SPA Spotlight

For my second treatment, I choose the 60-minute Oxygen Rejuvenate Infusion facial by Intraceuticals – a calming and hydrating treatment that targets fine lines. Yes, I do need this. Let the afternoon commence!

Grace, my therapist, is extremely professional and welcoming. With light, breezy conversation she takes us to my private treatment room, passing the beautiful indoor swimming pool, plunge pool, sauna and steam room accessible for spa guests.

My room is a sanctuary. Low light, soft scent and relaxing meditational music. Before the massage, Grace performs the spa’s signature foot bath ritual. My feet are placed in a bronze bowl of warm soapy water, washed, and natural sugar scrub applied meticulously. Every single treatment starts with the foot bath ritual, Grace explains, no matter if it’s a 30-minute or a 180-minute service.

Sparkly clean feet and fresh as a daisy, I’m ready for my herbal massage. The treatment bed is top-notch. With multiple adjustment options, and a soft mattress – even fussy folk like me cannot help but feel supported and relaxed. Oh, and it’s heated. Bliss!

Grace first applies a steamed pouch to my back in slow rhythmic motions. The pouch is filled with kaffir lime, wild turmeric, lemongrass, tamarind, acacia and camphor, releasing an intense aroma as relaxing as the hot pressure. She follows with a massage to the area, promoting absorption of the aromatic oils, and allowing my skin to benefit from the herbs. Grace expertly works the compress over my whole body, paying special attention to zones of tense muscle. My body feels nourished, relaxed and peaceful.

We soon start my Oxygen Rejuvenate Infusion facial. Cleansing takes five minutes, after which Rejuvenate Enzyme Exfoliant is applied. I can’t see it yet, but my skin already feels softer, and smells extremely fresh! The Rejuvenate Serum rich in hyaluronic acid is applied through a machine that works with oxygen pressure and takes 35 minutes. It’s a buzzy, pleasant sensation. A hydration gel is applied, followed by Rejuvenate Moisture Binding Cream and an invigorating contour massage around my cheekbones. Lastly, hyaluronic-pumped eye gel is smoothed over, adding a zingy boost to the final stage.

The treatment visibly improves the skin’s texture, radiance and vitality. It hydrates and delivers potent anti-ageing ingredients to create the perfect canvas for make-up application. It also revives and deliver antioxidants to the skin, provides a lifting and toning effect while extending the Intraceuticals treatment result.

Fast forward, and I’m bright-faced, sipping fresh-leaf peppermint tea in the beautiful spa lounge, browsing Spa InterContinental’s menu for my next visit…

The verdict? Real results, it’s why I came. My skin is lifted, hydrated, and luminous, and my muscles revitalised. It’s the ultimate post-spa duo - I feel fantastic and look great too!

For more information and to make a reservation, please call Spa InterContinental at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa on 4484 4060 or email spa.icdoha@ihg.com @intercontinentaldoha

With immense pleasure, we announce the winners of the OHLALA Spa & Wellness Awards Qatar 2021. We reveal the best of the best across the industry in the country in the most fashionable way. All winners are awarded based on both public votes and critics’ opinions.There are two awards in each category, an online vote has decided the Favourites and the Best were picked by our specialised panel. Celebrate them with us!

WINNER

BEST SIGNATURE TREATMENT IN QATAR 2021

SPA BY CLARINS RETREAT AT SPA BY CLARINS, MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, DOHA

WINNER

FAVOURITE SIGNATURE TREATMENT IN QATAR 2021 INTERCONTINENTAL SPA EXPERIENCE AT SPA INTERCONTINENTAL, INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA

WINNER

BEST FACIAL TREATMENT IN QATAR 2021

INTRACEUTICALS FACIAL AT SARAY SPA

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

WINNER

FAVOURITE FACIAL TREATMENT IN QATAR 2021

MULTI-FACETED HYDRAFACIAL AT THE SPA, MANDARIN ORIENTAL DOHA

WINNER

BEST COUPLES' TREATMENT IN QATAR 2021

THE SPA AT SHARQ VILLAGE, SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA, A RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL

WINNER

FAVOURITE COUPLES' TREATMENT IN QATAR 2021

QUAN SPA, JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

WINNER

BEST SPA PRODUCTS IN QATAR 2021 LA MAISON VALMONT

COSMETIC CARE, AT BEAUTY HIVE, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE

WINNER

FAVOURITE SPA PRODUCTS IN QATAR 2021

VITAMAN AT THE SPA, PARK HYATT DOHA

WINNER

BEST HAMMAM EXPERIENCE IN QATAR 2021

ESPA, MONDRIAN DOHA

WINNER

FAVOURITE HAMMAM EXPERIENCE IN QATAR 2021

OZONE GYM & SPA, LA CIGALE HOTEL MANAGED BY ACCOR

WINNER

BEST BODY RESHAPING & WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME IN QATAR 2021 BIOSKINSPA

WINNER

FAVOURITE BODY RESHAPING & WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME IN QATAR 2021

JAULA SPA, GRAND HYATT DOHA

Winner

BEST HEALTH CLUB IN QATAR 2021

SHERATON FITNESS, SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL

WINNER

FAVOURITE HEALTH CLUB IN QATAR 2021

THE VENUE QATAR

WINNER

BEST BEACH CLUB IN QATAR 2021

BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA

WINNER

FAVOURITE BEACH CLUB IN QATAR 2021

POOL AND BEACH, THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB

WINNER

BEST INDOOR POOL IN QATAR 2021

ALEPH DOHA RESIDENCES, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

Winner

FAVOURITE INDOOR POOL IN QATAR 2021

THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA

Winner

BEST OUTDOOR POOL IN QATAR 2021

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Winner

FAVOURITE OUTDOOR POOL IN QATAR 2021

WESTIN INFINITY POOL

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA

Winner

BEST SPA DESIGN IN QATAR 2021

ESPA, MONDRIAN DOHA

Winner

FAVOURITE SPA DESIGN IN QATAR 2021

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA, THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA