This month, Fernanda Langhammer headed to a new address in town, the Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha, for a restorative massage.
There are few things that excite me as much as a new spa in town. As experts and explorers of wellness destinations in the region, we always find opportunities to try new experiences to share with you. This time, I headed to the newly opened Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha to have a pampering session at Pürovel Spa & Sport.
The wellness area is quite extensive, incorporating 10 treatment rooms (including ladies’, men’s and unisex areas), a fitness centre, yoga studios and an outdoor infinity pool with views of the sea. The Swissôtel brand has a strong sustainability DNA; nature is at its core. With that in mind, there are tones of green and décor inspired by nature everywhere – I believe this enhances the sense of calm and tranquillity.
While I filled the consultation form, I sipped some chamomile tea. After discussing treatment options with my therapist, Beverlyne, we chose the Swiss Vitality Bliss, a signature massage that uses cryo balls, cupping and hot stones to help release muscle tension. I know it might sound like a cliché, but when I visit a spa, my main goal is always relaxation. What is interesting to explore is how each spa delivers this result. Pürovel offers a wide menu, and the experience proposed in this signature massage is one I have never tried before. Still, the aim is always the same: a state of relief and pleasure.
I was ready to be taken to my treatment room. At Pürovel, each room is named after flowers (ladies’ side) and trees (on the men’s side) from the Swiss Alps (where the hospitality brand has its roots). Mine was the Stailalva. The room was dimly lit and painted in tones of beige and white. However, as I stepped forward to fully enter, I spotted a wall covered in a material imitating green moss with an armchair, lamp and copper bowl, such a beautiful composition, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. It gives the space such a fantastic vibe.
Beverlyne asked me to place my belongings in the closet in the room where I could find a fluffy robe and all the needed amenities. I have to say I really appreciate spas that offer this kind of service inside the treatment room – it’s an extra thoughtful touch.
I was then ready to start my 75-minute therapy. It began with the foot ritual with alpine salt to remove dead skin and soften the feet. With clean and smooth tootsies, I moved to the massage bed and what a massage bed! I have visited many spas in the five years I have been OHLALA’s editor, and I have to say this was the most perfect one I have encountered so far. It was firm but extraordinarily soft and wide enough. I guess, after a while of testing treatments as part of my job, I notice every little detail about the places I visit, and the massage bed at Pürovel is a 10 out of 10!
I chose the Concoction Nuit Oil (with lavender as its main ingredient) and the massage started from my legs. First, a classic hand massage to activate my circulation, followed by the cupping therapy. In this case, the cups were made of flexible silicon that Beverlyne manipulated according to the body part. I believe that their malleability made the movements more effective.
The suction created by the cups helps increase blood flow and loosen tight muscles without the pain of pressure points. It was actually a delightful part of the massage. The hot stones came after. Heat is recommended to treat achy muscles, which means they were perfect to go after cupping to complement this mission of relieving all the tension. I run for leisure, not really a professional, but still, I suffer some of the downsides of the sport, so I was pretty happy with the choice of therapy.
She then moved to my back, and hey, my upper back is no joke when it comes to accumulating tension. Beverlyne followed the same steps; however, she used the cryo balls before the hot stones. Cryo therapy is indicated for sore muscles and is perfect for after intense workouts. While heat promotes relaxation and soothes muscle tension, the cold massage roller balls improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. It was a bit of a shock when the coldness touched my lower back, but after a while, I got used to the feeling, and when it was the hot stones’ turn, the contrast of cold and warmth was very soothing.
The rest of the massage continued the same way, and I could feel every bit of stress leave my muscles – a goodbye that I didn’t mind at all. So long, farewell! My therapist also spent a while on my feet, and I didn’t know how proper attention to that area makes a big difference in the overall feeling. T he massage ended and I felt lighter than ever, ready to beat the day.
If you are looking for a treatment that will make you feel like a ton has been removed from your shoulders, back and legs, I highly recommend the Swiss Vitality Bliss at Pürovel Spa & Sport. The whole experience was precisely what I needed. A walk along the corniche afterwards, to enjoy the nice weather, was the cherry on top!
For more information or to make a booking,
please call Pürovel Spa & Sport at
Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha on 4000 8888.
@swissoteldoha