non-invasive treatment by first cleansing my face. After patting it dry, she switched on the airbrush device and slowly began to work across my face. I could feel a cool breeze cascading over me. The pressure was minimal and I barely felt the light air strokes. It was surprisingly gentle and it wasn’t long before my skin was bright and glowing.
The results were dramatic and instant. Because there was no recovery time, I was able to get ready and head straight to dinner that evening. My mind, face and body had been restored and I felt completely renewed and transformed. The perfect way to spend an indulgent afternoon for one.
For more information, please call Saray Spa at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel on 4419 6090.