Far-Eastern charm

The Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's spa offers a truly rejuvenating experience. GulfWeekly's Asma Salman, checks out the Thai massage and the ginseng uplifting facial.

THE_newly-opened Spa at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel is a relaxing retreat amidst the concrete jungle of Bahrain's diplomatic area.

So when I arrived at the hotel after traversing the hustle and bustle of the island's financial district, stressed about the lack of parking, I was ready to experience the spa's 'natural zen concept'.

Operated by Thailand's exclusive Sivalai spa, the Diplomat offers signature treatments of the Sivalai - the first of its kind on the island, reveals supervisor, Vicky, after welcoming me with a customary Thai greeting.

After a brief consultation I was led through the black pebbled and dark wood winding alleyways of the spa to meet my therapist Vimonnat.

The spa is reminiscent of a charming Far-Eastern retreat complete with exotic bamboos, dark wood floorboards, cascading water and large water-filled bowls brimming with flowers.

The facility is compactly packed in a double storey space which boasts 11 treatment rooms, steam and sauna facilities, relaxation areas, two high tech gymnasiums, four swimming pools, a fitness studio and hair salon.

But it was in the enclosed sanctuary of the dimly-lit treatment room that I felt serenity pervade my senses.

Vimonnat presented a Sivalai trademark silk outfit to me as she described my impending treatments.

I was recommended a Thai massage and an uplifting facial from their spa menu.

As soon as I donned spa wear Vimonnat led me to a foot basin and washed my feet, a ritual before any massage.

As I stretched on the firm floor bed, Vimonnat knelt and started working on the pressure points of my feet with firm movements of her thumb and worked her way up to my calves and legs applying pressure on an imaginary vertical line to work the muscles and tendons together.

Vimonnat used her palm and thumb to apply pressure and coupled with gentle but firm stretches induced deep relaxation in every part of my body.

"We are trained to evaluate the muscular condition of the guest through various techniques of Thai massage. Normally we only use our palm and thumb but in some cases we also use our feet and elbows but this is only for people who are extremely fatigued and suffer from a lot of muscular tension," said Vimonnat.

During the 90-minute massage session, my therapist kneaded each and every inch of my body with just the right amount of pressure that was neither uncomfortable nor too light.

Through yoga-like stretches she concluded that the left side of my body was more flexible than my right.

There were times when she would apply pressure on a specific point to halt blood circulation in a certain part of my body and then let it rush back which would induce a strange sensation of well-being.

But it was utter bliss when she started massaging my lower back and shoulders. It seemed that she was reaching into my tired posterior muscles and relieving the stress with her force.

I was so totally relaxed by the end of the session and lulled into lethargy that when Vimonnat asked me to step into the next treatment room for the facial I was tempted to slip into a carefree slumber.

The 50-minute uplifting facial started with deep cleansing and a scrub with products that are an exclusive Sivalai formula.

Initially I was sceptical about the products since there are no commercial pre-packaged brands that the spa employs, but after the comforting massage finished off with the nourishing cream I was more than pleased with the results.

My facial features seemed more relaxed and my skin had a renewed glow that I used to take for granted when I was in my 20s.

Vimonnat explained that ginseng was the main ingredient in the range of products used in treatment.

"Sivalai products use traditional herbs and formulas from the East that have been passed down through generations.

This particular treatment is ideal to reduce the appearance of fine lines and increases the elasticity of skin," she informed me as she brought in lemon tea to complete my spa experience which was rejuvenating both for the mind and body.

l A 90-minute session of Thai massage costs at BD40 and a 50 minute Facial Uplifting Treatment BD35.

Benefits of Thai massage

The traditional Thai massage is an oil-free massage that was originally developed by Buddhist monks to enhance energy flow.

Thai massage features muscle compression, joint mobilisation, acupressure and a series of yoga-like stretches.

It improves blood and lymphatic circulation of the body and enhances flexibility and suppleness.

It relieves muscle and joint tension, provides deep relaxation, balances the body's energy system and energises it.

The result is physical and mental balancing.