It’s the last month of the year! Fernanda Langhammer headed to The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay for a transformative facial to embrace the festive days with a special glow.
I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like to go for a spa treatment; if that’s you, by any chance, we need to talk! I love them. It’s also part of my job to try the many treatments in town and on my trips. However, I must confess that my favourite type of therapy is not a massage – I am all about facials. And that’s exactly the treatment I had when I visited The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay for the VIP O2 Oxygenating Facial from Biologique Recherche.
I have heard about this French brand, but I just recently had the opportunity to test it in a quick express facial, and I have to say that I noticed amazing results. So when I learned that The Spa at Four Seasons was offering treatments with Biologique Recherche, I was more than excited to visit for a comprehensive session at the hands of their skilled Esthetician, Olga. I have had a facial with her before, and she is superb.
For me, the whole experience starts at the reception. The Spa has a beautiful, ample area where natural light enters the room and illuminates the terracotta floor. The space offers a high-end selection of all sorts of pool and beach must-haves. I sat in one of the chairs near the window, letting the morning light wash over me while filling out the form regarding my preferences and health status. Meanwhile, I also had the Inner Glow juice made with watermelon, collagen, pineapple, flaxseed, pomegranate, pearl powder and superberry blend; it was totally refreshing, accompanied by a cold towel with lemongrass scent to remove the impurities from my hands and face.
I was then taken to the ladies’ area to get changed. With 17 treatment rooms and an array of facilities, such as a salt room, indoor pool, Jacuzzi and much more, this is one of the largest Four Seasons spas in the world. It feels like that, with many corridors and several common areas, as well as an upscale décor style that’s still very welcoming and calming.
After changing into a fluffy robe, I was welcomed by Olga, who took me to my Pearl room, which was already set for my facial. Dimly lit and with pleasant music playing in the background, it was time to relax and enjoy an hour of rejuvenation. Before cleaning my face, she placed a bright lamp near my complexion to analyse it and explained the benefits of the VIP O2 Oxygenating Facial. The treatment oxygenates, brightens and hydrates skin, detoxifying and stimulating the epidermis. The skin is supposed to get an incredible glow and become more luminous. The results are not only on the outside; the treatment also improves cell renewal. Skin cell regeneration requires oxygen, and high pollution levels in cities disrupt the restoration process, leading to slower cell metabolism and insufficient oxygen supply to the complexion. This can cause premature ageing and also results in a grey aspect and loss of natural glow. Suitable for all skin types, mainly for those with a dull complexion that has lost vitality – I am the perfect candidate.
The star product of this therapy is the Booster VIP O2. Like all products in this line, its basic formula consists of an ‘oxygen complex’ created by Biologique Recherche. Its active ingredients allow cells not only to breathe better but to produce more energy and higher-quality proteins.
Olga started the facial ritual by cleansing my complexion with the Solution Démaquillante Pour Les Yeux to remove make-up from the delicate eye contour area, followed by Eau Micellaire Biosensible to remove the impurities of the face. She then applied Lait S.R. to gently cleanse the skin with a VIP O2 glove massage to finalise the cleaning process. The next step was applying Lotion P50, an exfoliating, mattifying and purifying product that boosts the natural exfoliation process of the epidermis and helps rebuild the epidermal shield. It was then time to apply the unique Booster VIP O2, a bubbly-textured product that makes a crackling sound when applied and gives a warm sensation to the skin. It was quite an interesting experience, something I had never had before. It felt like my skin was going through a transformation. Right after, the Mask VIP O2 was applied, calming the tingling feeling and brightening the complexion; it also has anti-fatigue properties. While the mask was acting, Olga performed a scalp massage.
After removing the product, she applied the Quintessential Serums, composed of several key ingredients with the purest and rawest formulas to target specific imbalances such as dehydration, devitalisation, fine lines and sebum excess. The treatment was finalised with the Creme VIP O2, which stimulates cell respiration, Creme Contour Des Yeux VIP O2 eye cream to brighten this fragile area, Biokiss lip care and Finishing Serums VIP O2, which prevents pollutant particles from penetrating the skin and erases signs of fatigue.
As you can see, this is an extensive facial involving many steps to achieve optimum results. Olga has a delicate yet assertive touch and as an experienced professional, she explained every step with patience and knowledge. She gave me a mirror, and my skin looked radiant and hydrated, with a beautiful glow that I hadn’t seen in years. I was extremely pleased with the result. There was only one problem: the 60 minutes passed way too fast! I highly recommend you book more treatments as you feel so immersed in this sanctuary of calm and peace that, just like me, you won’t want it to end.
I had a peppermint tea in the relaxation room and felt like my skin was bursting with radiance. I then got back into my work clothes, applied minimum make-up and headed to the office, making a mental note to book another session next month. I could easily get used to this refreshed face.
For more information or to make a booking,
please call The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay on 1711 5045.
@fsbahrain