The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa was Sirine Boudjadi’s destination for a pampering session that combined a visit to the steam room, deep exfoliation and results-driven skincare treatments.
I headed to Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa straight after a light lunch at the hotel and what I liked immediately was the transition into the spa itself. The passage leading there is designed to force your nervous system to slow down. One minute you’re in the middle of the lobby’s busy atmosphere; the next you’re walking through a huge indoor garden flooded with natural light, surrounded by long water features, bamboo and lush tropical plants.
At the reception, Koeki warmly welcomed me with dates and a hot towel scented with lemongrass, which already put me in a good mood. She then gave me a quick tour of the facilities: pool, gym, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and Hammam, basically everything required for a full temporary personality reset. After changing into my robe and slippers, I was ready for my first treatment.
The Ultimate Skin Reset
It had actually been a while since my last proper Hammam, so I was very happy they’d chosen that treatment for me. Soukaina, who’s from Morocco, took care of me and I immediately knew I was in good hands. She started by applying traditional black soap all over my body, then left me in the steam room for a few minutes so the heat could fully open my pores. Then came the kessa glove exfoliation.
This is simultaneously the least relaxing and most satisfying part of the entire Hammam experience because the scrubbing is intense. But at the same time, watching layers of dead skin literally disappear is weirdly addictive. That’s exactly why a proper Hammam hits differently from exfoliating at home. It boosts circulation, removes dead skin buildup, unclogs pores and leaves the body ridiculously soft in a way no overpriced scrub ever really can.
After rinsing everything off, she followed with a lavender sugar scrub, which somehow made my skin feel even smoother. Next came a lavender and clay mask, almost like a variation of the traditional rhassoul usually used in Hammams. The clay helps draw out impurities while the lavender calms the skin and relaxes the body, much appreciated after the slight brutality of the kessa glove. She also washed my hair at the end, fully committing to the whole rebirth energy of the experience.
Face Card Restored
After all that steaming and exfoliation, I moved on to a facial with Gladys. We went for a 30-minute treatment, which I’m normally sceptical about. I’m still surprised by how much she managed to fit into such a short session. The facial was done using BABOR, the German skincare brand beauty insiders have been obsessed with for years. Known for its science-led approach, the brand focusses on highly concentrated active ingredients and its iconic ampoules.
The treatment bed was already heated, which I appreciated more than usual, considering I’m permanently cold during facials and my hair was still wet from the Hammam. Gladys started with the Hy-Öl Cleanser, followed by the Refining Enzyme & Vitamin C Cleanser, which gently exfoliates and boosts radiance.
She then applied the Peeling Mask for about a minute before moving on to the Purifying Mask. During this stage, Gladys gave me an incredible foot massage. It only lasted a few moments, but I genuinely could’ve fallen asleep right there. She used very firm pressure without it feeling painful, and somehow immediately found all the tension points that needed work.
While the third Renewal Overnight Mask was setting, she moved on to a scalp massage, which somehow pushed me even closer to unconsciousness. Formulated with postbiotics, apple pectin and nourishing plant oils, this final mask is designed to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture while helping the complexion look smoother, plumper and more radiant.
One thing I really appreciated throughout the treatment was her use of cold towels between products. Whenever certain active ingredients started tingling slightly, she would press a fresh cold towel onto my skin, which instantly calmed everything down. It also helps stimulate circulation, so by the end I looked fresh and glowing rather than red or sensitised.
For the finishing steps, she applied the Refine Cellular A16 Booster Concentrate, Lip & Eye Care Cream and finally the Phyto CBD Cream. I loved the products overall because everything felt lightweight without that overpowering perfume smell some skincare brands insist on adding to absolutely everything. At the end of the treatment, you can stay in the relaxation area for tea and actually give yourself a moment to slowly come back to reality after the whole experience. By the time I left Heavenly Spa, my skin was glowing and I was ready for bed.
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