HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Every last detail has been painstakingly tweaked and timed, gowns have been crafted, suits ordered and friends’ time reserved for months now. There’s just one very important element that you have neglected, allowed to become stressed and jaded, something central to the success of any wedding day...the bride. It is time to find a tranquil retreat to recharge and prepare for the big day and CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Doha is the perfect spot.

Shangri-La has become a term synonymous with exceptional standards, exquisite service and luxuriance. The Shangri-La, Doha is home to the CHI Spa named after the physical and spiritual energy which dictates the health and wellbeing of a human. ‘Chi’ is found in one form or another throughout the world but predominantly in Asia where it manifests itself in all aspects of daily life. The treatments, surroundings and hand-picked staff at CHI Spa all combine to maximise your ‘life force’.

As a Bride-to-be myself I was keen to explore the treatments and ‘journeys’ available prior to the ‘Big Day’. Throughout the process, from the initial contact on arrival at CHI Spa a lot of emphasis was placed upon myself as an individual and my hopes and expectations for my time at CHI manifested themselves in an unobtrusive manner as I completed a consultation with my therapist. Before I had even begun to enjoy the Spa experience I felt nurtured and important. The term ‘clients’ is too impersonal and sterile for those visiting the CHI Spa, therefore, I will use the term ‘guests’ as this hints at the level of care afforded to everyone. Guests are welcomed with Peppermint Tea upon arrival as it is renowned for its ability to improve digestion, reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, relax the body and mind, aid in weight loss and boost the immune system. As you can imagine I began to feel better immediately!

The use of dark and light throughout the reception area and treatment rooms, smooth lines and elemental furnishings sets the tone for your sanctuary experience. After an initial consultation session designed to sculpt my ‘journey’ through CHI, I was escorted to the Hydrotonic Pool. The pool is recommended pretreatment and lasts 30 minutes. The outdoor pool is set amidst a large naya surrounded by herbaceous planted areas. It can offer as exhilarating an experience as you desire and combined with the warmth of the sun and aromatics of the plants it begins to refuel your physical and emotional self.

A little reluctantly, I left the pool and settled into my suite with adjoining steam room which was my next destination. Many of the benefits of the treatments are subcutaneous and therefore open pores are the order of the day. Having been enveloped in a cashmere robe and thoroughly hydrated I queried whether or not it would be possible to heighten my senses and levels of relaxation any further. The Ku Nye Massage and facial which followed settled my quandary. The consultation process plays an important part in determining the finer details of each treatment and I settled upon the ORE aroma which combines Clove, Orris and Ylang Ylang to stimulate a sense of euphoria. You may choose to take the ‘calming and comforting’ experience or equally remove scent completely.

The massage tables seemed to cocoon my body providing support and comfort. Each knotted muscle, representing a portion of wedding planning, daily chores and pressures of work were kneaded precisely whilst Empa, the therapist, was careful not to lose the sense of relaxation I had requested. She expertly activated my ‘chakra’ . I was then transported to the tropical rainforest for my rejuvenating facial. Organic products are used to exfoliate, cleanse and purify the skin. The ingredients and techniques are combined to nourish and stimulate circulation in order to restore your ‘glow’ and as I looked in the mirror after the treatment I knew that said glow was also a restoration of myself after lack of ‘me-time’.

Escape, alone or invite your closest friends and family to reboot and recharge amidst exquisite facilities and unrivalled professionalism. When thinking of others and orchestrating the perfect day becomes a little too much, turn to the Shangri-La Hotel, Doha for the peerless perfection of their products, therapists and treatments

For reservations please call CHI, The Spa : +974 4429 5000