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A MASSAGE is said to soothe the mind, body and soul. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa; it can put you to sleep too, writes Mai Camille.
The luxury wellness centre provides a serene sanctuary with 10 professional therapists ready to nurture and care for guests wellbeing. The spa boasts treatment rooms, plunge pools, a therapy pool as well as a steam and sauna.
Upon entering the spa, guests are transported to a care-free world which starts off with the easy check-in at the reception. A friendly receptionist greeted me and guided me to the changing room where I robed up before being taken to the waiting area.
Within minutes my therapist, Agnes, arrived. I filled out a form informing her of any ailments or requests I had. I explained that I carry all my tension in my shoulders as I am seated in front of a computer for hours, especially on Sundays and Mondays.
Agnes explained I would be undergoing a 60 minute treatment known as La Massage.
She said: “It is an exquisite and heavenly experience using various massage techniques customised to relax tensed muscle, soothe the body and soul.
“Our spa is known from its high standards, offering various treatments with real benefits and solutions to travellers and day guests as well in a refined but relaxed ambience.”
There are many other benefits to massage therapy. It reduces stress and lowers blood pressure while boosting ‘feel good’ chemicals in your body. Massage is also used to decrease stiffness and pain, as well as a treatment for osteoarthritis. It can promote healthy sleep and improve the immune system. A regular rubdown can also benefit people who suffer with migraines and increase blood flow.
I mainly wanted to reduce stress and remove the stiffness in my upper body and Agnes’s magic hands were made for that.
As I entered the treatment room, soft music played in the background as I propped myself on warm fluffy towels. She started using essential oils on my back and I was quickly transported to dream land. I nodded off a few times and could feel her battling with the knots in my shoulders. She gave me an intense scalp, neck, shoulder and lower back massage as to my requirements.
When I flipped over, Agnes put a thin tissue on my eyes and I wondered what she was shielding me from as the lights were already dim. She then placed warm, lavender scented pillows behind me and sprayed an intoxicating scent over me. It’s as though all my worries disappeared. Nothing was going to upset me after this treatment and nothing did, any issues simply rolled off my relaxed back.
Afterwards, Agnes guided me, and I mean literally had to hold my hand and guide me, to the relaxation room as I could barely keep my eyes open. The room had loungers with lights for guests that want to unwind with a good book. I capped the experience by enjoying some almonds, an apple and camomile tea.
Later that night I slept like a baby, it’s amazing what a BD60 massage will do for you.
The spa has added a few new treatments to its menu, called La Treatments. These are customised to the guest and include La Facial, La Scrub, La Cocoon and La Massage. The body ritual includes body wrap complete with relaxing massage. Other treatments are The Wedding Delight, the Manual Lymphatic Massage and the Herbal Ball Massage.
The Spa is open from 9am to 9pm daily.
For details, contact 17580000 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
