Sometimes it's important to immerse yourself in comfort and pamper yourself 

A corner written by Yumiko Itakura, a travel and spa journalist who covers hotel spas around the world and continues to experience the roots of health and beauty in each region.
Each month, we focus on one region and unravel the “grandmother's bag of wisdom”-like wellness methods rooted in that region from spa rituals, treatments, cultural experiences, and more.
Why don't you travel the world together while exploring the local health methods?
This time, it is "Mandarin Oriental Doha" in Doha, Qatar.

A modern and elegant hotel where sophisticated Catarians gather 

Doha, Qatar is bustling with people as the FIFA World Cup kicks off on November 20th. Since 1868, a country as small as Akita Prefecture has been ruled by the Thani family as chiefs for generations. The king, who puts a lot of effort into educating the people and promoting the development of culture, is said to be garnering enthusiastic support from the people. It is also a wealthy country that is blessed with resources such as natural gas and oil, and is always ranked high in gross domestic product (GDP). People wear traditional costumes, but they love the latest brand bags and sneakers, and enjoy fashion trends.

The place to stay in Doha is Mandarin Oriental Doha, which opened in 2019. Located in the heart of the city, in the Mushreb district, which is said to be the epicenter of fashion. Designed by world-famous David Collins Studios. Inspired by traditional mosaics and other Qatari architectural elements, the building is modern, elegant and eye-catching. There is a beautiful square (Baraja) in front of the hotel, and at the "Baraha Lounge" overlooking it, you can enjoy a unique afternoon tea that includes cakes using Qatari pistachios, date scones, and beet hummus. .

Surrender yourself to the soothing comfort of the sand and reset 

Until now, the signature treatments of famous spas in Qatar, like those in other Middle Eastern countries, were mainly hammams (steam baths) and menus using pearl powder, a specialty product that also has a whitening effect. At this hotel spa, Qatar is surrounded by desert areas, so we focused on sand therapy, which is now attracting attention worldwide for its high relaxation effect, and developed a unique treatment. As you bury yourself in a state-of-the-art bed covered with warm rose quartz sand, you will feel a sense of relaxation throughout your body.

After that, singing balls are placed on the chakras (energy points) of the whole body, and the therapist rings and vibrates them to cleanse stagnant energy. This is followed by a full body massage with a purifying blend of Frankincense, Ginger and Mandarin Orange oils, prized in Qatar. A massage ball with warm rose quartz sand wrapped in a cloth is pressed against the stiffened area. After the treatment, you will feel deep relaxation and fatigue recovery, and you will be able to sleep soundly.

summary 

The next day, we went on a desert safari. Inner Sea Hall Al Udeid, a nature reserve on the World Heritage Tentative List near the border of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, offers a rare experience of encountering water in the desert. During this season, it gets colder day by day in Japan, and it gets busier towards the end of the year. I think there are many people who have a shallow sleep due to the disturbance of the autonomic nerve. Visit Qatar for the New Year holidays and experience the healing sands of this treatment and desert safari to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Mandarin Oriental Doha
Mandarin Oriental Doha
℡＋974-4008-8888
Spa: Singing Sand Doon 90 minutes QAR1400 (tax and service charge not included)
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Doha International Airport.
https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/doha/msheireb

1QAR≒38.11 yen (as of late November 2022)

Travel & Spa Journalist
Yumiko Itakura
Yumiko Itakura

After working as an editor for magazines such as 25ans, he assumed his current position. Traveling the world, proposing and writing travel plans that appeal to the five senses in various media, with themes of healing, health, food, and culture that live in the land. He also speaks at international government organizations, tourism bureaus, and corporate seminars. Also known as an Italian lover, he composes and writes "Italian Mamma's Recipe" (published by Sekai Bunka Publishing). Also, in the global campaign of the Japan National Tourism Organization, which started in November, he talks about healing in Japan as an expert in the field of relaxation.Expert Insights Go Deep Into Japan 

Photos: Yumiko Itakura