OHLALA’s Lindsey Steenkamp goes on a skin regeneration journey at The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
As an expat woman living in the Middle East, I am on a constant quest for oxygen for my lungs, my soul and my skin. My apartment is full of oxygen-producing plants and you can catch me doing yoga and breathing exercises regularly. The biggest organ we possess is our skin and it makes the world of sense to shower it with hydration and, above all, oxygen. During the winter months, my skin feels like it is literally crying out for extra tender loving care and, in light of preparing for the much-awaited OHLALA Spa Awards, I decided to go try a new facial treatment named the ‘Oxygen Facial’ – available at The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
On a bright and beautiful winter’s day I head out for my treatment. It has been some time since I have visited this side of Doha, and fond memories of my regular runs on The Ritz-Carlton marina flood back. A friendly welcome at the front desk and I am led down the elegantly low-lit corridor towards the spa. The modern interior takes me on a journey from entering the hotel right to the treatment room, where I am welcomed with a beautiful rose petal arrangement on the treatment bed. One could call them the connoisseurs of detail, who leave nothing to chance. I have been looking forward to trying the ‘Oxygen Facial’, developed by Natura Bissé – named the World’s Best Spa Brand for three years in a row. My aesthetician, Sorimi, explains the treatment procedure and adjusts the bed’s electronic lumbar support feature to perfectly fit my body for ultimate comfort. I am impressed by this magical treatment bed! It even has a heating feature! The temperature is adjusted to my specification and I am ready to relax and enjoy. We start off with deep pore cleaning and I am pleasantly surprised by the full body massage that is part of the package. The entire facial consists of deep pore cleansing, application of active enzymes for exfoliation, sculpting face, neck, and shoulder massage and is completed with the oxygen mask treatment. A wonderful headto-toe massage is administered in between each application giving each ingredient time to work its magic and sending me into Zenlike relaxation.
The benefits of this facial range from the refined texture of the skin and added elasticity to stimulated blood-flow to aid the flow of oxygen and other nutrients to the skin leaving your complexion plump, with a healthy glow and a youthful appearance. Oxygen propels skin collagen boosting and smoothing peptides to target the appearance of expression lines around the eyes, lips and forehead while enhancing overall volume, hydration and vitality. An oxygen infusion is customised for all skin concerns while increasing volume for instant lift and visible tightening.
I am awoken by Sorimi, and I gently touch my skin with the back of my hand. It feels soft, smooth and youthful. Easing me back to reality, the sense-awakening scents of the products applied on my face and entire body envelop me. I am escorted upstairs to the relaxation room to enjoy some invigorating ginger tea, as a lovely finishing touch and I am left polished, relaxed and revitalised. This bespoke, indulgent 60-minute facial is a fitting five-star treatment packaged at only QR800. Perfect as a self-care treat, gift or in preparation for an event. I am told that it is recommended to indulge in this facial every few months as a long-lasting, antiageing strategy.
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is the embodiment of pampering, and I highly recommend that you experience this aerated treatment while it is still available.
For reservations and more information, please call 4484 8173 / 8174
@ritzcarltondoha
