It’s pampering time and Kirsty Walker gets a super-fresh feeling at Spa InterContinental.
I love the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa. It’s there every morning when I open the curtains and look out from my West Bay apartment, onto a blue sea. I spent a gluttonous week of quarantine there in 2021, gaining a few pounds and enjoying every day. It’s stood the test of time in this city, with consistent luxury and top-class service.
I’ve lived in Doha for almost a decade, ‘firsts’ are hard to find. But today, for the first time, I’m visiting Spa InterContinental – and I feel a little giddy.
The spa is accessed through a cool, marble corridor on the ground floor. Sheer net curtains draped on either side provide a soft touch. Along the way I glimpse an unoccupied treatment room or two – thick white towels, the flicker of a candle. Citrus and herb scents drift towards me, subtle and enticing. Now I’m in the mood! There’s a lovely water feature in the spa reception, a glass chandelier floating above, like water droplets suspended mid-fall. It’s all very Zen, love it. The staff greet me warmly, and introduce the Director of Spa, Arie. All glowing skin and serene composure, she reassures me she’s a regular user of the spa’s skincare products.
We decide upon my treatment for the afternoon, and are both very excited that I’ll be the first person to try their 90-minute Warm Herbal Massage – officially launched this month as part of Spa InterContinental’s revamped menu. Designed to soothe a tired body (fantastic!) and exhausted mind (even better) with aromatic oils, it also improves skin appearance.
For my second treatment, I choose the 60-minute Oxygen Rejuvenate Infusion facial by Intraceuticals – a calming and hydrating treatment that targets fine lines. Yes, I do need this.
Let the afternoon commence!
Grace, my therapist, is extremely professional and welcoming. With light, breezy conversation she takes us to my private treatment room, passing the beautiful indoor swimming pool, plunge pool, sauna and steam room accessible for spa guests.
My room is a sanctuary. Low light, soft scent and relaxing meditational music. Before the massage, Grace performs the spa’s signature foot bath ritual. My feet are placed in a bronze bowl of warm soapy water, washed, and natural sugar scrub applied meticulously. Every single treatment starts with the foot bath ritual, Grace explains, no matter if it’s a 30-minute or a 180-minute service.
Sparkly clean feet and fresh as a daisy, I’m ready for my herbal massage. The treatment bed is top-notch. With multiple adjustment options, and a soft mattress – even fussy folk like me cannot help but feel supported and relaxed. Oh, and it’s heated. Bliss!
Grace first applies a steamed pouch to my back in slow rhythmic motions. The pouch is filled with kaffir lime, wild turmeric, lemongrass, tamarind, acacia and camphor, releasing an intense aroma as relaxing as the hot pressure. She follows with a massage to the area, promoting absorption of the aromatic oils, and allowing my skin to benefit from the herbs.
Grace expertly works the compress over my whole body, paying special attention to zones of tense muscle. My body feels nourished, relaxed and peaceful.
We soon start my Oxygen Rejuvenate Infusion facial. Cleansing takes five minutes, after which Rejuvenate Enzyme Exfoliant is applied. I can’t see it yet, but my skin already feels softer, and smells extremely fresh! The Rejuvenate Serum rich in hyaluronic acid is applied through a machine that works with oxygen pressure and takes 35 minutes. It’s a buzzy, pleasant sensation. A hydration gel is applied, followed by Rejuvenate Moisture Binding Cream and an invigorating contour massage around my cheekbones. Lastly, hyaluronic-pumped eye gel is smoothed over, adding a zingy boost to the final stage.
The treatment visibly improves the skin’s texture, radiance and vitality. It hydrates and delivers potent anti-ageing ingredients to create the perfect canvas for make-up application. It also revives and deliver antioxidants to the skin, provides a lifting and toning effect while extending the Intraceuticals treatment result.
Intraceuticals treatment result. Fast forward, and I’m bright-faced, sipping fresh-leaf peppermint tea in the beautiful spa lounge, browsing Spa InterContinental’s menu for my next visit…
The verdict? Real results, it’s why I came. My skin is lifted, hydrated, and luminous, and my muscles revitalised. It’s the ultimate post-spa duo – I feel fantastic and look great too!
For more information and to make a reservation, please call Spa InterContinental at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa on 4484 4060 or email spa.icdoha@ihg.com
@intercontinentaldoha