Satiated like a cat

REPORTER Asma Salman will soon be packing her bags and heading off to start a new life with her family in London. But before she left the island for the chilly English winter, we rewarded her sterling efforts with a treat at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa.

She found the perfect way to 'switch off' and even came back with some good news for the boys ... a relaxing spa for men has recently opened.

LYING in the Rose treatment room at Ritz Carlton's spa I had never felt so relaxed and lethargic in the middle of the day. I have always been a sleep-deprived working mum so when I was invited to try out a new treatment promising to re-vitalise the body and mind I jumped at the offer and dropped everything to de-stress in the right royal way.

The hotel's spa is tucked away at the far end of the popular property and although it is divorced from the busy hustle and bustle of everyday business, it is in no way separated from the luxury that is a trademark of this plush hotel.

The spa has established its reputation as a peaceful sanctuary over the last seven years. Lulu Katrivesis, its director, said: "We are a result-oriented spa and introduce new treatments and services on a regular basis, which is primarily driven by our clients demand.

"In fact, due to overwhelming spa inquiries from our male guests we have recently opened a men's spa complete with three new treatment rooms, showers, changing and relaxation facilities."

Using Aromatherapy Associates products, she claimed that they provided the perfect answer to holistic aromatherapy treatments by working to release toxins from within the body.

"All our therapists received a 10-day training session with experts from Dubai who taught them how to work with Aromatherapy Associates products to gain maximum results," she explained.

"The oils are very powerful and have a high percentage of essential oils and we have had a good response with them.

"The latest trend in many spas abroad is the inclusion of sleep treatment therapy in spa menus as most people are increasingly stressed and sleep deprived.

"We have also introduced a holistic deep sleep treatment that works on the nervous system with oils and special massage and induces a deep sense of tranquility."

So, all geared up to try out the 120 minute Aromatherapy Associates - Deep Sleep Treatment I was informed by my consultant that this treatment is not recommended if I was going to drive immediately after the therapy.

"The oils are strong and the body is lulled into a state of 'switch off'. You may just doze off at the wheel even after the treatment," said the soft spoken Thai therapist, Sue.

Instead I opted for the Aromatherapy Associates - Real Aromatherapy Experience. After an aromatherapy smell test to determine my emotional and physical needs, Sue informed me that I had chosen the 'De-stress Mind Oil' packed with natural plant and flower oil like lavender and chamomile.

Sue started working on my body and kneaded every muscle applying more pressure where she felt a tension in my 5 foot 7 inch frame. Lulled by the temperature controlled warm spa bed, soothing music and Sue's rhythmic massage I lost track of time and dozed off into a relaxed oblivion and woke up only when Sue started to pamper my face.

Every inch of my body, from my toes to the roots of my hair, was massaged during the 90-minute treatment that involved Swedish and neuromuscular techniques to relieve stress, muscular tension and 'lymphatic drainage' to improve circulation.

The treatment left me rejuvenated yet lethargic and I felt satiated like a cat that had had her fill of creamy milk.

As I sipped chamomile tea in the peaceful corner of the spa's recovery room, I longed for the time to stand still so I could stay in a perpetual state of relaxation and tranquility cocooned from the hum drum of daily activity... and the big move.

Aromatherapy Associates - Real Aromatherapy Experience costs BD45 for 60 minutes. In the longer treatment extra attention is given to facial massage which costs BD55 for 90 minutes.