'Spa' triggers several interpretations - for some of us it is a retreat to a holistic spa holiday, and for others it is a visit to a day spa for hydrotherapy, massage, aromatherapy, colour therapy, steam, sauna, body treatment, facial, pedicure or manicure.
Well, there are nth ways of feeling good and being happy, from listening to music, bathing in mineral salts to having regular body scrubs.
But what makes Spa a special abode is the whole experience and ambience of the place in conjunction with a trustworthy guidance and consultation of a therapist to get you into a program, which not only benefits your body but also suits your personality. And at the heart of it is the purpose of achieving beauty of the mind and the soul encompassing total well-being.
What are the Spa benefits?
Spa - called after a traditional resort town in Belgium centered around mineral springs believed to have restorative powers, is capable of calming the mind, healing the heart and nurturing the soul. “ That’s where the therapeutic qualities of spa come into being,” says Davina Hassell, Spa Manager at the Marriot, Doha.
“It is a very personal business and the complete experience of a calm atmosphere, soothing music, fragrance of flowers and touch of a therapist, add up to make one feel happy and content,” says the Spa Director at the Four Seasons Michael Clarke, a therapist with 21 years of experience who believes living in harmony with the nature keeps us healthy.
“When people come here they leave all their problems and worries, and acquire strength to look at things from a totally different perspective, and for each individual that experience is very special and personal,” say Davina. “And we as therapists feel rewarded for having let them feel that way,” she adds.
The Ritz Carlton’s Spa Manager Christian Davies said that it’s the feel good factor that brings out “a totally different person within”.
How often should I go to a spa?
You can visit a spa everyday! But if you are tight on time and budget, we suggest you visit spa once a month, for a body treatment, massage, pedicure or facial. Don't wait until your body breaks down; give yourself a spa treat whenever you can!
Should I get naked? (As advised on www.spaaah.co.uk)
There are two stages of undress, which cause confusion. When you are first taken to the changing rooms you will be asked to undress and put on a bathrobe and maybe slippers. Then you will be escorted to the treatment room where you will be asked to de-robe.
In the first stage of undress - that is, in the changing room - it is advisable to take off all the clothes that a) you will need to take off for the treatment or b) that you are comfortable to take off.
If you are having a facial, it is not necessary or expected for you to undress. However, if you are having a full-body treatment, it is usually best to remove all your undergarments, although some spas will offer disposable underpants for you to wear for modesty's sake. If you aren't comfortable getting naked then, of course, you don't have to. You can wear a swimming costume if you are having a wet treatment.
The second stage of undress is in the treatment room where the therapist will ask you to lie on the treatment table. Depending on what treatment you are having, the therapist may or may not expect you to disrobe. For body treatments where your whole body will be covered in gunk, you will need to disrobe fully and remove your slippers. The therapist will either leave you in the room to get under the towels on the table, or they will hold up a towel as a privacy screen while you disrobe and get on the table.
If you are having a facial you usually don't have to disrobe unless requested to do so by your therapist if access to shoulders and back is needed. You definitely won't be expected to disrobe for treatments such as manicures and pedicures.
The therapists are usually very sensitive about modesty issues and will work with what they are given without saying anything. But don't be frightened of asking. If you're in a foreign country and you feel they have cultural differences, just ask your therapist whether or not you should remove your undergarments as you are being led to the changing rooms. It is their most frequently asked question!
Spa Treatments in Doha.
There are many treatments to choose from depending on your body type.
The three best Spas are at the Four Seasons, Marriott and the Ritz Carlton.
The Four Seasons Spa body Treatments
The Four Seasons Spa has a holistic approach and uses the concept of the Five Elements
Wood Fire Earth Metal Water
The five elements are reflected throughout the spa, in design, spa cuisine and treatments.
The features of Spa and Wellness centre are
1) Cold and Warm plunge pools 2) Kniepp Bath 3) Laconium Beds 4) Laconium Room 5) Colour Therapy room 6) Swiss Showers 7) Ice Room 8) Sauna and Steam Room 9) Hydrotherapy Pool 10) Current Pool
The Spa menu is categorized in the following way
1) Rituals 2) Massage 3) Baths, Scrubs and Wraps
Sodashi Radiance Ritual- 2.5 hours
The uniquely designed combination of body massage and facial beginning at the feet and ending at the scalp pampers and cares for your entire body, leaving you feeling light, refreshed and extremely vibrant.
QR 650
Sodashi Wholeness Ritual - 2.5 hrs
This journey begins by cleansing and remineralising the body with salt therapy that is warmly applied to your skin. You will be lovingly cocooned by the richness of the plant essences and botanical oils. Massage techniques for the face and body are performed to stimulate the healthy function of the body’s organs and create harmony within.
QR 650
Sodashi Purity Ritual - 2.5 hrs
Beginning on the back and focusing on the body’s own purity centre, a full body massage removes accumulated body toxins and waste. Argiletz clay facial purifies the skin with balancing plant essences and an effective Sodashi lymphatic facial massage decongests your skin to give clarity and pureness of your appearance.
QR 650
5 Elements being in harmony with the seasons in nature – 3hrs
The Spa’s one of its kind signature treatment takes you on a journey through the seasons of life. It refreshes with the prelude to Winter with a cooling and invigorating body exfoliation to the body, hands and feet, which leads you into Spring and a nourishing bath. Your mood is lightened and highly warmed with Summer and hot stones massage techniques. A deeply relaxing comforting wrap rich in active minerals and algae leaves your skin feeling and looking toned to conclude your Fall journey.
QR 750
Massage therapies
Sodashi signature Earth Body massage – 60 mins QR 300
Relaxing Aroma massage – 60 mins QR 300
Balinese Massage – 60 mins QR 300
Thai style Massage – 60 mins QR 300
Deep tissue Massage – 60mins QR 300
Hot stones Massage – 60mins QR 350
Relaxing Reflex Foot massage – 45 mins QR 220
Bath
Hydrotherapy Bath – 30mins QR 185
Scrubs and Wraps
Purifying body Boost - 90 mins QR 400
Contouring Marine Mineral Body Wrap – 90mins QR 400
Sodashi enlivening Salt Therapy – 60 mins QR 340
Jojoba Body Polish - 60 mins QR340
Refining Body Toner- 90 mins QR 400
Sodashi Revitalizing Salt Therapy - 60 mins QR 340
Full body Polish – A skin refining body scrub 1.Removes impurities and rough skin. 2.Stimulates circulation 3.Leaves skin soft, silky and smooth. 30mins 150 QR
Litho-cal seaweed body peel Mineralising, exfoliating body treatment. 1.Rich in seaweed elements. 2.Has a stimulating, energising and oxygenating effect on the body. 3. Skin is left vibrant silky soft. 1hour 220QR
Full Body detox seaweed thalasso wrap 1.Using a blend of the finest seaweeds, renowned for its medicinal, nutritional and therapeutic properties. 2.Seaweed is very detoxifying. 3.Alleviates fluid retention, activates blood circulation. 4. Rich in minerals, vitamins and enzymes.
1 hour 295 QR
Skin firming body treatment 1.Improves the appearance of cellulite. 2.Refines the skin. 3. Activates blood circulation 4. Stimulating, diuretic and detoxifying 5. Eliminates spongy, orange peel look 1 hour 295 QR
Green Coffee wrap for cellulite The ultimate answer to effectively treat cellulite. 1.This holistic wrap releases and eliminates toxins. 2.It is wonderfully slimming and firming. 3.Contains the latest, most active, proven, effective anti-cellulite performing ingredient: Green coffee to smooth and strengthen skin.
1 hour 320 QR
Desert heat body cocoon 1.A self heating mud rich in copper 2.Compromised of Arizona desert earth, which naturally contains copper, magnesium and zinc. 3.Copper has been used for painful joints and muscles. Skin repair and wound healing. 4.Will feel very relaxed and have the feeling of well being. 5.Leaves skin mineralized, hydrated, nourished, toned and smooth.
1 hour 295 QR
Moroccan cocoons with rassoul An extraordinary mud from the valleys of Morocco. 1. Heals Dermatitis and sensitivity. 2. Smooths rough scaly skin. 3. Mineralises and moisturises.
1 hour 295 QR
Aromatic moor mud wrap 1.Relieves muscular tension, aches and pains. 2.Excellent at relieving pain from arthritis and rheumatism. 3.Rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
1 hour 295 QR
Black wrap with aromatic moor mud 1.All the benefits of full wrap. 2.Aids muscular tension, ache and pains. 3.A thermal action leading to a state of relaxation.
30mins 150 QR Water Lily after sun soothing wrap A soothing, cooling, healing and hydrating body treatment. 1.Decreases skin temperature and relieves discomfort.
1 hour 295 QR
The minimum age requirement for the Spa therapies and treatments is 16years, and pregnant woman are cautioned from having them.
“Anyone who comes for the spa experience has to fill up the medical form, which asks in detail of any medical condition that a person may have to make sure the right treatments are given,” says Davina with 19 years of experience in this field.
The Ritz Carlton Spa Treatments
Body Remodelling Treatment – 90mins
This treatment assists in modelling body contours and reduces the appearance of flabbiness by promoting drainage and reducing fluid retention. It is specifically formulated for the prevention and repair of stretch marks and loss of elasticity due to weight fluctuations and pregnancy.
QR 520
Fangotherapy with Brown Seaweed – 90mins
This cleansing and healing treatment incorporates the wrap of your choice. The body is gently exfoliated allowing the skin to absorb valuable trace elements to boost metabolism and facilitate the drainage of waste and toxins. A gentle application of rich emollient crème containing brown seaweed and menthol eliminates lymphatic sluggishness and restores healthy body tone.
QR 470
Vitamin C + C body treatment - 90 mins
This tailor made treatment gives ultimate revitalization to all skin types while a rain of pure vitamin C and its powerful anti-oxidant properties neutralise damage from the sun as it stimulates collagen production in the skin, strengthening and improving elasticity.
QR 500
A Perfect Date -90mins
A traditional Arabic Treatment An intensely hydrating and nourishing body treatment with natural proteins, vitamins and minerals, which assists to improve and restore the skin’s natural health and beauty. The experience begins with a honey body scrub, preparing the skin for the date, milk, honey mask, and is completed with a deep relaxing, hydrating and firming body massage.
Massage Therapies
Foot Massage 30mins QR220 Tension Relief Massage 30mins QR220 Sports and Fitness Massage 60mins QR300 Maternity Massage 60mins QR250 Reiki 60mins QR 300 In suite massage 90mins QR 490 60mins QR 400
Medicine and Spa Therapies
Monica Tuma Brown an EEG Technician in ‘Spa and Medicine - mindful of the past, movement of the future’ says “Spa and Medicine, viewed as complimentary and inclusive, is indeed the current trend. Spas grow and add doctors to their staff while hospitals and clinics add alternative therapies to their facilities.”
She adds ”Dr. Madeleine Randall M.D. (in charge of integrative health at a holistic pampering spa near Tucson, Arizona) sees the integration of complimentary care and conventional medicine as the medicine of the future”.
“Using thermography Dr. Robert Zieve M.D., medical director of Fox hollow Spas, can tell if there are blockages in the body and recommend natural therapies such as rhythmic massage or lymphatic drainage to assist the body’s internal milieu to self regulate. This is also accomplished by testing ones pH and finding out if the body is too acidic or too alkaline. The Spa can then bring this back into balance with the use of minerals through baths, diet and nutritional supplementation,” says Brown.
Dr. Zieve sees the human body breaking down at younger ages. He notes a rise in chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, and fibromyalgia in many individuals who are just in their thirties.
He believes that if people begin paying more attention to their rhythms, working on small changes per day, we could prevent a great deal of illness and work on achieving and maintaining wellness.
