Bahrain is the Gulf destination for spa lovers. With its majestic silhouette above the desert, palatial villas with private indigo pools and a refined holistic spirit, the 5 stars Banyan Tree Al Areen displays not only the largest Spa and hydrotherapy area in the Middle East but a world first in terms of design and treatments. Francine Burlet explores its new vision of luxury.

Like so much else in modern life, luxury seems to have slipped its moorings. Once upon a time we knew where we were. Luxuries were what the aristocracy consumed: large houses, staff and big cars, palaces on the Riviera, caviar and champagne, gold plated taps. But we live in a less deferential, emotionally expressive and self-obsessed time. Luxury is increasingly defined not by the traditions but by how we want to define ourselves. Luxury has become more confusing. Nevertheless, whenever we walk into the hotel spa Banyan Tree Al Areen in Bahrain, we indulge in a little bit of this dream: a world of never ending hot water, clean towels, service on top, soothing lotions that make you feel younger, health restoring pools and fine food.

Luxuary New look

But luxury has to be more than this. Something that carries a kind of exclusivity, displaying not just a way of consuming, but a refine way of living. Real luxury cannot be sold as consumerism but as spirituality, healing, getting close to nature, simplicity. In Bahrain desert, I got a chance to find my sanctuary, a pocket of tranquility and breathing space where I can be myself. The smooth sandy road with a view over "Djebel Dukhan" is a therapy in itself, pacing the heart and pushing the stress away. The stylish arabic monumental towers of the Banyan Tree resort, the rich tones and the soft glow of the lamps at the reception, the cascading pool in the gardens, the interior of the villas and public areas combining arabesque-style furnishings with elegant Far Eastern fabrics for sure didn’t make me feel at home. And that’s what I was expecting: an invitation to an exotic world of indulgence. No predictable luxury but a refined sense of hospitality combined with a stressless atmosphere. Unreal break.

Mud Cocktail or Lomi-Momi

First pleasure of the day: I’m curled up in the open-air private jet pool of my pittoresque arabic courtyard, a book in hand. Essence oils burning create a relaxing atmosphere. Perfect temperature. Peaceful moment. But I know it’s just an introduction to what’s coming next: a luxurious indulgence in the largest spa of the Middle-East. Like the tropical sacred tree from which it got its name, the award-winning Spa-concept of the Banyan Tree is aimed to ensure a physical, mental and spiritual renewal. First, thanks to the incredible range of therapies listed on the «menu», from rainmist shower beds and «infinity» bath tubes to signatures techniques and massages. The Hammam, crowned by a grand dome is surrounded by a serene garden with cool fountains and revigorating streams. But what surprises me most is the amazing and playfull experience of the hydrothermal garden. A shiny dark brown dome of ceramics covers 15 treatment cabins: they are all mine for 90mn! Upon entering the dry chamber, I apply a coat of soothing warm mud over my body. Different mud cocktails are available and more are to come: strawberry facials, coffee-coconut or honey-oat bodyscrubs, olive oil and egg conditionner… Slowly, the mud mask becomes supple as the air around me is infused with relaxing essences. After a shower, I enter the brine cavern where sea salt mist enhance the dexoniation process; I experiment the bucket drench shower, the nature’s glow, the moonsoon shower, the amazing rainmist corridors, the herbal saunas, the ice igloo... A soothing hawaiian "Lomi-Lomi" massage ends up the pampering. Nothing to fear from but a gentle 60mn revitalising treatment from Hawaï where the therapist applies full body techniques, with rhythmic grace, using thumbs, palms and elbows.

Share it, or not !

I retreat to my 400 meters-square villa and slip underneath crisp cotton covers for a snooze to recharge before dinner at Saffron. My sense of taste needs to be fulfilled with the award-winning thaï cuisine of the resort’s signature restaurant. From the table set on the deck, I enjoy a wonderful sense of isolation with uninterrupted views across the pink desert and the wildlife park. Food is served: crab fried in a golden egg nest and stir fried Omani lobster with tamarind sauce. To die for…. And no, you can’t have the address, after all!

Francine Burlet (Mar/Apr09 Issue)

For more info, log onto www.banyantree.com