Spas & Beauty Centres in Qatar: Spring/Summer 2023

Spas and Beauty Centres in Qatar

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Visiting The Spa

With the ever-increasing number of spas in Qatar, it is no surprise that a huge variety of treatments are available.

For those uninitiated in the spa lifestyle this wide variety can be daunting and may cause unnecessary stress – exactly what a visit to the spa should be alleviating!

This stress can be easily overcome with this guide on different treatments, as well as their history. Hopefully this will help guide your choice as to what treatment is right for you.

Spas are well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and many offer membership packages which can reduce the cost of treatments. Membership may also allow access to the beach, swimming pools and gymnasiums, for a full day of R&R. Regardless of whether you are visiting the spa under a membership or as a guest, you will be given firstclass treatment and the use of lockers, changing rooms and showers. Some spas have comfortable seating areas where you can relax before or after a session, while enjoying healthy food and drinks. The in-depth information, plus some interesting related articles, should help you in selecting which spas are best suited for your requirements.

Visiting the Spa while Pregnant Spa

Swedish massage

Thai massage

Hot stone therapy

Hydrotherapy

Aromatherapy

Reflexology

Colour Therapy

Facilities to Expect in Spa

Sauna

Steam room

Hammam

Continuing Your Relaxation Spa’s and Beauty

Centres Choose Your Spa!

Editorial by Sarah Palmer and Matthew Wright

Designed by Marhaba

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Spas and Beauty Centres

WOMEN

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Banyan Tree Spa Doha

Males' relaxation area, ESPA at Mondrian Doha Spa & Wellness Centre, Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Spas and Beauty Centres

WOMEN MEN

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Sabit Akkaya Ladies’ Hair and Beauty Salon

Anjana Spa, Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha

Zulal Serenity & Discovery, Zulal Wellness Resort

Spa Etiquette

The modern-day spa is a nurturing, safe and clean environment, a serene atmosphere with professional, licenced aestheticians and therapists – it should, in essence, embrace everything that can relax and energise you. Saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and hydrotherapy are available in conjunction with a range of massages, aromatherapy, reflexology, body and beauty treatments.

Whereas a health or fitness club will focus on physical wellbeing, the spa works on the mind, body and spirit, aiming for both inner and outer wellbeing. For some, visiting the spa may be something of a mystery: What is on offer, is there something you need to do to prepare for a visit, what do you wear? This spa guide aims to demystify the spa experience and encourage you to pursue pampering and relaxation.

• A locker will be provided for your personal belongings, together with use of showers, a vanity area, hairdryers, etc.

• A spa should never compromise your modesty. You will be given a robe to change into before treatment and you may be asked to remove your clothes (except underwear).

• A therapist will only expose the specific parts of your body that is being treated at that time and will ensure that you remain covered in a dignified manner at all times.

• A full body massage does not include any parts of the body which you may feel embarrassed about or which are painful/injured; areas to avoid should be discussed with your therapist beforehand.

• For hydrotherapy, sauna or steam room, you will need to bring a swimsuit and flip flops.

• Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before a treatment so that you have time to change and relax. If visiting for the first time, you will likely be asked to complete a quick questionnaire to mention injuries, health issues, allergies, etc.

• Make-up may be worn but is best removed during certain treatments. Likewise head massages may involve oils, so bring your make-up bag and hair products if you want to retouch before leaving.

• It is recommended that you eat a light meal before a treatment and drink plenty of water afterwards to rehydrate and to flush out any toxins.

• If your therapist’s touch is too rough, then mention it. They are there for you and their goal is to provide you with a perfect spa experience.

• There is no pressure to talk during a treatment. If you have questions or would like to chat during the session certainly do so. The therapists will take their cue from you. If you are quiet, they will be too. Falling asleep is not a problem – a therapist will take that as a compliment!

QUAN SPA BRINGS NATURA BISSÉ TO YOU

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Visiting The Spa While Pregnant

Perhaps no one is more deserving of rest and relaxation than an expecting mother. Many spas can accommodate pregnant women, and even offer specific treatment packages.

The spa experience may be a little different while pregnant to avoid any risks. These involve providing special massages that use bean bags or adapted chairs that mean you do not have to lie on your stomach. However, you may find that these massages are not offered to women in the early stages of pregnancy, and often require waiting until at least the second trimester. Furthermore, certain aromatherapy ingredients can cause irritation while pregnant as the skin often becomes more sensitive. It is often best to ask your massage therapist or doctor on what to avoid, or request that the therapist uses only plain oils. Head, shoulder and foot massages, mani-pedis and facials are recommended as they are an excellent way to relax and relieve any aches and pains.

However, certain facilities, mainly saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs, be avoided as they have a high risk of causing overheating. Cooler facilities are more suitable, like a pool, which can still provide ample relaxation.

While many treatments are safe, checking with your doctor that they are right for you is always advised, so you can make an informed and healthy decision.

Swedish Massage

The Swedish massage, also known as the classic massage in many European countries, has a confusing origin. While many think it originated from Sweden, it was in fact believed to be invented by Dutch physician Johann Georg Mezger. He defined this massage practice using five different massage movements and forms.

The first of these forms, Effleurage, consists of smooth flowing strokes, usually towards the heart to help with circulation, that are typically used to apply oils. This is followed by Petrissage, a technique that uses kneading, squeezing, lifting, shaking, wringing and rolling to enhance blood circulation and unknot muscles, improving the healing process.

The final three processes are friction, tapotement and vibration. These include firm circular rubbing motions, rhythmic tapping or percussive movements, and shaking particular muscles. These work by warming up and stimulating the muscles and blood flow, and finally decreasing muscle tension which increases overall body relaxation. The amusing technique of karate chopping your shoulders, often joked about in movies, is actually known as hacking, and while some may think of this as the signature move of the Swedish massage, it is actually Effleurage.

Spa Treatments

Thai Massage

This form of massage is believed to have been invented in India over 2500 years ago by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha. Bhaccha was a friend of the Buddha, who it was believed had tremendous medicinal knowledge for the time. The Thai massage is known as a dry massage as it does not require the use of oils; furthermore, the patient remains fully clothed throughout the treatment.

A Thai massage therapist uses their hands, knees, legs and feet to move the patient into a series of yoga-like stretches while lying on a padded mat. Acupressure, muscle compression and joint mobilisation are also used during treatment. The pressure, tension and motions created from this help the body by improving blood flow. Thai massages promote relaxation, reduce pain, improve circulation, increase flexibility and increase energy levels.

Hot Stone Therapy

An ancient technique that it is believed to have been in use 2000 years ago in China, as a means to treat certain diseases. Evidence has been found that heated rocks were placed upon peoples’ abdomens to aid them in digestion. Much later native Hawaiians used lava rocks wrapped in leaves for pain relief.

While hot stone therapy has a long history, its modern variance has only been around since 1993. Mary Nelson introduced LaStone therapy, inspirated by the ancient techniques. Unlike other hot stone massages, LaStone Therapy uses both hot and cold stones throughout the massage.

It was LaStone that thrust hot stone massages back into the spotlight and these massages have rapidly grown in popularity. This has allowed for an expansion of different styles and techniques used. Generally these treatments begin with the stones being heated to the right degree so it will not burn on contact with your skin, placed on specific points on your body.

It is best to speak to your therapist before the session about where you might be holding tension in your body. This allows for the stones to be more strategically placed on your body, allowing the heat to penetrate deeper into the affected muscles – they can be placed on your back, stomach, feet, chest, face and even toes if needed.

Hot stone massages are effective at relieving muscle pain, while the deeper state of relaxation found in these massages allows for much better treatment of anxiety and stress.

Spa Treatments

Hydrotherapy

The word ‘spa’ originates from the Latin salus per aqua, meaning ‘health through water’. Spas were popular in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Middle Eastern cultures – the ruins of an ancient bath were discovered in Pakistan that date back as far as 4500 BCE.

Hydrotherapy encompasses a wide array of techniques that vary in approach, but only the use of water in the treatments remains consistent. Most involve Jacuzzies and hot tubs, as the hot water helps relax the muscles while the power jets provide massaging effects. Other approaches use ‘contrast hydrotherapy’, which involves moving between a hot water environment, such as a tub or steam room, and ice baths. This stimulates blood flow throughout the body and helps improve circulation.

Hydrotherapy uses water for soothing pains and other ailments, and is effective in the treatment of arthritis, burns, rheumatic diseases, musculoskeletal disorders and more. It is also effective for improving circulation and as a tonic for the nervous system.

While hydrotherapy treatments are rather diverse, generally they include steam rooms, water jets or showers, whirlpools, hot tubs or Jacuzzies, and icy plunge pools. This pairs well with other treatments such as Swedish massage and aromatherapy, and it is not uncommon to find these treatments offered together.

Aromatherapy

The use of fragrant oils for healing purposes has been prevalent in many ancient civilisations, and the tradition continues today. However, it was French chemist ReneMaurice Gattefosse in 1935 who coined the term aromatherapy. Supposedly, while working in his factory there was an explosion that left him with severe burns. He treated these burns with lavender, and upon seeing his miraculous recovery founded the French Society of Aromatic Products.

Inhalation of the scent of essential oils and the absorption of the oils through the skin allows the different plant and flower essences to affect the body, mind and spirit. Many spas offer aromatherapy in conjunction with massage treatments to elevate the experience. Typically the client picks the essential oils to be used, based on the aroma or promised effects (check you are not allergic to any of the ingredients first as they may be in direct contact with your skin). These essential oils will either be directly applied to the body as oil used in the massage or added to a diffuser to be inhaled throughout the massage, creating a relaxing environment.

While many of the healing properties of aromatherapy have not been scientifically proven, it has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, and relieve pains.

Reflexology

Also known as zone therapy, reflexology is a dry massage that involves the application of pressure to specific points on the feet using thumbs, fingers, and hand massage techniques. The same may be applied to the hands as well.

It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas – energy fields, invisible life force, or Qi – that supposedly reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands. Practitioners believe massaging feet and hands stimulates energy and releases ‘blockages’ in specific areas that cause pain or illness.

Practices that resemble reflexology have existed in history, particularly in China and Egypt. Reflexology was introduced to the US in 1913 by William H Fitzgerald, MD, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and Edwin F Bowers. According to Fitzgerald, applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body. It was later modified in the 1930s and 1940s by nurse and physiotherapist Eunice D Ingham, who claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into ‘reflexes’ on the feet, renaming ‘zone therapy’ as reflexology. Reflexologists today use Ingham’s methods, or similar techniques developed by the reflexologist Laura Norman.

Spa Treatments

Colour therapy or ‘chromotherapy’ can be traced back thousands of years, as even the ancient Egyptians practiced using light for healing.

This type of therapy believes that the different wavelengths of colours can have positive effects on the body. More recently the benefits of these colours have been identified as: • red – vitalising and giving energy • green –calming and restorative • white – rebalancing the senses • yellow – inspiring hope and happiness • blue – restful and restorative • orange – fresh and invigorating • magenta –lowering anxiety and increasing creativity.

The effects of colour on mood are well documented, and colour therapy is effective for improving physical and emotional wellbeing. Another form of colour therapy comes from the traditional Indian medicine ayurvedic. Here it is believed that there are energy centres throughout the body called chakras, and that when these become blocked we start to feel

unwell. Colour therapy is believed to help with unblocking these chakras, as each colour is associated with a separate chakra. While these two methods might differ in what effect each colour may bring about, the treatments are incredibly similar. A colour therapist may use coloured light, gemstones, candles, fabrics, bath treatments or lenses in order to obtain certain healing effects; these are usually done alongside other treatments. Some spas may have more dedicated facilities; these typically include colour therapy rooms, whereby the lighting can be adjusted and cycled for optimum healing. Alternatively, spas may have masks that emit light directly onto your skin to apply the desired effects.

While the science of colour therapy’s healing properties needs further research, it has been show to provide a thoroughly relaxing experience, decrease stress and overall improve mental wellbeing.

Complimentary Therapy

Recognising the increasing demand for complementary and alternative medicine, the former Supreme Council of Health gave official approval to some of these practices in Qatar in 2016. The Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP) at the Ministry of Public health is responsible for authorising, licensing and monitoring healthcare practitioners in the country. QCHP states that the term ‘complimentary medicine’ has been adopted instead of ‘alternative medicine’ to ensure that patients receive complementary treatment in addition to conventional medical treatment. The list of regulated disciplines includes Hijama (wet cupping), chiropractic, homeopathy, ayurveda and acupuncture.

The regulatory framework standardises CM practices so that only licensed, qualified practitioners will be issued a medical licence and allowed to practice in Qatar. It also provides a legal framework for CM to ensure that the benefits of these practices can be enjoyed without unnecessary risks.

TRANSFORM YOUR BODY AT CENFIT

a state-of-the-art fitness centre in Doha

Featuring fully equipped of modern fitness equipment for training, cardio, weightlifting, studio for classes as well as steam and sauna rooms for your relaxation; large indoor swimming pool and a kid’s pool. Cenfit Cafe, serving healthy pre & post workout wellness drinks and bowls of goodness

Saunas are small rooms, often made with wood, and heated 65°C–90°C. Some saunas have rocks inside that absorb the heat of the room; water can be added to these to create steam. Using saunas is easy but there are a few things to note. When entering, try to be quick as they are airtight and opening the door will allow the heat to escape. Bring a towel to sit on once you are inside the sauna, and when selecting your seat remember that heat rises, so the elevated seating areas will be hotter – experiment with this to find what temperature is right for you. It is recommended that you spend no longer than 10 minutes in the sauna. Be mindful that this is a shared space and that it is polite to check with others before changing the temperature.

Saunas have a long history dating back thousands of years to Finland where simple caves were used. The reason they have managed to endure the test of time is the health benefits they have. It has been suggested that saunas can ease muscle and joint pain, reduce stress levels, improve circulation, treat certain skin conditions and reduce asthma symptoms. Given the intense environment they create they are not for everyone. If you have any underlying medical conditions or are pregnant it is worth checking with a medical professional first.

Steam Room

Similar to a sauna, but where a sauna is usually dry, a steam room gets it heat from the humidity achieved using a generator that pumps steam into the room. Steam rooms are typically only heated to around 43°C, but operate at around 100% humidity levels.

The intensity of the humidity often makes steam rooms feel as though they are much hotter than saunas. Enter the steam room quickly to prevent the moisture escaping and again sit on a towel. Steam rooms, like saunas, can dehydrate you quickly so it is important to ensure you are hydrated before, during and after your time in the steam room.

Typically the time you spend in the steam room is 10–15 minutes; it is not recommended that you stay any longer. Although steam rooms and saunas are similar, they do offer differing health benefits. Steam rooms are excellent at alleviating congestion, lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, relieving the symptoms of bronchitis, and relaxing muscles and the mind. Furthermore, the steam allows your pores to open and helps to clear any dirt and debris build-up, leaving you with refreshed, healthy and clean skin.

Doha

Hammam Facilities to expect in Spa

A hammam is the Middle Eastern variant of a steam bath or place of public bathing modelled on the Roman thermae – now it is Turkey and Morocco that are most popularly associated with the tradition. In Islamic cultures the hammam played an important role for both religious and civic reasons. It provided a space for ritual ablutions, general hygiene, and as a gendered meeting place for men and for women.

Hammam can boost the immune system, rejuvenate the body, invigorate and relax the mind and body. The ritual is quite simple, but it does involve several steps aimed at cleansing and relaxing. The treatment lasts a set period of time, usually 60 minutes.

First is a relaxation room, before you then move to an intermediate room for towels and to adjust to the heat. From here you can enter the hot room, where bathers can sit on marble slabs around a fountain, alternatively relaxing in the high humidity and being vigorously and thoroughly scrubbed by an attendant. Following the scrubbing, many treatments use an olive-based soap and rhassoul clay, an antibacterial mineral to remove toxins and impurities from the body, reduce sebum and tighten pores. Afterwards there is a designated area to rinse, and you can then choose to have a massage to complete the experience.

Moroccan or Turkish Hammam?

Taking a traditional hammam or bath is popular in the Middle East where bathing is more than just a shower.

There are a variety of types of baths across Middle Eastern cultures, but the most popular are the Moroccan and Turkish baths, which are centuries old, but have mainly remained unchanged. Not only are they relaxing, but also help cleanse and rejuvenate your body.

Moroccan hammam

The Moroccan hammam is a traditional public bath that is very special in Moroccan culture. It deeply cleanses the body using steam and exfoliating beauty techniques that have been used by Moroccans for centuries. However, as it became more popular across the region where most people are conservative, it has become a more private bath, involving the same process, but with just one individual per bath to avoid getting unclothed with others. A Moroccan hammam is a long bath, typically involving sitting in steam for a few minutes to open your pores and help loosen any dirt and debris buildup, then washed with Moroccan black soap. This is then rinsed off with hot water then you are roughly scrubbed with a scrubbing mitt to exfoliate your skin by removing dead skin. You are then rinsed with hot water again and then you may have another form of a soothing cleansing scrub followed by a final rinse with hot water. Finally, a mud or clay treatment is applied to your body to close your pores and if you wish, your hair gets washed as well. This hammam leaves your skin vigorously exfoliated.

Turkish

hammam

The Turkish hammam traditionally begins at a warm section where you can relax and sweat next to a kurna, the small marble basin. Next comes the scrubbing where every inch of your body is scrubbed with a mitt called kese Once scrubbed, you will lie down on a warm marble slab, called the gobektasi, in a hot section, where you will be laced with a foam-filled cloth for a sudsy massage. Following this rejuvenating experience, most linger in the bath area (either hot or cold) and relax.

Both baths are excellent for relaxation and detoxifying the skin. However, if you wish to be deeply scrubbed, then the Moroccan bath might be preferable, especially as they use the sought-after black soap, which deeply cleans the skin by removing toxins and dead skin cells, making the skin softer and smoother. If you prefer a bath with a massage, Turkish baths incorporate many massage techniques, which help relieve stress and muscle tension by increasing blood circulation. And if you would like to avoid a steam treatment, then the Turkish hammam might be preferable.

Female and male sections are separated in traditional baths. In Qatar, Moroccan hammam is most popular and on offer at many spas and beauty centres. Turkish baths, however, are on offer at a few spas and beauty centres. Please note that every bath can differ from one place to another.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Moroccan or Turkish hammam, pore over our Spa & Beauty Centres e-guide and make an appointment today.

Turkish Hammam

Turkish Hammam

Moroccan Hammam

Continuing Relaxation at Home

While spas are a great getaway from the stress of everyday life many do offer at home solutions that help bring your relaxation home with you. While these are obviously no replacement for the spa experience many can help bring some of the same mindfulness and peace to your home. There are a variety of ways this can be achieved and many of them are fairly simple to do and require very little effort.

One of the easiest ways to have a relaxing spa like experience at home is creating your own hydrotherapy experience. It is easy to do as all you really need is a nice warm bath to start with. To really create that spa experience, however, it is recommended you pick up some candles to create an aromatic experience to help relax. Many

spas in Doha sell candles or other products that create relaxing aromas that will really elevate the experience to spa like level. Other products can be found to apply to the water that add essential oils, these products are designed to treat your skin and elevate the relaxation experience. Examples of these include various bath bombs, foam and salts. Furthermore, you can also acquire some essential oils and other spa products that can be applied to your skin after your bath to really refresh your skin leaving you incredibly relaxed. This sort of at home treatment is ideal for alleviating any skin conditions, bring about relaxation of both the mind and aching muscles and even help bring about a good night of sleep.

Relaxation at Home

Another excellent way to create a spa experience is to create a space dedicated for relaxation in your home. This could just be a small area in your bedroom or really any unused space in your house. A simple way make it feel like a spa setting is visualise your favourite spa and try to decorate it as such, this could be with cushions, blankets, crystals and even buying some warmer lighting can add to this effect. While this may seem like a surface level change it can help foster an environment that is easier for you to relax in. To really improve upon this, you can draw on elements from colour therapy to decorate or even light this space according to the colours used to draw out certain effects. Further enhancements can be made

by adding an element of aromatherapy using essential oils and various incenses that can be purchased from many spas across Doha. These products really help replicate the sensation of being at a spa and help create that same aura of relaxation at home. Some of these spas even allow you to purchase the robes they give you, allowing you to have that soft robe for at home use. With this new space you can really practice mindfulness however you would like. This can be through practicing meditation and yoga or simply sitting back and reading book. Regardless of what you do with the space it should hopefully help bring some of the relaxation you can get from a spa home with you.