An award-winning spa treatment called Bahrain Island Ritual is what Bushra Hakim enjoyed at Cocoon Wellness Spa, Hilton Bahrain.
I think it’s safe to say I’m a bit of a spa addict. There’s something so grounding about getting a good massage or being pampered at least once a month. It puts my body at ease and helps my mind switch off from the daily hustle. One of the perks of my job is getting to explore some of Bahrain’s best spas, and this month’s visit was to Cocoon Wellness Spa at Hilton Bahrain.
My agenda for the day was the Bahrain Island Ritual, which won the OSWA 2025 Signature Treatment Award this year in the Favourite category. The treatment includes a body scrub, a full-hour massage and a facial – a complete top-to-toe experience.
On the sixth floor of Hilton Bahrain, Cocoon Wellness Spa welcomes you into a serene, softly lit space accented with warm gold and bronze tones. Golden butterflies flutter across the décor, giving the space a dreamy appeal. I was greeted by Eman at the reception, who handed me a consultation form before showing me around the space. The tour revealed dedicated rooms for different treatments, including a couples’ suite and a relaxation room, along with separate thermal areas for men and women, with each featuring a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, lockers and showers.
My therapist for the day, Analyn, led me to the treatment room – a cosy space with a massage bed, a chair for a foot bath and a spacious attached bathroom for both changing and showering. A plush robe awaited me inside and, once I’d changed and stowed my things away, the lights dimmed and soft beats filled the room. The ritual began with a soothing foot bath, as Analyn added fragrant bath salts and lemon slices to warm water, then washed and dried my feet.
I was then asked to lie on my stomach, where warm towels covered my feet and the calm vibrations of the singing bowls set up a relaxing mood.
A brief dry massage followed, instantly releasing tension, especially from my back. Analyn then began applying the gold gel scrub – a rich, gel-like formula she paired with a qessa glove for deeper exfoliation. Using circular motions, she gently buffed away the dead skin that had built up thanks to the recent change in weather. After the exfoliation, I took a quick shower to rinse off the scrub. Since it was a gel, it took a little effort to remove completely, but that was a good sign as it meant the formula was rich and hydrating rather than abrasive.
Once I was back on the massage bed, I was tucked under warm towels to stay comfortable. For my massage, I chose the Calm Me oil blend infused with jasmine. A scent so beautiful and luxe it could easily be bottled as a perfume. Analyn used a variety of Balinese massage techniques, including acupressure, stretching and kneading. Her movements were fluid yet firm and she paid special attention to my upper back, where most of my tension lives.
What I particularly loved was the variation in her technique; no two motions felt the same. It kept the session engaging and truly restorative. When I turned over, a warm towel was gently placed over my eyes. A small but thoughtful touch that deepened the relaxation. Once she finished massaging with her hands, she switched to a bamboo stick, rolling it over my back, legs and hands for a deeper tissue massage, followed by a heavenly head massage that perfectly wrapped up the session.
The lights went back on, which meant the facial was up next. This was done using Cocoon’s own skincare line. Analyn examined my skin before starting with a mild cleanser, followed by toner and a gentle exfoliating scrub. A light steam prepped my face for extractions, which were done using the Smart Ice Blue Hydra Facial machine. Its spatula tool used subtle vibrations for painless blackhead and whitehead removal, followed by a vacuum attachment to clear any remaining impurities.
Then came a refreshing mist of toner from the sprayer attachment, smelling absolutely divine. An application of eye cream and Epidermal Growth Factor serum was followed by a face massage using the All-in-One Skin Superfood Oil, which nourished and rehydrated my skin beautifully. She then applied a sheet mask to boost hydration, and using a hot wand helped the product absorb more effectively. While the mask did its magic, Analyn did hers with another round of head massage. Afterwards, a cold wand was used to seal everything in and tighten the pores. Finally, a layer of eye serum and moisturiser completed the facial. My skin felt supple and calm, with that telltale post-facial glow that makes you want to skip make-up for days.
After changing, I took a few minutes to sip on some coffee and nibble on the biscuits they’d set out for me. It’s funny how even a small snack can be enjoyed the most when you’re this relaxed. My muscles felt like they’d finally unclenched, my skin was soft and hydrated, and I felt the peacefulness you get only after a proper spa day.
When I finally stood up to leave, I felt genuinely reset. Not just polished or refreshed but taken care of. There’s a difference between a good massage and a good experience and Cocoon Wellness Spa is definitely the latter.
For more information or to book an appointment,
please call or WhatsApp Cocoon Wellness Spa at Hilton Bahrain on 3817 0088.
@cocoon.juffair
@hiltonbahrain