An oasis of tranquillity

IN today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquillity can be difficult. However, it’s important to take a step back from time to time and practice self-care.

You could spend a day in bed reading or do a movie marathon with a friend. If you’re feeling particularly generous, book a foot massage or, perhaps, a staycation with your family.

I was planning to spend a day pampering myself in the middle of a particularly busy week when the wonderful people at the Ritz-Carlton Spa Bahrain invited me to experience their Sonic Serenity treatment, a unique, holistic wellness offering at their luxurious venue. This couldn’t have come at a better time and the experience left my mind and body revitalised and transformed, to say the least.

Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, it combines sound healing with a one-and-a-half-hour full-body meridian massage using soft, non-setting pink clay and an hour-long facial, with aromatherapy oil blends and facial cups, to help drain toxins. It is derived from the ancient philosophy of the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

The treatments were performed by Tracey Smith, the founder of Ashmira Botanica, a Chinese Medicine-inspired wellness skincare line, which according to her, features 100 per cent vegan products that are personalised to your element.

“I am extremely happy to partner with the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain to create a phenomenal holistic experience that incorporates my skincare range,” she said.

“The treatment is personalised for each client, based on their year of birth and current skin issues. According to Chinese medicine, you are born as energy and develop certain personality traits as well as meridians, which are small channels that run beneath the skin’s surface and supply energy to your organs and body.

“So, we tailor the treatment to this to give a whole-body experience. The Spa’s therapists are also trained by me and ready to offer the Sonic Serenity treatment to guests.”

Following the brief consultation, I was led into a quiet treatment room with dim lighting and soothing music, where I laid peacefully on the massage table, waiting for the relaxing experience to begin.

The session started with the sound of bowls and the clay being applied to my skin. The bowls were then placed on top of my stomach, and the sound waves and vibrations resonated through the room and my body, creating a powerful auditory experience that felt like a gentle embrace.

As the vibrations washed over me, I could feel my stress and tension melting away. Another layer of clay was applied to my skin, and the therapist skillfully combined these sounds with meridian massage techniques.

Each stroke worked to release tension, targeting sore muscles and knots.

Meridian massage therapy is a focused concentration by the use of the therapist’s hands. The therapist works along the entire energetic channels, including the specific points that lie in between the beginning and the end of the channel.

The experience was both meditative and therapeutic, allowing me to drift in and out of a peaceful state.

Almost 90 minutes later, we transitioned to the facial treatment. Using products tailored to my element, and packed with natural and botanical ingredients, Tracey applied soothing masks and serums, each step infused with calming aromas. As I lay there, the combination of soft music and the aesthetician’s skilled touch transported me to a state of bliss.

Emerging from the spa, I felt transformed. My body was utterly relaxed, and my skin glowed with newfound vitality.

The experience was more than just a series of treatments; it was a holistic journey that nurtured both my body and mind.

The Sonic Serenity treatment is available everyday, from 6.30am to 10pm, at BD180 for 150 minutes.

The Ritz-Carlton is the first hotel in Bahrain and the Middle East to offer this treatment and the Ashmira Botanica skincare range.

For more information contact 17586808.