Farah Baig reviews the indulgent Turkish Hammam at the oh-so-relaxing Talise Spa located at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain.
It’s been an exceptionally busy year, so far, at Woman This Month; so, to say that I was in need of some rest and relaxation is quite the understatement. Talise Spa, located at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain, has been a subject of my curiosity since the luxury resort first opened its doors. The opportunity to indulge in its rejuvenating Turkish Hammam experience presented itself, and here I am – a brand new me – telling you why it now tops my list of spa experiences in Bahrain.
We were greeted by our host (also named Farah!) who explained that the treatment would take 60 minutes and gave us a tour of the women’s spa. With a state-of the-art women’s gym, indoor pool, relaxation lounge, treatment rooms, Turkish hammam and supporting facilities, this spa is nothing short of phenomenal.
After changing into comfortable robes, we were led to the Turkish Hammam and were awestruck by its pristinely beautiful interiors. A large marble ‘belly stone’ took centre stage while a surrounding seating area proved to be a blissful area where guests could relax. Talise Spa uses homemade products; in fact, some of the pastries at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain are made with the same ingredients used in the spa treatments. A palette of scrubs, balms and oils carefully-curated using the finest of ingredients including white musk, coffee, pomegranate, lavender and thyme, was already laid out for us.
As with traditional Turkish hammam experiences, we started with the steam room where our attendants applied a balm to our skin and gently massaged premium coconut oil through our hair. We were then left for five to seven minutes in the hot steam room where our pores could open up, an essential element that helps you detox. I appreciated the fact that we were checked on periodically to ensure we were comfortable. Interestingly enough, Talise Spa combines a Moroccan treatment in the steam room followed by Turkish treatment in the main room.
We were then shown to the belly stone where we were soon to indulge in new levels of relaxation. After pouring jars of water on us we were encouraged to lay back. Generous palmfuls of scrubs were applied to our skin and then meticulously scrubbed using an exfoliating glove, a sensation that was quite soothing. Once again, paying careful attention to guests’ comfort, we were asked for our preferred pressure. Next, our attendant thoroughly washed, conditioned and brushed my hair, which personally is a luxury considering that mine goes down to my waist. We were then in for a unique surprise – a bubble massage! I was covered in a blanket of bubbles and given a gentle massage that was supremely calming.
After being rinsed off, we were told we could rest at the hammam at leisure before proceeding to the lounge. Back in our robes, we sat back at the idyllic lounge and listened to soothing tunes while we sipped on detox water and a warm delicious concoction featuring fragrant lemon grass. Healthy snacks including nuts, premium dates and delicious dark chocolate were also served. Quite a memorable way to spend a Tuesday afternoon!
With baby soft skin and an unshakeable feeling of restfulness, I drove home feeling mentally and physically recharged. I’d like to sincerely thank the Talise Spa team for their exceptional hospitality – which Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain has perfected – and an unforgettable spa date. I’m already planning my next visit … probably for a dip in the stunning indoor pool this time.
