THE FULL ROYAL TREATMENT

Indulge your senses and restore your well-being at the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa. OHLALA’s Homara Choudhary spent a tranquil afternoon at its award-winning wellness sanctuary for a VIP treatment.

Nestled in the grounds of Doha’s longest private beach, among beautifully manicured gardens lies one of Qatar’s finest spas. Its own exclusive entrance, beside the main hotel, provides utmost privacy in luxurious surroundings. With 16 palatial treatment rooms, couples’ suites, a private indoor pool, relaxation rooms, a tea lounge, sauna, a spa hot tub, and a unique Quartz Bed it fully deserves the OHLALA spa award it won last year. The spa, which opened its doors in 2017, exudes a relaxing and welcoming ambience. I was greeted by the Director, Arie Sunia, who discussed the wide array of bespoke treatments available on the menu. After identifying my skin type and concerns, she suggested I tried their popular Oxygen Rejuvenate Facial which promised to hydrate and lift my parched skin. She also recommended the award-winning signature Spa

InterContinental Experience, a two-hour customised treatment comprised of a full-body scrub and a personalised body massage. She explained that this particular treatment is popular as it is tailor-made for each client’s individual needs.

My therapist Yulia was waiting to take me through the stunning marble corridors, the scent of aromatic essential oils lifting my spirits. I also discovered an interesting fact; each of the 16 rooms is named after a letter from the word InterContinental. I was shown to the ‘Orchids’ suite. It was beautifully lit and had two wardrobes, a shower, a washroom and a seating area. There was even a jewellery box for valuables. The perfect suite for couples or a spa day with your best friend. I slipped into a sumptuous white robe and refreshed my senses with the cool pressed ginger drink that was waiting for me.

All spa treatments begin with a relaxing foot ritual. Yulia dipped my feet in warm soapy water and exfoliated them with a gentle salt scrub, known for its antiseptic properties. This was followed by a foot massage that instantly relaxed me. We began with the body scrub. There were three to choose from, shitake mushroom, tropical fruit and lemongrass. I opted for the latter. My treatment began on the state-of-the-art Gharieni spa bed. Made in Germany, it’s a premium brand dubbed the ‘RollsRoyce’ of spa beds. With its unique heating system, my body felt comfortably warm as Yulia gently rubbed the invigorating scrub into my skin. Using long upward strokes she exfoliated my body, buffing away any dead skin cells until the granules slowly dissolved. Once she completed the treatment, I washed off any remaining product in the suite’s shower. My skin was visibly glistening and felt as soft as silk. The full body massage was next. There were three types of oils to choose from: Refreshing, Spirit and Relaxing. Feeling rejuvenated from the body scrub, I chose the refreshing oil containing citrus, lemongrass and lavender. Yulia began by preparing my body for the treatment. With warm towels enveloping my skin, she slowly massaged my pressure points and stretched my arms and legs. She then began slowly releasing the large tension knots from my shoulders using the oil. Those knots were stubborn. Using her thumbs and elbows, Yulia managed to ease the pain as she untangled the strain along my upper body by rubbing the nape of neck, right down to my shoulders. Her massage technique was unique. It was the perfect combination of Swedish and Balinese. Over the course of 90 minutes Yulia miraculously managed to release every knot in my body using soft feather-like strokes. She finished the treatment with a head massage, focussing on the sides and the back of the scalp. I felt completely restored. The final chapter of my wellness journey was the Oxygen Rejuvenate Infusion facial. It promised to hydrate, even out skin tone and reduce any fine lines and wrinkles for a ‘visible lift’. No wonder it’s popular among A-list celebrities like Madonna. Ardana, who was carrying out the treatment explained there were three main layers to the process. Cleansing, moisturising and protecting. She began with a gel cleanser to remove any oils and followed that with an enzyme exfoliant scrub. After removing it with soft hot towels she applied a serum, containing hyaluronic acid, with a wand that delivered a stream of high pressurised oxygen to the skin’s surface. I could feel my facial muscles physically relaxing. So much so that I fell asleep! I woke to Ardana completing the final step; the moisture binding cream, which locks in the serum. She finished my experience with hot towels cleansing my hands and feet. It is little wonder that this five-star sanctuary has an established cult following. After an afternoon of head-to-toe pampering, I felt completely renewed, my face looked younger and brighter and I emerged from the spa feeling like an empress.

For more information or to book an appointment, please call 4484 4444. @intercontinentaldoha

IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE BEAUTY ONCE AGAIN! NOW IN ITS SIXTH EDITION, OUR ANNUAL AWARDS CELEBRATE AND RECOGNISE THE BEST IN QATAR’S BEAUTY AND WELLNESS INDUSTRY. HIGHLIGHTING THE OUTSTANDING SERVICES AVAILABLE ACROSS A RANGE OF DISTINCT CATEGORIES. WE PROUDLY ANNOUNCE THE 2022 NOMINEES LIST.

How It Works

SEPTEMBER 2022

JANUARY 2023

JANUARY 2023

Online Voting Began Online Voting Closes The Awards Ceremony

Visit www.ohlalamagazine.net/ spawellnessawards or scan the QR code to vote for your favourite beauty spots in the country. Support your beauty haven by casting your vote now!

The awards recognise the FAVOURITE and BEST in each category. The FAVOURITE awards are decided by online voting and BEST by a panel composed of beauty professionals, mystery shoppers and the OHLALA team.

All participants are invited for a special celebratory night where the winners will receive their plaques. Stay tuned to learn more about it!

Signature Treatment

THE FIVE ELEMENTS AT AL MESSILA WELLNESS RETREAT - AL MESSILA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, DOHA

SAFFRON JOURNEY AT M|SPA - ALWADI DOHA MGALLERY HOTEL COLLECTION

CROWNE SIGNATURE HEALING MASSAGE AT THE CROWNE SPA - CROWNE PLAZA DOHATHE BUSINESS PARK

SALWA SIGNATURE SENSATION ORIENTAL AT EFOREA SPA - HILTON SALWA BEACH RESORT & VILLAS

INTERCONTINENTAL SPA EXPERIENCE AT SPA INTERCONTINENTAL - INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

BLISSFUL DREAM AT QUAN SPA - JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE AT OZONE GYM & SPA - LA CIGALE HOTEL, DOHA

HARMONY OF PEARLS AT THE SPA - MANDARIN ORIENTAL, DOHA

SLEEP IMPROVEMENT AT SARAY SPA - MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

CLARINS REBALANCING MASSAGE AT SPA BY CLARINS - MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, DOHA

SHERATON SIGNATURE COMBINATION MASSAGE - SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL

DATE WRAP AT THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA SHARQ VILLAGE - THE RITZ-CARLTON SHARQ VILLAGE

AGE-LESS AT GOCO SPA - STEIGENBERGER HOTEL DOHA

HEAVENLY SIGNATURE MASSAGE AT HEAVENLY SPA BY WESTIN - THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA

ELIXIR SIGNATURE TREATMENT - VLCC INTERNATIONAL, DOHA

Facial Treatment

MESOTHERAPY SKIN 360 AT ANANTARA SPABANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA

BANYAN FACIAL AT BANYAN TREE DOHA SPABANYAN TREE DOHA

SKIN OXYGENATION & DIAMOND DERMABRASION - BIOSKINSPA, DOHA

ELEMIS PRO-SUPER FOOD RADIANCE AT EFOREA SPA - HILTON DOHA THE PEARL HOTEL & RESIDENCES

CLARITY FACIAL BY INTRACEUTICALS AT SPA INTERCONTINENTAL - INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

HYDRA FACIAL AT OZONE GYM & SPA - LA CIGALE HOTEL, DOHA

SOURCE MARINE MOISTURISING TREATMENTM ACTIVE LADIES SPA

HYDRA FACIAL AT THE SPA - MANDARIN ORIENTAL, DOHA

INTRACEUTICALS FACIAL AT SARAY SPAMARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

ROYAL HYDRA FACIAL - PLANET MEDICAL CENTER

BRIGHTEN AND GLOW AT GOCO SPASTEIGENBERGER HOTEL DOHA

THE SPIRULINE BOOST SMOOTHING DETOXIFYING TREATMENT BY THALGO, LA BEAUTÉ MARINE AT THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB SPATHE DIPLOMATIC CLUB, DOHA

INSTANT GLOW AT HEAVENLY SPA BY WESTINTHE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA

COLD CREAM MARINE - VENUE LADIES, QATAR

Couples’ Treatment

ANANTARA SPA - BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA

BANYAN TREE DOHA SPA - BANYAN TREE DOHA

SPA INTERCONTINENTAL - INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

QUAN SPA - JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

THE SPA - MANDARIN ORIENTAL, DOHA

SPA BY CLARINS - MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, DOHA

ESPA – MONDRIAN DOHA

THE SPA - SOUQ WAQIF BOUTIQUE HOTELS, DOHA

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA SHARQ VILLAGE - THE RITZ-CARLTON SHARQ VILLAGE

Spa Products

BANYAN TREE AT BANYAN TREE DOHA SPABANYAN TREE DOHA

BIOSPHERE BEETOX ELIXIR - BIOSKINSPA, DOHA

SODASHI, BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE AND AMRA AT THE SPA - FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA

ELEMIS AT EFOREA SPA - HILTON DOHA THE PEARL HOTEL & RESIDENCES

INTRACEUTICALS AT SPA INTERCONTINENTALINTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

CLARINS DOUBLE SERUM AT SPA BY CLARINSMARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, DOHA

VOYA AT SARAY SPA - MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

THALGO AT THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB SPA - THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB, DOHA

Hammam Experience

ANANTARA SPA - BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA

EFOREA SPA - HILTON SALWA BEACH RESORT & VILLAS

SIGNATURE BODY HAMMAM AT OZONE GYM & SPA - LA CIGALE HOTEL, DOHA

SARAY SPA - MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

ESPA - MONDRIAN DOHA

THE SPA - SOUQ WAQIF BOUTIQUE HOTELS, DOHA

HAMMAMESQUE OUD OPULENCE AT GOCO SPA - STEIGENBERGER HOTEL DOHA

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB SPA - THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB, DOHA

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA SHARQ VILLAGE - THE RITZ-CARLTON SHARQ VILLAGE

Body Reshaping & Weight Loss Programme

ANANTARA SPA - BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA

BODY RESHAPE - BIOSKINSPA, DOHA

BODY RESHAPING - VENUE LADIES

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, DOHA

M ACTIVE LADIES

NADIA BEAUTY SALON

NUTRIHEAL WELLNESS CENTER, DOHA

VLCC INTERNATIONAL, QATAR

Health Club

ALEPH RESIDENCES DOHA, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON, WEST BAY

AL MESSILA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, DOHA

BODYLINES FITNESS & WELLNESS CLUB - CITY CENTRE ROTANA DOHA

DFIT FITNESS CLUB - DUSITD2 SALWA DOHA

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA

HILTON DOHA

OZONE GYM & SPA - LA CIGALE HOTEL, DOHA

M ACTIVE LADIES

SHERATON FITNESS - SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB, DOHA

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

THE VENUE LADIES, QATAR

Beach Club

BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA

GRAND HYATT DOHA HOTEL & VILLAS

KAIA BEACH CLUB - HILTON SALWA BEACH RESORT & VILLAS

THE BAY CLUB - INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL

POOL AND BEACH - THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB, DOHA

THE RITZ-CARLTON SHARQ VILLAGE GYM AND BEACH CLUB - THE RITZ-CARLTON SHARQ VILLAGE

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Indoor Pool

ALEPH RESIDENCES DOHA, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON, WEST BAY

BANYAN TREE DOHA

MONDRIAN DOHA

OZONE GYM & SPA - LA CIGALE HOTEL, DOHA

THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA

Outdoor Pool

AL AZIZIYAH BOUTIQUE HOTEL

CITY CENTRE ROTANA DOHA

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA

GRAND HYATT DOHA HOTEL & VILLAS

HILTON DOHA THE PEARL HOTEL & RESIDENCES

SOUTH BAY - HILTON SALWA BEACH RESORT & VILLAS

HYATT REGENCY ORYX DOHA

THE BAY CLUB - INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB, DOHA THE ST. REGIS DOHA

LADIES ONLY OUTDOOR POOL - THE VENUE LADIES

VOCO DOHA WEST BAY SUITES

WYNDHAM DOHA, WEST BAY

WESTIN INFINITY POOL - THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA

Spa Design

HILTON SALWA BEACH RESORT & VILLAS

SPA INTERCONTINENTAL - INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

QUAN SPA - JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

BANYAN TREE DOHA SPA - BANYAN TREE DOHA

SPA BY CLARINS - MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, DOHA

ESPA - MONDRIAN DOHA

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

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA SHARQ VILLAGE - THE RITZ-CARLTON SHARQ VILLAGE

Wellness Spa

ANANTARA SPA - BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA

DEVARANA SPA - DUSIT DOHA HOTEL

THE SPA - FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA

EFOREA SPA - HILTON DOHA

EFOREA SPA - HILTON SALWA BEACH RESORT & VILLAS

QUAN SPA - JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

OZONE GYM & SPA - LA CIGALE HOTEL, DOHA

M ACTIVE LADIES

THE SPA - MANDARIN ORIENTAL, DOHA

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

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA SHARQ VILLAGE - THE RITZ-CARLTON SHARQ VILLAGE

THE VENUE LADIES

Male Spa

ANANTARA SPA - BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA

DEVARANA SPA - DUSIT DOHA HOTEL

EFOREA SPA - HILTON DOHA

SARAY SPA - MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

ARIA - MILLENNIUM PLAZA, DOHA

ESPA - MONDRIAN DOHA

THE SPA - SOUQ AL WAKRA HOTEL

THE SPA - SOUQ WAQIF BOUTIQUE HOTELS, DOHA

Business Hotel Spa

THE CROWNE SPA - CROWNE PLAZA DOHATHE BUSINESS PARK

EFOREA SPA - HILTON DOHA

EFOREA SPA - HILTON DOHA THE PEARL HOTEL & RESIDENCES

QUAN SPA - JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

OZONE GYM & SPA - LA CIGALE HOTEL, DOHA

SARAY SPA - MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

PURE SPA - MILLENNIUM HOTEL, DOHA

Boutique Spa

ADORE BEAUTY LOUNGE AND SPA

AL MASHATA BEAUTY CENTER & SPA

M|SPA - ALWADI DOHA MGALLERY HOTEL COLLECTION

THE SPA - AL AZIZIYAH BOUTIQUE HOTEL

ROYAL EMERALDS SPA - EZDAN PALACE HOTEL