On a visit to Heavenly Spa by Westin, a refurbished venue with the same extraordinary service was what Liz O’Reilly discovered.
Sometimes you just need a complete reset and, with the goings on over the last few weeks, I was certainly in that position. So, when an invitation arrived to experience the relaxing treatments at the newly refurbished Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin City Centre Bahrain, I jumped at the chance.
Being attached to one of Bahrain’s foremost shopping destinations and boasting some rather fab dining venues, it’s easy to almost forget that The Westin also has a spa. It’s compact, for sure, and honestly doesn’t trumpet itself enough, in my opinion. But a couple of things to remember are that Heavenly Spa is a massive international brand with more than 30 outlets around the world – with each taking best practices from the others – and it’s one of the few places in the Kingdom offering Elemis treatments. There’s a certain time in life when sessions with the UK’s number one anti-ageing brand are very much a premium, trust me.
On walking through the doors, everything is tranquil and calm. The arrival area is a symphony of subdued neutral tones where comfortable seating allows you to relax while you fill out a comprehensive pre-treatment form covering pre-existing conditions, areas of concern, allergies and preferences. But there’s also an almost hidden sense of fun, each staffer wears a badge bearing their name alongside a statement of their passion – from reading to running and, as one lady joyfully told me, ‘eating’ (I’m with her on that one).
My therapist for the day is May, who smiles a lot and loves running, and soon transported me through to the changing area, where I was gratified to find the softest robe I have ever encountered. Not the usual fluffy towelling, which always feels indulgent, but rather some form of cotton-silk blend that felt like a gentle caress against my skin – I was sorely tempted to pop one in my bag! (I didn’t but I shall be trying to find one for myself.)
A Massage to Release Tension
First up was a massage – medium pressure, I am not a brave woman – and I was led to the couples’ Spa Suite, which May was keen to show off in all its updated glory.
With entrances from both the male and female sides of the facility, dimmed lights revealed two comfortable, chunky treatment beds alongside a relaxation area with its own dual chaises, deeply cushioned and dressed in soft neutral materials, just beckoning you to settle in. A private Jacuzzi, steam room, shower and bathroom facilities completed the suite where soft music, marble tiling and an abundance of fluffy white towels rounded out the sense of ease, relaxation and luxury.
For my massage, I chose mandarin oil, which is widely recognised for supporting skin health due to its high limonene content that offers antioxidant and antibacterial benefits – but I’ll be truthful and say my choice was mostly guided by the gentle citrus scent, which I adore.
I positioned myself face down and May got to work. And that’s when I realised just how much tension I had accumulated over recent weeks – when I truly believed I was completely tickety-boo, all fine (at least that’s what I’ve been telling my worried family back home)! Draped in a sheet to start with as she applied gentle pressure to ease me in, the minute May’s knowledgeable hands touched my lower back, I felt myself gasp involuntarily as that pressure started to release.
Over the course of my treatment, May applied a series of long, smooth, confident strokes coupled with gentle stretches and some more insistent pressure, leaving my tight back, shoulders and neck feeling almost fluid and imparting a genuine sense of utter relief.
Elemis Products for a Rejuvenating Facial
Before I knew it, it was time to roll over for my mini-facial – the part I’d really been looking forward to. I must confess, I do love Elemis products, but slathering on a dab of moisturiser or eye cream at home is truly no substitute for the whole works, particularly when administered by someone who clearly knows what they’re doing.
May started with the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, slathered generously over my skin, cool and soothing to remove street dust and the detritus we collect daily from our windy, sandy conditions. Next came Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser to tackle any residual make-up followed by the Soothing Apricot Toner. To the horror of our editor, I don’t generally use toner at home. I find most a little too astringent and vaguely tightening, which feels counterintuitive. But this was very gentle and with May’s calming application, it actually did feel soothing. I was very happy when May explained that she would not be using a scrub on my fairly delicate skin. It’s a step I tolerate if I must, but when the expert tells you it’s too abrasive, you listen.
I’m a big fan of facial massage and the application of Pro-Collagen Marine Oil with its trio of sea weeds, Padina Pavonica, Golden Seaweed and Roaring Water Kelp, along with Pro-Collagen Rose Oil Blend had my thirsty skin drinking in the goodness. Both calming and known to reduce the appearance of fine lines, May applied them with gentle and effective upward strokes and circular movements that really felt as if they were lifting and nourishing.
Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream dabbed around my eyes very quickly revealed how much I had been neglecting this important area of skincare. Powered by Padina Pavonica for hydration, Hawthorne and Arabian Jasmine Flower Essence for dark circles, upcycled Elderflower Extract for undereye puffiness and Japanese Artemisia Capillaris to restore brightness, it sank in immediately with no greasy residue, and felt truly transformative.
A little snooze was in order to allow the Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask to do its job. This is a real treat that combines patented Tri-Enzyme technology with Amazonian Acerola Cherry, White Truffle and Great Burdock to smooth fine lines, deeply nourish and leave the skin looking and feeling instantly smoother. I’ve already mentioned that my skin is both dry and sensitive and I can honestly say, a glance in the mirror when the mask was removed did indeed reveal a smoother, plumper complexion – well worth the visit for this alone.
A further application of toner and that wonderful eye cream and I was ready for moisturiser followed by the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30 and Pro-Collagen Neck & Décolleté Balm. It would be easy for this last step to feel like a final hurried flurry; they’re the products we all (if we’re skin smart) use in some form or another every single day.
But, once again, May’s assured touch and professionalism made the difference. Each cream was applied as part of a gentle facial massage, bringing the ritual to a fitting conclusion and leaving me supremely relaxed, rejuvenated in face and body and ready to face the rest of my busy day.
So, in conclusion, Heavenly Spa by Westin has had its own impressive facelift – the soft neutrals, plush surfaces and gentle lighting, whisper luxury without shouting. But the team – the runners, the readers and, yes, the eater – remain the cherry on an impressive cake alongside those wonderful Elemis products. Welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. I couldn’t have asked for more.
For more information or to make a booking, please call Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin City Centre Bahrain on 1717 1122.
@heavenlyspabahrain
@westinbahrain