BEAUTY Spotlight

Jean Louis David is located along North Gate Mall, and I was pleasantly surprised how convenient and easy the parking space is – right in front of the salon. I was warmly welcomed by the most soothing aroma that fills the air, as the therapist led me along the bright yet warmly lit corridors towards my treatment section. Sada, my hairstylist, consulted with me to discover precisely what I needed. For my hair, she blended the most accurate mix with products that come directly from Paris using Majirel L’Oreal.

The colour concoction was industriously and gently applied and left on my hair to relax and soak for 35 minutes, before it was then rinsed thoroughly. The much-needed trimming was done, my locks were meticulously styled and voilá, the hairstyle I have always wanted, combined with renewed glow and shine.

Meanwhile, my nails were treated to the salon’s own brand called ‘nails’ simultaneously with Plexigel and a nail spa. Plexigel is a versatile and convenient brush-in-a-bottle nail enhancement system that provides strength, length and shape; protects nails and lasts for more than three weeks. Once the scrupulous treatment was completed using the Shellac system, the nail polish was finished off with a crystalclear shine.

The treatment administered came from the CND Gardenia Woods Spa brand, and was an indulgence of rich moisture that hydrates the skin with a botanical blend of soothing chamomile and purifying sandalwood, leaving the skin luxuriously soft. A four-step approach – soak, scrub, masque and lotion – was used. The brand features sandalwood, chamomile, jojoba seed oil and jojoba soft beads, flawlessly perfected with jasmine and gardenia fragrance that leaves the skin hydrated, moisturised and with lasting softness.

I was completely in the moment with the treatment, so calming, within the serene and tranquil environment. The Jean Louis David hair and nails treatment is a combination of balance that brings out your inner beauty with the bespoke service, top-ofthe-line products, and high-end facilities. I went with a very high expectation, but it even surpassed this and my desires –I left with enhanced confidence and pleased with every single result that enriched my whole wellbeing.

For more information, please call Jean Louis David North Gate Mall on 5047 7430.

@jldqatar

OHLALA’s tester headed to the Heavenly Spa by Westin and encountered a therapist with the hands of an angel.

Ientered through the lush green atrium located at the heart of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. This is truly a unique pathway towards the highly anticipated Heavenly Spa by Westin experience. Upon entering the spa, I was greeted by a friendly hostess who provided a refreshing bottle of water. A standard yet effective massage questionnaire had to be filled in. A good first sign. Next, I was fortunate, to encounter a therapist whose abilities, character and professionalism single-handedly added a star to my experience. This gem is named Ricky.

A spa’s beauty is not only about its design. Spa beauty, in part, stems from the therapist’s character, knowledge and skills. Ricky has 16 years of experience. He was trained at the crème de la crème of spas in Abu Dhabi and subsequently gained further knowledge at the Heavenly Spa by Westin. In a knowledgeable and professional manner, he explained the chosen Heavenly Signature Massage to me. It is essentially a muchimproved Swedish massage. A heat pack was gently placed on my back prior to the treatment as moderate heat functions as a natural sedative and relaxes muscle tissues, a perfect start to a massage indeed.

I frequently workout at the gym, and therefore have constant stiffness in my upper back and shoulder regions. My massage questionnaire informed Ricky about my request for extra attention to the knots in my shoulders. And he did indeed spend significant time, working effectively and skillfully to get rid of the knots.

Many people will complain about soreness after a massage and blame the therapist for it. Please be advised that soreness is an indicator of an effective massage, especially when medium or stronger (deep tissue) pressure has been requested. This positive discomfort is called DelayedOnset Muscle Soreness. After the soreness, which can set in a few hours after the massage and lasts a day or two, comes the feeling of being loose and relaxed. If you do not like soreness or a bit of struggle during your massage, always opt for soft pressure. If you like strong intense deep tissue massages, Ricky, who is as strong as an ox, is your guy!

After my excellently executed Heavenly massage, it was time for a facial. In dusty and extremely hot places like Doha, facial treatments are a godsend. The hot summer sun dries the skin and dust fills sinuses and pores. I opted for the Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial. I encouraged Ricky to guide me through the process of the treatment. His step-by-step explanation and use of terminology all indicated that his 16 years of experience were at work.

The Crystal Lymphatic Facial follows the steps of standard cleansing, exfoliation, toning and application of a mask. Heavenly Spa by Westin exclusively uses high-quality products from Organic Pharmacy. Contrary to a regular facial, the procedure is complemented by stroking of crystals on the skin. Lymphatic drainage is the result or, in layman's terms, flushing of stagnant water. It subsequently promotes detoxification and clearing of sinuses too. Other benefits include improvement of blood flow and circulation as well as brightening of the skin.

The Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial at Heavenly Spa by Westin is truly a valueadded facial treatment with scientifically proven effects. The use of crystals, such as quartz and amethyst, can be traced back to ancient Egypt and China. Cleopatra is said to have treated her face with crystals from the Nile River; she would sing the praises of Heavenly Spa’s treatments. Cleopatra is not with us to comment on the matter anymore. However, the biggest compliment came from my better half, who said that I looked fresh and young!

I discovered, in my post-review research, that Ricky is not the only exceptional therapist at the Heavenly Spa by Westin. One finds accolade after accolade on the internet, positively referring to the characters and skills of the therapists. So, this is not a review full of poetic laurels about design decadence or opulent flattery. None of that! This time the sincere recommendation to visit the Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa stems from my encounter with a valuable human gem!

For more information, please call Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa on 4492 1682 or WhatsApp 6686 6854. @heavenlyspadoha

OUR ANNUAL AWARDS RECOGNISES THE BEST IN LUXURY SPAS AND WELLNESS IN QATAR. HERE, WE PRESENT TO YOU OUR GLITTERING CATEGORIES AND NOMINEES.

How It Works

AUGUST 2021

DECEMBER 2021

DECEMBER 2021

Online Voting Began Online Voting Closes The Awards Ceremony

Have you cast your vote yet? Visit www.ohlalamag.net and choose your favourite beauty spot in town.

Voting decides the Favourite winners in their categories. A panel of beauty porfessionals, mystery shoppers and our OHLALA team decide the Best winners in their categories.

All participants are invited to Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb, where you are guaranteed to have an amazing time.

(ALL THE INFORMATION ABOVE IS SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS WITH RESPECT TO COVID-19)