SPA InterContinental welcomed Liz O’Reilly to a journey of well-being and relaxation.
Fresh from almost 24 hours of back-to-back flights, I was definitely in need of some personal pampering. So, when I was invited to sample the joys of SPA InterContinental, I was pleased to take advantage.
The spa, which is found on the 10th floor of InterContinental Bahrain, is the perfect escape in the heart of the city with its minimal, yet welcoming lobby area decked in cream coloured tiling with plants adding a touch of nature and burners casting a soft glow while emitting a light, floral scent. The pebble-patterned reception desk is simple, not to take away the magnificent city view cast through a wall of windows.
Spa Manager, Lolitha, immediately invited me to take a seat in the waiting area, where a selection of freshly squeezed juices had been laid out and I was happy to indulge a delicious sweet watermelon as I completed a comprehensive health questionnaire prior to my treatments.
Today I would be experiencing a body scrub, massage and facial and I couldn’t have been more eager to get started.
First though, Lolitha brought out a selection of oils by HP Care 4U for me to choose from, which would be mixed up for my massage. The options included rose scented to promote love and compassion; lavender for sleep and muscle soothing; and cleansing antibacterial, antioxidant lemongrass. I opted for lavender and orange, mixed with almond, jojoba and grapeseed oils, looking forward not just to its wonderful citrussy aroma but also its promise of uplifted mood, improved energy and a happy mind.
I was introduced to Sira, from Thailand, who was to be my therapist for the first two treatments, her gentle smile and professional manner immediately putting me at ease as she led me to a spacious treatment room – with two beds, it was one of the couples’ spaces.
The cool cream tones of the reception area were carried through to this tranquil space where bamboo canes and small floral decorations adorned the walls, imparting a sense of natural freshness. Flickering candlelight gave a feeling of relaxing serenity as I stretched out on the superbly comfortable treatment bed and waited for my scrub to begin.
Using a mixture of moisturising coconut powder, natural course salt and body wash, Sira began to gently scrub my skin working in a series of circular motions first on one side and then the other. I must admit, I am not usually a great fan of scrubs. My skin is pretty sensitive and I can find them irritating. But, the inclusion of rich coconut in the mix, coupled with Sira’s expert touch, meant this treatment actually felt soothing and, by the time she was finished, my skin was silky and softer than it’s been in quite some time.
I headed to the en-suite bathroom, decked out in multicoloured brown and cream mini tiles with a golden shimmer, to wash off the residual salt and was impressed to discover a rain shower-type head and amenities from premium brand Byredo, of which I took full advantage luxuriating in the hot water.
One fluffy towel later and I was back on that embracing massage bed as Sira got to work on my horribly knotted neck and shoulders using short powerful strokes combined with specific stretches. Checking that the pressure was OK for me, she diligently, and without needing to be told, worked on the one shoulder that has been giving me particular trouble for a while. Initially painful, I could literally feel the muscles relaxing and the knots releasing beneath her skilled fingers.
Moving down my body with the deliciously scented lavender and orange oil, I experienced a sensation I have never encountered before in a massage as Sira reached my feet. Her gentle probing actually revealed a problem I didn’t even know I had in the base of one foot. With repeated circular movements, she maintained pressure until virtually all signs of soreness disappeared leaving me singularly impressed.
All too soon my lovely massage was over and it was on to the facial with therapist Lida, who is also from Thailand. She was knowledgeable in discussing my skin and suggesting different options to address the dryness and sensitivity.
We began with a gentle cleanse using all-natural products that left my face tingling, a toner came next to remove any residual impurities before Lida began a very gentle scrub lightly kneading my skin with studied movements to get the facial drainage going.
The scrub did feel very mildly abrasive but I could appreciate its deep cleansing and exfoliating effect on my skin and before long it was time for a deeply soothing mask. Thick, cool and creamy, I could feel my complexion drinking in the richness of a moisturising complex that included glycols, allantoin green tea extract to fight ageing and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant glycyrretic acid.
I relaxed in the semi-darkness as the mask did its work with Lida performing a mini-massage on my arms and shoulders – there’s no such thing as too much massage for me and, once again, I didn’t want it to stop.
But, all good things must come to an end and it was soon time for a final application of moisturising lotion before Lida left me to get ready to face the outside world. I immediately headed to the bathroom to check my results and was impressed to find my face looking plumped and renewed. I could barely recognise the tired woman who had walked through the doors a few hours earlier.
With six treatment rooms, including two couples’ spaces, SPA InterContinental is a bijou operation in the heart of the city and what it does, it does very well. Flanked by a fully equipped gym on one side and the gorgeous rooftop pool with Jacuzzi on the other, it also boasts sauna and steam facilities for men and women ensuring every guest is catered to.
For more information or to make a booking, please call SPA InterContinental at InterContinental Bahrain on 1722 7777.
@interconbahrain