Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa was awarded three accolades by the World Travel Awards for the year 2007 for the categories;
It was also recognised as Best Business Hotel for the fifth consecutive year by Business Traveller Middle East magazine. “To be nominated for the prestigious World Travel Award is a true testament of a company’s tremendous achievements in travel and tourism,” commented Manon Han, vice-president of World Travel Awards.
Armed with this information, GulfWeekly’s Asma Salman, inset, decided to check it out.
The spa is tucked away in the far right corner of the The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and away from the daily humdrum of the scenic property.
As I entered the cool environs of the facility, the busy hum of the outside world came to a sudden halt with a decisive swish of the glass doors.
A deep sense of calmness and serenity greeted me from every corner of this tranquil haven.
The sound of water gently cascading from tiny fountains and soft, soothing music lulled me to a leisurely pace where the outside world melted into oblivion. Everywhere I turned I experienced a feeling of well-being and harmony with the elements that pervades the mind and body which is what the Ritz-Carlton’s spa is all about.
The spa is a retreat, a sanctuary from the daily stresses of everyday life.
“We don’t just deal with the physical aspect of the client at the spa but give equal importance to rejuvenation of the senses which is why we firmly believe in consultation before any treatment,” says my soft-spoken Thai therapist, Benjama as I padded into a dimly-lit treatment room in my plush robe.
After informing me about my forthcoming treatment with ESPA products – I was booked for the popular de-stressing therapy, ‘The Ritz-Carlton Signature Experience’ – Benjama set about the task of body brushing with smooth precise movements starting from my legs and working towards the upper body to encourage lymphatic drainage.
An exfoliating body scrub of aloe vera and spearmint followed that left my skin cleansed to the core.
After a quick dash in the shower to wash away the grainy exfoliator I returned to the heated treatment bed that warmed my body and induced a lethargy that was pleasurable and satisfying.
This time Benjama started with my scalp massage with mineral rich apricot kernel clay and worked her way to my face for a revitalising facial.
My ritual at the spa involved aromatherapy and one of the highlights of consultation were the kinds of aromas that appealed to my senses.
This helped Benjama to choose specific oils for my face and body to uplift my emotional and physical self.
“So actually every clients experience is personalised as we don’t use a single oil for everyone. Everyone is looking for different results from the treatment, some clients want to detox while others are looking to nourish or energise their bodies,” she informed me.
Not surprisingly, all the aromas that appealed to my olfactory centre pointed towards anti-stress and restorative oils.
Oh the joys of juggling a career with high-strung children and home!
Benjama started with an replenishing face treatment oil formulated with the essential oils of patchouli, orange blossom, avocado, evening primrose and vitamin E renowned for strengthening and hydrating tired and environmentally stressed skins.
But the ultimate pampering had yet to come.
This is where with the application of restorative body oil and applying pressure to several pressure points throughout my body, Benjama kneaded the knots in my back and shoulders to relieve the stress.
“This oil is perfect for women with a demanding routine. It restores the hormonal balance of the body and helps to rebalance the natural firmness of the skin. Some of my regular clients call it ‘hot in a bottle’,” Benjama said while pouring a generous amount of oil on the palm of her hand.
Essential oils of geranium, lavender, ylang ylang and vitamin E are the predominant ingredients in the amazing body oil and coupled with practiced body massage it is truly an experience worth savouring.
Benjama worked on the pressure points that I did not know existed in my five feet seven inch frame and by the time she started reflexology on my feet I was lulled into a relaxing slumber and had to be woken up by Benjama holding a glass of water.
“Massage encourages the lymphatic drainage to rid the body of toxins and improves the blood circulation of the body which is why we finish the treatment with a glass of water,” she explained.
So with a spring in my footstep and a completely rejuvenated mind and body I stepped out from the spa ready to face my hectic routine with a renewed vigour.
The Ritz-Carlton Signature Experience is priced at BD38 and can be booked at 1758 6808.
*Next week -RdS- visits the Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort.
Aromatherapy facts
Aromatherapy is an age old practice that recognises the therapeutic
properties of essential oils and plant extracts. It is a form of natural medicine that preserves and improves health.
Aromatherapy massage is a hands-on therapy that seeks to induce relaxation, increase energy, reduce the effects of stress and restores lost balance of mind, body and soul.
