showcase December 2016 51 www.womanthismonth.com Offering exclusive treatments in plush surroundings, Liz O’Reilly finds this new venue is the ultimate in pampering. HYDRO SPA & SALON LUXURY UNLIMITED There’s something very lovely about going to the spa when everyone else is working; it almost feels like playing hooky, especially when the spa in question is brand new and super luxe. When I was invited to try out the services at Hydro Spa & Salon in Riffa, I jumped at the chance having heard about the place from various satisfied pals. I was greeted on arrival by the friendly staff and, after filling out various reassuring health forms, was whisked off by Balinese therapist Kadek for a Balinese massage. The therapies area is all dimmed lights and gentle quiet music, while the treatment rooms themselves are huge, easily accommodating a massage bed as well as a shower and in-room Jacuzzi, and decorated in luxurious relaxing shades with thick fluffy towels and burning candles. Kadek is that rare thing, a therapist who actually listens when you ask for medium rather than strong pressure and, unusually, she also checked whether I was comfortable with the air-conditioning and the music before administering a deeply relaxing massage which addressed my muscle aches without making me feel battered, as has been the case with the last few massages I’ve tried. Next I was taken to another large treatment room, in a different area of the spa, for the Hydra Facial which uses patented technology employing a suctiontype tool to gently cleanse and exfoliate before delivering potent anti-ageing botanical ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, horse chestnut seed extract, red algae extract, copper zinc and magnesium peptides. I must admit, I initially found it mildly uncomfortable but I must’ve quickly got used to it, since I was soon gently snoring under therapist Hiedi’s gentle ministrations. The Hydra Facial is advertised as non-invasive and non-irritating but, on my sensitive skin, I did experience some redness and, what appeared to be, very mild bruising. However, without a doubt, my skin also looked plumped and hydrated and felt incredibly soft afterwards. Four treatments two weeks apart are recommended followed by nourishing skin preparations to use at home. Having seen the results after just one session, I would be very tempted. My final treatment was hair restructuring. Since I don’t have any specific problems with my locks, stylist Samera asked what I would like to improve and, after a weekend in the water, I was keen to restore some shine. She used a deeply nourishing hair mask activated by 15 minutes under a steam treatment and designed to penetrate deeply to soften my hair and leave it super shiny. A quick blow dry later and I couldn’t have been happier with the results, so much so that two friends actually commented on how glossy I looked that evening and three washes later I am still reaping the benefits. Hydro Spa & Salon offers a whole range of treatments, from Elemis and Dr Dennis Gross facials to nail and hair options, a signature sea salt hammam and a selection of massages. And with sumptuous surroundings backed up by very reasonable prices it’s an affordable weekday treat that’s luxurious enough for a girly weekend spa day. Call 17 781-500.
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