Full-body care is what Fernanda Langhammer experienced at Lamara Spa, a contemporary yet idyllic wellness destination.
You know what I absolutely love? When I go for a pampering session and it’s so much more than I expected. I have to say that I do try amazing treatments every month and I am a very lucky girl that this is part of my job, but sometimes they go beyond amazing – that’s what I can say about my journey at Lamara Spa at InterContinental Doha The City.
The property is well-located and gives a wonderful urban vibe. After passing through the revolving door, I was guided to the elevator that would take me all the way to the 46th floor, where Lamara Spa is located. The view of West Bay was breathtaking.
The place is cosy and more like a boutique spa with four treatment rooms, a sauna and a steam room. It is painted in a beautiful forest green shade with earthy tones and golden accents. The lovely Inna, the Spa and Recreation Manager, welcomed me and we chatted about beauty, products and treatments. She is an expert on the subject, and I enjoyed the opportunity to ask all my questions. I was there for a Balinese massage and a facial. After checking my skin, Inna recommended the Cryo Age Defend therapy, adding the Ultimate Gold Mask.
Lamara Spa offers a facial therapy collection that combines the expertise of the French skincare brand Anne Semonin with made-to-measure techniques that aim to transform your face’s contours. Every facial includes an exclusive Anne Semonin lymphatic massage, designed to gently release toxins from the dermal tissues, increasing blood flow and resulting in radiant skin.
The Cryo Age Defend aims to withstand the ageing process by using essential oils and minerals that are gently massaged into the skin, improving tone and elasticity. The products contain extracts of Mexican Wild Yam and vitamins A and E, which provide the ultimate defence against environmental elements and maintain a youthful radiance.
Inna introduced me to Sonam, my therapist for the day, and she took me to my treatment room, where I found a very tranquil environment and a comfy and warm massage bed in the centre. She asked me to change into a robe for the 60-minute Balinese massage. Sonam is soft-spoken and extremely polite; her sweet way gave me a sense of pure relaxation and confidence.
She used lavender oil to perform a full-body, deep-tissue treatment. The technique uses a combination of gentle stretches, acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy to stimulate blood and oxygen flow. Her touch was precise, as if she knew each muscle in my body, and I was impressed that an arm massage could be something memorable – the way she pressed the right points on my arms showcased her skills. My upper back is where I store all my tension, and she gave extra attention to this area with patience, without hurrying and working on my knots with firm strokes that helped release the constant pain I have in that area. In the end, I felt like a ton of weight was removed from my shoulders.
I was glad that after this amazing massage, it was time to take care of my face. Sonam asked me to turn and, after making sure I was comfortable, she started cleansing my complexion with Oligo Cleansing Gel to purify and detoxify, followed by the Marine Toner, which she applied after every step of the facial to help equalise the PH of my skin. The Exfoliating Mask was next; made with red algae and rice powder, it had a very light texture.
She performed some rhythmic movements to help remove impurities and dead cells and stimulate cellular renewal. It was time to apply the Ultimate Gold Radiance Peel-Off Mask. The thick liquid was spread all over my face, and we waited for it to dry; meanwhile, I had a scalp massage. When the product dried, Sonam peeled it off and applied Anne Semonin’s Express Radiance ice cube. Combining the benefits of cold cryotherapy with a natural serum, the aim is to give a firming effect while reducing signs of ageing and fatigue. It had a nice feel to the skin, like a refreshing film. She then used the Super Active Serum to moisturise and tone, and Tissue Serum for firming and lifting. She finished with the Extreme Comfort Cream. I have to say that facials are my favourite spa therapy. My face was radiant and glowing, and it looked like all the tiredness and dullness were washed away.
After my treatment, I felt renewed, inside and out. However, before saying goodbye to the incredible team at Lamara Spa, I sat for a warm cup of tea and talked once again to Inna; this time, the subject was my wonderful experience and my wish to visit again soon. Looking for an escape where you will feel cared for from head to toe with a personalised session? You don’t have to look any further.
For more information and reservations,
please call Lamara Spa at InterContinental Doha The City on
4015 8888, 3098 3103 or email spa.icdohacity@ihg.com
@icdohathecity