Matthijs Bos breaks a long-held grooming taboo at The Spa at Park Hyatt Doha

Western males, like myself, may not be entirely accustomed to male-to-male spa treatments. It’s not a secret that guys can be skeptical about beauty treatments designed for men. I have always been reluctant, even though I have managed spas. At The Spa at Park Hyatt, this taboo has been broken for me. VITAMAN’s facial treatment by The Spa truly exceeded expectations.

Before my treatment, I took time to work out in the well-equipped and cosy hotel gym. Weather permitting, you can also opt to chill at the designated relaxation area or take a dip in the pool. Facilities are what one expects from a business hotel, clean and tidy. Although not excessively large, the management clearly strives to provide excellence.

The spa itself truly is a hidden gem that exudes quality. It is modern in design and no expenses were spared in furniture and fit-out. State-of-the-art massage beds, luxury in-room bathrooms and a rustic vibe, are key elements that complement a true spa experience.

The spa boasts male and female areas on separate floor levels. At the reception I was approached and greeted by a warm and friendly hostess. An ever-so slight indication of a quality spa is when a hostess walks from behind the counter and approaches guests. It is understood that every spa experience starts at the reception. After being escorted to the appropriate floor, I was introduced to the therapist.

Rachid is a softly-spoken and friendly therapist, one of those unique spa professionals that radiates experience. You recognise a skilled therapist by their attention to physical detail. If fingers stop and detect a problem, like a knot, and they address the problem after the stroke sequence is finished, you know professional care is being given. What was meant to be light stretching turned into unknotting of my shoulders – exactly what the doctor ordered. Australia’s VITAMAN plant-derived products are applied in sequence during the facial treatment, but not before scrubbing and exfoliating (the process of removing dead skin cells).

Once the mask was applied, all I had to do was lay back and enjoy tranquil melodies while Rachid stimulated blood flow by massaging my fingers, arms and upper body, using the right amount of pressure. A warm tingling feeling on the skin, due to eucalyptus and mint extracts, is a telltale sign of the mask at work. Once removed, toner is applied, which will revitalise skin and remove excess oil. It also has anti-bacterial and pH-balancing properties. As a finishing touch, non-greasy, fragrance-free moisturiser is applied, which distributes essential plant ingredients along the skin’s surface.

Time passed by too quickly. My skin felt rejuvenated and I did feel truly relaxed. I have done quite a few couples’ massages as a romantic gesture but, to be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility and serenity of complete privacy. The Spa at Park Hyatt offers the right environment for much needed me-time, secluded in the heart of town.

The VITAMAN facial package includes gym and pool use and I’d recommend upgrading the package to 60 or 90 minutes and use as much time as possible at the gym and spa facilities. Get your money’s worth and enjoy spa-hospitality at its finest. ✤

GO: CALL 4009 4300 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS.