On a visit to Heavenly Spa by Westin, a refurbished venue with the same extraordinary service was what Liz O’Reilly discovered.
Sometimes you just need a complete reset and, with the goings on over the last few weeks, I was certainly in that position. So, when an invitation arrived to experience the relaxing treatments at the newly refurbished Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin City Centre Bahrain, I jumped at the chance.
Being attached to one of Bahrain’s foremost shopping destinations and boasting some rather fab dining venues, it’s easy to almost forget that The Westin also has a spa. It’s compact, for sure, and honestly doesn’t trumpet itself enough, in my opinion. But a couple of things to remember are that Heavenly Spa is a massive international brand with more than 30 outlets around the world – with each taking best practices from the others – and it’s one of the few places in the Kingdom offering Elemis treatments. There’s a certain time in life when sessions with the UK’s number one anti-ageing brand are very much a premium, trust me.
On walking through the doors, everything is tranquil and calm. The arrival area is a symphony of subdued neutral tones where comfortable seating allows you to relax while you fill out a comprehensive pre-treatment form covering pre-existing conditions, areas of concern, allergies and preferences. But there’s also an almost hidden sense of fun, each staffer wears a badge bearing their name alongside a statement of their passion – from reading to running and, as one lady joyfully told me, ‘eating’ (I’m with her on that one).
My therapist for the day is May, who smiles a lot and loves running, and soon transported me through to the changing area, where I was gratified to find the softest robe I have ever encountered. Not the usual fluffy towelling, which always feels indulgent, but rather some form of cotton-silk blend that felt like a gentle caress against my skin – I was sorely tempted to pop one in my bag! (I didn’t but I shall be trying to find one for myself.)
A Massage to Release Tension
First up was a massage – medium pressure, I am not a brave woman – and I was led to the couples’ Spa Suite, which May was keen to show off in all its updated glory.
With entrances from both the male and female sides of the facility, dimmed lights revealed two comfortable, chunky treatment beds alongside a relaxation area with its own dual chaises, deeply cushioned and dressed in soft neutral materials, just beckoning you to settle in. A private Jacuzzi, steam room, shower and bathroom facilities completed the suite where soft music, marble tiling and an abundance of fluffy white towels rounded out the sense of ease, relaxation and luxury.
For my massage, I chose mandarin oil, which is widely recognised for supporting skin health due to its high limonene content that offers antioxidant and antibacterial benefits – but I’ll be truthful and say my choice was mostly guided by the gentle citrus scent, which I adore.
I positioned myself face down and May got to work. And that’s when I realised just how much tension I had accumulated over recent weeks – when I truly believed I was completely tickety-boo, all fine (at least that’s what I’ve been telling my worried family back home)! Draped in a sheet to start with as she applied gentle pressure to ease me in, the minute May’s knowledgeable hands touched my lower back, I felt myself gasp involuntarily as that pressure started to release.
Over the course of my treatment, May applied a series of long, smooth, confident strokes coupled with gentle stretches and some more insistent pressure, leaving my tight back, shoulders and neck feeling almost fluid and imparting a genuine sense of utter relief.
Elemis Products for a Rejuvenating Facial
Before I knew it, it was time to roll over for my mini-facial – the part I’d really been looking forward to. I must confess, I do love Elemis products, but slathering on a dab of moisturiser or eye cream at home is truly no substitute for the whole works, particularly when administered by someone who clearly knows what they’re doing.
Read more from original article, all rights reserved Experiencing Ultimate Relaxation at Heavenly Spa by Westin
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