www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 53 THE WESTIN/LE MERIDIEN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE The twin hotels let you experience luxury on a par with international standards, right in the heart of things in the midst of the island’s business and retail district and actually attached to the Kingdom’s premier mall. Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre, with its snazzy design and attention to detail, is a tribute to Parisian culture and hospitality. Let yourself be spoilt silly with its excellent facilities and lip-smacking treats. Unwind by the serene poolside or re-awaken mind, body and soul at the Heavenly Spa located at sister hotel, The Westin Bahrain City Centre, home to the country’s largest authentic Turkish Hammam. Besides impeccably appointed rooms and suites, both hotels offer a shoppers’ paradise by way of the adjacent City Centre mall, and have convenient exits directly to and from the retail destination. Call 17 171-000. AL AREEN PALACE & SPA This destination resort and spa offers a unique experience combining privacy and opulence in an alluring, peaceful haven that is rich in both spirituality and culture with 78 luxuriously appointed pool villas that impressively showcase a mesmerizing Arabian charm and sophisticated elegance. A tasteful melding of traditional Middle Eastern design and stylish contemporary flair, the villas offer an ideal retreat to unwind and relax in total privacy with an open-air, heated swimming pool and jet-pool, a sprawling master bedroom and en-suite facilities that include an oversized infinity bathtub. The hotel also features three world-class restaurants and an award-winning spa which is the largest on the island and allows you to wrap yourself in sheer luxury as you discover a perfect blend of relaxation and pleasure. Call 17 845-000. When the amiable Emily ushered me in to the tranquil confines of the venue, I was expecting a relaxed two hours, away from the business of a usual weekday. Little did I know that the Turkish Hammam and Swedish massage I had signed up for would turn out to be the most pampering and indulgent experience I’ve had in a long time. After a 10-minute soak in 38°C of water, I entered the steamy, marble interior of the Hammam. Contrary to what I expected, it was not so hot as to cause even the slightest discomfort. Emily guided me to the large central marble slab and proceeded to put a seemingly benign white mitt to work on my prostate body. The thorough scrub-down rid me of all accumulated grime and dead skin, leaving me squeaky clean. The next step was the fun part; something I have never seen before. Emily held a cloth bag soaked in suds over my body, and in one swift action, she let huge bubbles of soap rain all over me. The tingle of the lemon scented ‘bubble wrap’ evoked in me a child-like glee. Washing the suds away, she treated me to a rich body masque to seal in the moisture and quench any dehydrated skin. Once outside the Hammam, I had to gather myself to dip into the 12°C water. There, pores closed! A warm cup of ginger tea later, I headed for what had to be one of the best massages I have ever taken. Emily’s hands were intent on soothing my muscles, and comforted me into a meditative lull. I emerged from the massage room fresh as a daisy and left the Westin Bahrain City Centre’s Heavenly Spa feeling…well, heavenly. Sheer Bliss Behnaz Sanjana sampled the Heavenly Spa at the Westin Bahrain City Centre and cannot help reminiscing about her fantastic experience.
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