Spa Review || Diva Lounge Spa

DIVA LOUNGE SPA

Diva Lounge Spa, The Gate Mall - West Bay

Pedicure at Diva Lounge Spa - West Bay

One lazy Friday afternoon during Ramadan (last week!) my friend Suzanne and I decided that we NEEDED a pedicure.  The mission was on!  We called many, many salons, big names and smaller local ones in a bid to find a place that will rescue our feet, all were fully booked and only had spaces at 9pm... it was 2pm and we wanted something within the hour.

Just as I was about to give up all hope, lucky call number six put me thought to Diva Lounge Spa in The Gate Mall, West Bay.  They had space for two people and we had 40 minutes to get there - easy peasy on a Friday and it was ramadan too.

After squeeles of excitement (mainly from me) we were off!  We arrived and the spa was empty - perfect, just how I like them.  What amazed me was the other branch was jam packed and had no space until 9pm!  However, being in a close mall clearly has it's advantages.

Diva Lounge Spa - Reception Area

Friendly staff, clean, new, and roomy, we we both very pleased with our new find - neither of us had been there before.

Diva Lounge Spa - View from Pedicure seat!

As we sat there chit catting we looked at the beauty menu and wondered what else we could be tempted with seeing as we were the only two in there!  With too much to choose from it was going to have to be another, better planned, visit to the spa!

Diva Spa Lounge - new feet! 

One-hour later and slightly sleepy from our relaxing pamper - my feet look brand new again and adorn a perfect french pedicure... my failsafe when I cannot decide on a colour!

As we left I spotted these nifty card holders - how nice are these?

Overall a very pleasant, relaxing, reasonably priced visit (145 QR for a 1-hour pedi with french paint).

I will be going back again, especially during a very quiet time too!

Happy Spa-ing!

Beauty Salon Review || Desert Princess

Desert Princess 

British run hair and beauty salon

Dermalogica Facial Experience

Dermalogica Facial.  Source: Google Images

Located off Salwa Road, this beauty salon is a wonderful hideaway to escape to when you need to leave Doha and return to the UK (without paying for a flight!).

Desert Princess Waiting Area. Source: Desert Princess 

Well thought out and decorated with British charm, this beauty salon has much to offer; Swimming Pool (covered), large hair salon, nail bars and beauty treatment rooms.  

My reason for the visit today was to have a 60 minute Dermalogica facial.... dreamy! Having been in Qatar for over a year now, a Dermalogica facial as I know it to be (steam, extractions, peels, head massage, scented oils etc) was very hard to find. Other salons offer facials, but not a Dermalogica one which is what I specifically missed! 

I met with my therapist, Veerle, who is from Holland and very nice, I told her my facial woes and what i'd love to achieve over a period of time.  After a quick chat and filling out of a questionnaire, I was led upstairs to the beauty room. 

Upon entering the room had wonderful relaxing music playing, candles lit, and a perfectly positioned beauty bed with my name written all over it!  60 minutes flew by, but they were relaxing minutes and I was in utter bliss knowing that I was in great hands, and that i'd finally found my go-to place for my Dermalogica facials.

Once Veerle had finished this amazing treatment, we had a chat about other products I can add to my Dermalogica collection at home, and any areas of concern.  Reluctantly getting changed, I sorted my 'post-facial hair' and headed down to reception where i met Veerle and swiftly booked in another appointment for next month.... this time a 75 minute one with a full neck and shoulder massage too.

I will certainly go to Veerle each month to keep on top of my skincare routine, she is very knowledgeable and i'm so excited to have found Desert Princess!

Desert Princess Logo. Source: Desert Princess Facebook Page

Spa Review|| Royal Thai Lady Spa

I have heard many good reviews about this spa, so one Saturday afternoon I decided to see if they could squeeze me in.

Royal Thai Lady Spa - Al Waab Street, Doha

Easy to find and has parking outside, accessibility isn't an issue.  It's very well known so if you take a taxi there you won't need to give the taxi driver directions!  One thing you need to know about Spa's and mos beauty establishments in Qatar is that men are strictly forbidden to go inside one and some ask that you leave the children behind too.  

I opted for an aromatherapy oil massage (170QR), I didn't opt for a Thai Massage (130QR) because I wanted a relaxing massage and usually I don't relax when I have a small human walking on me! 

Moments after arriving, my feet were placed in a large golden bowl of warm water and I was given a foot scrub - perfect.  I was then taken upstairs and along the way I enjoyed looking at the beautiful Thai decor throughout; I felt like I had left Doha. 

Pretty Thai statue that welcomes you at the entrance

My room was not a room per say, but it had a place for my items and hooks for my clothes and handbag.  The background music was difficult to hear as I was beside the a/c unit but soon became white noise.  As time progressed I realised that I could hear everything going on around me; people talking, the a/c unit, a iPhone ringing in the cubicle next to me because the lady in there had failed to turn on her phone off despite the signs and the toilet flushing!

The actual massage was great, all of my knots and aches were loosened and the Thai therapist had great skills.  I would have that massage again, but not in the cubicle with a curtain (think shop fitting room where you can throw things over the top to the next person in the next cubicle).

When it was time to go, I was escorted downstairs and given a small glass of water to sip for a few moments. In my own time, I went to the desk to pay.  'How was your experience?' asked the kind receptionist, I gave compliments to the therapist and said exactly what I've written above, that it was too noisy which made it hard to relax.  The receptionist advised me that they have one room with a door and full walls, and relaxing music, so next time I just need to specify that I want that room, and the best part is that there's no extra cost. 

Overall:

Treatment: 9/10

Experience: 4/10

Staff: 10/10

Cost: Lower end - Average 

Tips: Call in advance and ask for the quiet room

Final words:

Although not entirely relaxing, it was a through 1 hour, the therapist managed to get rid of a lot of knots that I had and finished by cracking my back which was so delightful!  I do recommend you go, but make sure you ask for the room if you want a dreamy treatment. 

Was this helpful?  What was your experience at the Royal Thai Lady Spa?