Give the gift of wellness and revitalisation this February with a Couple’s Hideaway in the world of Anantara Spa at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara.

If busy schedules, quarantine, and long work hours from this past year have put a strain on your life and relationship, then you’re not alone. We all need time to unwind and reconnect with ourselves and our partners. And what better way to do so than by treating yourself and your loved one to a spa day, the perfect way to restore your sense of wellbeing – especially when shared with someone special. This month we dive into the luxurious Couple’s Hideaway experience from the Anantara Spa at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. This couple’s experience incorporates a couple’s Hammam followed by a blissful signature massage and a hydrating facial. A complete head to toe therapy treatment.

Set at the far end of a crescent-shaped island, the Anantara Spa is a world of relaxation. The island already disconnects you from city lights, but the spa takes you a journey further as you escape into its doors, where Arabian rituals meet ThaiWestern healing. Upon entering you are greeted with warm wooden interiors, green trees, and echoes of flowing water in this relaxation haven. With a quick consultation you and your partner are ushered into changing rooms – fully equipped with disposable wear, flip-flops, shower caps, and more – to begin your relaxing voyage.

The hosts are attentive and gracious in their manners and offer us a complete walkthrough of what to expect in the 180-minute treatment. The first step of the journey is the hammam, and we are engulfed in aromas of warm eucalyptus and wafts of steam as we enter the room. The hammam itself is a stunning structure of blue mosaic tiles that radiate calm and healing sensations. These sensations fully engulf our bodies and being, as we step into the water and let loose, giving our bodies the freedom to flow with the ripples. After a quick 10 minute dip, we are guided to the seating on the outside of the pool. A rich and creamy black soap is applied to the entirety of our bodies before we are taken to the steam rooms. The heat and steam then act to open our pores and relax all muscles, leaving our skin soft, supple, and refreshed with the aid of the black substance.

After thorough hydration and replenishing of the skin in the steam room, we are guided, with the slightest and gentlest touch on the arm, to two separate marble Hammam beds. Initially, we have warm water sloshed over us from a freeflowing tap, and then the treatment begins with the renowned Keesa exfoliating glove, which scrubs us from top to bottom, ridding away dead skin, dirt, and impurities. It’s a bit like being sandpapered; your pores won’t know what’s hit them. Finally, after a rigorous cleanse, your body is sent to a calm state with a ghassoul body clay mask (a natural mineral clay mined from the Atlas mountains). As your body relaxes you can sense your worries and troubles exit your body as they float away with the mist above you. Remember to be mindful and allow your mind to fully bask in the relaxing atmosphere offered in this moment.

Our host then moves to our faces to apply an exfoliating scrub, making sure the face matches the glow of our bodies after the treatment ends. To conclude the hammam experience, there is no better leisure than someone washing your hair. Our scalps were cleansed from roots to tips, making sure to massage the head; promoting ample blood flow to ease any residing tensions.

Then comes one last trip to the shower to wash away the soothing products as well as any other connection to the outside world that is left lingering. And believe us, there was barely any. We end the hammam with another quick dip in the pool while our hosts prepare for our massages. This last dip truly shows us the newfound smoothness, as the water slides over our arms to our fingers.

We quickly dry off before being escorted for the massage. We’re not going to lie, we did feel a little loopy as our bodies were still trying to regain posture after the treatment – always a good sign. The private room hosts two massage beds for just us two, accompanied by rose petals and the sounds of soothing music. After making a quick note of our pressure tolerance, the masseuses begin. Warm oil is lathered across our backs as their hands make way through our knots and muscles. Time speeds by and before we know it, we are back at the reception for a post-treatment treat complete with dates, nuts, and warm ginger tea.

The beauty of a shared Hammam is that it’s great for couples, who want to zone out in solitary bliss together. It gives couples a chance to reconnect with themselves as well as each other, making the day as romantic as you would like. The perfect way to celebrate love and connection between two people. Leave the Hammam floating on air, feeling revitalised and refreshed for a cosy night in, before taking a long walk along the beach together, feeling soothed by the rhythmic whispers of the waves. Just you two. ✤

GO: CALL 4040 5158 OR EMAIL SPA.ADOH@ANANTARA.COM FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE INFORMATION.