For an entire reset, Bushra Hakim started the brand new yr with a self-indulgent day at Rimal Spa, Mövenpick Lodge Bahrain.

Typically, you simply know when it’s time to hit the pause button on life. For me, it was a type of uncommon moments of selfrealisation after months of juggling work deadlines, settling into a brand new dwelling and embracing the chaos of newlywed life. I wanted a break – a correct one – and what higher approach to reset than with a spa day? So, after I was invited to expertise Rimal Spa at Mövenpick, I used to be, to say the least, ecstatic.

Strolling into Rimal Spa itself felt like stepping away from the each day grind. The delicate, earthy tones of the décor, plush seating, purple and gold mosaic tiles, raindrop crystals and heat wood accents immediately put me comfortable. Add to that the refined aroma of lemongrass wafting by means of the air, and I may already really feel the stress beginning to depart my physique. On the reception, I used to be greeted by Yanthie, the Spa Supervisor, whose calm and pleasant manner set the tone for the expertise forward. She handed me a session kind to fill out – detailing preferences, pores and skin sensitivities, concern areas and anything to tailor my remedies to perfection.

The primary cease on my spa journey was the Royal Hammam. My therapist, Manal, welcomed me with a smile and led me to the altering room, the place I slipped right into a fluffy white gown and slippers supplied by the spa. The Hammam room itself was beautiful, with its glistening moist mattress, steam chamber and bathe space – a non-public oasis that promised an hour of cleaning bliss.

Manal started by rinsing me down with heat water that was adjusted to the temperature of my liking. She then utilized Moroccan black cleaning soap (or beldi cleaning soap) created from olive oil – a slippery, barely sticky texture that in some way felt luxurious. She guided me to the steam room, the place I spent a great 10 minutes basking within the heat that opened my pores and loosened useless pores and skin.

As soon as I signalled (utilizing a handy name button) that I used to be prepared, Manal gently guided me again to the moist mattress for a fast wash and an invigorating scrub utilizing a kessa glove. It wasn’t harsh, but it surely was thorough – she labored her manner throughout each inch of my physique, eradicating layers of useless pores and skin I didn’t even know have been there. The seen rolls of exfoliated pores and skin have been proof of her professional contact. For an additional layer of cleaning, she reapplied the black cleaning soap, scrubbing it in for good measure.

The following part of the remedy was arguably my favorite: the rhassoul clay utility. Wealthy in minerals and detoxifying properties, the clay felt cool and refreshing on my freshly exfoliated pores and skin. As soon as it dried and hardened, Manal rinsed it off with heat water earlier than giving my hair a fast wash utilizing shampoo and conditioner. This wasn’t only a bathe; it felt like a regal cleaning ritual as if I have been a queen being pampered in a palace.

She then escorted me to a separate room to dry off and put together for the subsequent stage of my spa journey – The Asian Mix Therapeutic massage, a mixture of Thai and Balinese therapeutic massage methods. My second therapist, Ika, launched herself with a heat smile and a reassuring presence. She took the time to ask about my most popular strain and focus areas. I discussed the knots in my again and shoulders from lengthy hours of desk work however left the remaining in her succesful fingers. Ika started at my ft and legs, working her manner upwards in a rhythmic stream.

Utilizing almond oil (good to maintain the physique heat through the chilly months), her strokes alternated between agency kneading and soothing glides. Her strain was exact – agency sufficient to sort out the stress with out veering into discomfort. When she reached my again and shoulders, she paid further consideration and used a mixture of deep tissue methods and stretching motions that eased away my stiffness. The session ended with a heavenly scalp therapeutic massage that despatched me right into a near-meditative state.

Hoping that this is able to go on eternally, I moved on to my remaining remedy of the day: an categorical facial from Elemis. Helen, my facialist, had a chilled vitality that completely matched the vibe of the day. She started by double-cleansing my pores and skin with the Superfood AHA Glow Cleaning Butter, massaging it in with delicate, round motions and adopted this with the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash – a foamy, mild cleanser that left my pores and skin feeling squeaky clear.

The nice and cozy towels she used to take away every product had a fragile lime essence, including an fragrant contact to the ritual. Helen then utilized the Papaya Enzyme Peel, warning me of a slight tingling sensation that subsided rapidly, leaving my pores and skin feeling easy and refreshed. She adopted this with the Rehydrating Ginseng Toner, which cooled and balanced my pores and skin, earlier than layering on the Professional-Collagen Rose Micro Serum, which added hydration and a refined plumpness.

She continued with the Professional-Collagen Rose Facial Oil to lock in moisture and, simply as I used to be about to float right into a deep sleep, she utilized a cooling Peel-Off Face Masks. Whereas ready for the masks to set – a sometimes uninteresting a part of facials – Helen stunned me by massaging the Japanese Camellia Physique Oil Mix into my fingers and shoulders. This considerate contact elevated the expertise, making each second pleasurable.

As soon as the masks was eliminated, the facial was accomplished with the Professional-Collagen Marine Cream, SPF 30, and a Professional-Collagen Neck & Décolleté Cream. She even addressed my considerations about darkish circles with a watch cream and completed with a hydrating lip balm. My pores and skin was glowing, replenished from the results of winter dryness and radiating well being.

As I sipped a steaming cup of ginger tea within the leisure space, I mirrored on the sheer indulgence of the day. The Hammam, therapeutic massage and facial weren’t simply luxurious – they have been transformative. Taking time for myself jogged my memory how important self-care is, not only for the physique but in addition for the thoughts. Feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the brand new yr, I discovered myself already planning my subsequent go to – maybe on a Wednesday to benefit from the women’ day low cost.

For extra info or to make a reserving, please name Rimal Spa at
Mövenpick Lodge Bahrain on 1746 0000.
@movenpickbahrain