Full-body wellness is what Sanaa Choudry found at Heavenly Spa by Westin. She shares the details behind the Body and Mind Relaxing Ritual.
Nestled amongst a landscape of lush gardens, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa is an urban oasis that immediately transports you from the busyness of the city into a serene state of idyllic tranquillity. Located on the mezzanine floor, Heavenly Spa by Westin is a truly sensorial experience. From the moment you step inside, you are transported into a realm of bliss; the air is filled with sweet notes of jasmine, enveloping you in a comforting embrace, while the soothing sounds of a gentle waterfall cascading down a backdrop of smooth rocks lull you into a state of deep relaxation.
Arriving at the reception desk, I was warmly greeted by the spa director, Ilga, who offered refreshments and took a moment to introduce me to the treatment of the month, which is also the one that I will try: the Body and Mind Relaxing Ritual. Always looking to add a personal touch, she explained that she would often take a moment to check in with guests after their treatment to discuss their experience. Before long, I was welcomed by my lovely therapist, Luisita.
Venturing further into the corridor, the contemporary décor continues seamlessly; grey marble glints with golden hues, radiating elegance, and preparing you for what can only be described as a rapturous hypnotic experience. Entering the changing room, the fresh scent of green tea relaxes me whilst slippers and a robe have been prepared ahead. Each changing cubicle also contains a shower consisting of a rainfall shower head (which I have the pleasure of using midway through my treatment).
The Body and Mind Relaxing Ritual is an intensive full-body treatment that removes toxins, helps reconnect with inner healing powers, and ultimately immerses you into a calm state. The entire treatment lasts for two hours: an intense fullbody scrub to leave the skin deeply cleansed and stimulated; a bathing ritual to soothe; and a 60-minute full-body massage with a green tea aromatherapy oil to release tension (not to get ahead of myself, but indeed it does).
Entering the spa room, I am immediately drawn to the centrepiece: a large bathtub already prepared with warm water, foamy bubbles and velvety maroon rose petals. It is difficult not to get too excited at this point! I begin the spa experience face down on a bed with a warm towel placed on my back to lull me into a state of calm. Guided to take deep breaths, I inhale the subtle scent of mixed flowers clustered in potpourri form just beneath the base of the bed – what a sweet and soothing start! Beginning with the body scrub, Luisita uses a blend of sea salt and green tea oil to deeply exfoliate my skin. I’m told that this blend can improve skin texture, help with circulation and reduce inflammation (each of which I am in desperate need of ). Throughout the entirety of the treatment, sounds of gentle rain and waterfalls fill the room, maintaining a heavenly and peaceful environment. I carefully turn over (Luisita covering me at all times and guiding me through each and every step), and we reconvene. She is mindful of using a firmer hand on drier areas of the body, such as the knees, elbows and soles of the feet, whilst using a gentle circular motion around the abdomen and thighs. Once all my skin is baby smooth, I am ready for the pinnacle of relaxation – taking a soak in the bathtub. To relax entirely, I am offered hot tea from a choice of calming chamomile, floral Earl Grey and green tea, the pot arriving with some decadent pieces of dark chocolate to truly immerse myself into the luxurious experience.
And then, the final event – the massage. This was a full-body massage using green tea aromatherapy oils, with other options also available. The fluidity of Luisita’s movement allowed her palms to work harmoniously to relieve any aches and pains, with specific attention paid to pressure point muscles. This massage was unlike any other. My mind quickly unravelled and I had pretty much fallen into a gentle slumber midway through. To finish off the experience that can only be described as heavenly (apt considering it is the Heavenly Spa), the therapist offered a firm scalp massage followed by a gentle facial massage that rounded off the entire treat harmoniously.
I departed this beauty haven with every sense awakened and every muscle rejuvenated. It is safe to say that the perfect sleep was had that night after a visit to this sanctuary.
For more information or to make a booking,
please call Heavenly Spa by Westin at
The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa on 4492 1682.
@heavenlyspadoha
@westindoha