Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
YOU'D never guess, but I'm a shy chap really. I've never been a touchy, feely sort of bloke although like many a man, I enjoy my back being scratched.
And going to a spa is the last thing I'd ever think about doing, surely that's for nancy boys?
Well, I was put straight on that score by director of Spa at the Banyan Tree, Hylton Lipkin, who said a growing number of men in Bahrain are taking advantage of the stress reducing benefits of the sanctuary of the senses at Al Areen.
And, like many expats on the island I've been working long hours and perhaps have neglected 'her indoors'.
Perhaps that's why couple packages are all the rage at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa. It sounded like a win-win-win situation to me, de-stress, make the wife happy and with the good lady by my side I wouldn't feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.
The spa claims it offers a "unique and exquisite haven for busy lives" and on first impressions I couldn't agree more.
We followed Leli from Indonesia and Grace from Thailand along a corridor full of gold coloured artefacts into our treatment room which was labelled the Shirine, not sure what it means or whether it was a misspelling of shrine (glass houses and all that, I won't labour the point!).
We were given a soothing foot bath full of petals, a herbal drink and a few minutes to leave the cares of the world behind.
There was a large changing room where we got our kit off (this is the embarrassing bit) and put on a toweling robe. I spotted a pair of paper panties in the wardrobe but they were so small I doubted whether I'd get my toe through the leg hole.
We walked through into the treatment area and slowly manoeuvred on to our individual tables - the size of a single bed with a cushioned hole at one end to place your head.
Positioned below was a bowl of water, pebbles and a flower - something to concentrate on whilst the masseurs worked their magic, I suspected. Kathryn and I had already decided on the type of massages we required beforehand.
I'd gone for a Lomi Lomi, simply because I liked the sound of it and was advised that it wouldn't hurt.
Kathryn was a little more adventurous and chose the Essence of Earth Massage.
Leli started on my right leg, funny I never realised I was ticklish at that spot half way up on the right but I bit my tongue and remained as calm as I could.
As well as being an expert at splashing on the oil and massaging away, the girls appeared pretty good at doing the dance of the seven sheets, or that's how it appeared as I sneaked a look in Kathryn's direction to see how she was getting on.
I suppose it's the same skills as a nurse acquires to change the sheets of a bedridden patient in hospital but Leli managed to manipulate the sheet so my bits and pieces were covered as she worked on my body, section by section. Kathryn said she took a sneaky look at me too and reckoned I was beaming like a Cheshire cat.
It's true; I have to admit that you cannot stop smiling.
The best bit as far as I am concerned came with the neck and head massage which was even better than the one the Indian hairdresser delivers down at my favourite barbers next to our head office on Exhibition Avenue.
Originating from Hawaii, Lomi Lomi is a 60-minute deeply revitalising massage. The therapist used full body techniques, applied with a rhythmic grace using thumbs, palms and elbows. The massage aims to ease and loosen muscles to reduce tension, leaving the entire body feeling totally relaxed and refreshed. It succeeded.
Kathryn and I experienced the Winter Bliss package which also offered a meal at the Tamarind restaurant after the spa treatment.
I must confess I was overwhelmed by the experience and may even treat the wife again for her birthday.
I also noticed the housing development being built close by the Banyan Tree. Who knows, if we're still here in a few years, wouldn't it be nice to pop next door for a massage on the way to work each morning!
Dream on, Stanley ...
For details of spa packages contact the Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort, Al Areen on 1784 5000.
Spa spring specials
Banyan Tree Spa
Natural Elegance
Splendor, Sanctuary and Satisfaction - Indulge
in the Natural Elegance Spa package and spoil
yourself with a facial of your choice and any of
the hotel's 90-minutes Spa treatments
Banyan Tree's Spa philosophy pays tribute to
ancient Asian traditions which have been passed
down through generations. Every treatment
reverts back to recipes which involve freshly
prepared ingredients, arranged by award-winning
Spa therapists.
150-minute session
BD80 per person
BD150 per couple
Rate is subject 15% service charge and 5%
government levy.
Our Banyan Tree Spa menu offers a wide range
of holistic treatments.
For additional information and spa reservations, please call (+973) 17845081 or
e-mail: spa-alareen@banyantree.com
Banyan Tree Spa
Garden Hammam
Conceptualised with inspiration from ancient
Middle-Eastern gardens, Banyan Tree Spa is
home to the world's largest Hammam.
A haven of space, warmth and comfort, you can
relax with the Hammam spa therapy,
created by fusing the best of Oriental wellness
philosophy with the essence of an Arabian
Hammam experience.
Experience Shower & Steam
Natural Hammam Scrub
Vitality pool session
Refreshment & Relaxation
Package rate:
Oriental Hammam 60-min session
BD30 per person
Rate is subject 15% service charge and 5%
government levy.
Our Banyan Tree Spa menu offers a wide range
of holistic treatments.
