Shangri-La's oasis of luxury
Competition in the hotel industry is undoubtedly stiff, and finding an experience that stands out can be challenging at times. With so many options, it’s hard to go wrong with a hotel spa experience, however finding an exceptional experience worth sharing is where the real challenge comes in.
Shangri-La Hotel, Doha is a lesson in hospitality done right, and their new “Chi and Chai” day promotion is as fulfilling an experience as you’re likely to find anywhere in the world.
With a global reputation that is well earned, the five-star hotel offers up a day experience like no other. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, until the time I left Shangri-La, I was made to feel as if I was the only guest in the hotel.
The Chi and Chai experience offers up Full Day access to the hotel’s most popular amenities.
The urban oasis swimming pool lives up to its name and is breathtaking, adding a unique beauty to the towering skyline above. With a kiddie’s pool and vigilant lifeguard on duty, the area serves as a holiday mini-destination for the entire family. The pool area also has an option for food and beverages at the pool side restaurant, and I highly recommend the chicken wing lollipops!
The state-of-the-art Fitness Center for health enthusiast and a separate ladies’ only gym, with indoor Jacuzzi both feature stunning views of Doha to keep everyone motived. If you like to unwind after a heavy workout, or simply just want to sweat it out in a different way, full access to the Sauna & Steam room facilities are also available as part of the package.
Once you’ve experienced the luxury aspect of the day, it’s time to indulge in the relaxation of a 30 minute session in Shanri-La’s therapeutic Hydrotonic outdoor pool. As someone who has never experienced a Hydrotonic pool before, this was a total shock to my system, in the best possible way.
The Chi:
Then comes the real star of the show, a 2-hour Chakra Wellbeing treatment. A unique top to toe massage experience, based around seven blends of chakra-balancing essential oils. Beginning with a flash facial and Himalayan salt body scrub, the lymphatic drainage massage finishes off with a pouring of oil on the third eye to relax the nervous system and subtle healing of the chakras.
The Chai:
The perfect end to a perfect day comes in the form of the afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge which is open between 3pm until 9pm. With the choice of tea or coffee complimented by selection of desserts and savories presented on the hotel's signature bottle tree replica.
While most people base their spa experience purely on the luxury they enjoy, it’s important to note that the staff and therapists of Shangri-La set an exceptionally high level of service and make the entire experience that much more impressive.
If there is one complaint about my experience, it would have to be the fact that I was not ready to return to normal life after my Chi and Chai spoilings. It is undoubtedly something I would return time and time again for.
Location: Shangri-La, Doha (West Bay)
Treatment: Chi & Chai
Price: QR 888
For more information call +974 4429 5000 or visit www.shangri-la.com/doha
