Looking for a haven of beauty, relaxation and renewal, Fernanda Langhammer stepped into Sash Spa in Riffa for the first time. Her experience and impressions are well worth reading.
I have yet to meet a woman who wouldn’t be thrilled by the prospect of a spa day. And if you’re the rare exception, chances are you’ve never experienced a truly great one. The secret lies in finding the right place – and Sash Spa, I must say, is exactly that.
Bringing together a hair salon, nail studio, spa and gym under one roof, Sash has offered a complete wellness and beauty experience in Bahrain for the past 11 years (an impressive milestone it celebrated in June). Whether you’re looking for a quick refresh or a full day of indulgence, it’s the kind of place that leaves you feeling transformed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. Spoiler alert: that’s exactly what happened to me.
Relaxation Mode: On
My pampering day began at the spa. After a brief tour of the amazing facilities, I met my therapist, Ornuma, who handed me a consultation form to complete while I sipped a warm welcome drink infused with ginger, honey and lemongrass.
I was then escorted to the changing area and, within minutes, was wrapped in a plush robe and comfortable slippers. The experience truly began with the spa’s signature foot ritual, which takes place in a seating area just outside the treatment room. With the pull of what seemed like a magic drawer, a bowl filled with pebbles and warm water appeared before me – a delightful surprise I certainly wasn’t expecting.
As Ornuma gently exfoliated my feet with a sugar-and-oil scrub, she asked whether I would prefer to begin with the massage or the facial. It was a question no therapist had ever asked me before, despite my many spa visits over the years. Unsure which to choose, I opted for the traditional sequence: massage first, facial second.
Sash Spa’s Balinese Journey Massage
We then made our way to the Tulip Room – all treatment rooms are named after flowers – where soft lighting and an inviting massage bed set the tone for the next hour. The chosen treatment was the 60-minute Balinese Journey Massage. Ornuma asked about my preferred pressure level. After years of receiving countless massages in different countries with therapists from around the world, I have learned that medium pressure is my sweet spot: firm enough to be effective, yet never painful.
Balinese massage is a holistic, full-body treatment that combines gentle stretching, acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and reduce stress. It also supports the body’s natural detoxification process through lymphatic drainage techniques while helping to restore balance to the body’s energy centres.
Throughout the treatment, I could feel Ornuma’s skilled hands targeting specific pressure points to encourage energy flow and ease tension, while techniques such as skin rolling, kneading and stretching helped release tight muscles and improve joint mobility. The aromatic blend of pine and orange oils added a refreshing sensory dimension to the experience.
As expected, my notoriously stubborn knots in the upper back and shoulders became a primary focus. What impressed me most about my therapist’s technique was her ability to apply firm, purposeful pressure without ever crossing into discomfort. By the end of the session, I felt noticeably lighter and more relaxed, as though some weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
Emerging Radiant
From there, we moved into the facial suite, a luminous sanctuary where my experience began with the Biologique Recherche Skin Instant Lab consultation. The French skincare brand is renowned for its highly concentrated, results-driven formulas and this advanced diagnostic system reflects that same scientific approach. Using five specialised probes, it measures hydration, transepidermal water loss, elasticity, pigmentation and sebum levels to create a detailed picture of the skin’s condition. The goal is to develop a personalised treatment and home-care plan based on real data rather than guesswork.
After answering a few questions, Ornuma guided each of the probes across specific areas of my face while the system gathered its readings. Within minutes, the programme recommended products from Biologique Recherche’s extensive range that would best suit my skin’s needs. What I appreciated most was how the technology supports the therapist in choosing the right products for the treatment. Skincare can often feel overwhelming, so having a plan tailored to your complexion feels like a real luxury.
The facial began with a thorough cleanse using a multi-phase eye make-up remover and Eau Micellaire Biosensible. Once my skin was prepped, LAIT VIP O2 was applied before Ornuma performed an extensive lymphatic drainage massage. For me, this is one of the biggest differences between a professional facial and an at-home skincare routine. The gentle, rhythmic movements help stimulate lymphatic flow, reducing puffiness while subtly sculpting and defining the face.
Next came LOTION P50W, a gentle exfoliating and purifying lotion, followed by MASQUE VIP O2, a hydrating mask enriched with an oxygenating complex designed to refresh and protect the skin. While the mask sat on my complexion, Ornuma offered a scalp massage, which I enthusiastically accepted. It was one of those small touches that made the treatment feel even more indulgent.
The final stage was a carefully layered sequence of targeted skincare, beginning with the anti-ageing ELASTINE and SÉRUM A-GLYCA, followed by a comforting anti-wrinkle treatment for the delicate eye and lip contours. CRÈME M.C. moisturiser, LE GRAND SÉRUM and, finally, PROTECTION U.V. completed the ritual. More than 10 products later – each selected for my skin’s unique condition – my complexion appeared noticeably brighter, firmer and infused with a fresh, healthy luminosity.
As my time in the spa drew to a close and I made my way towards the salon, I felt remarkably lighter, both physically and mentally. Not only had signs of fatigue and tension melted away, but so too had the mental fog that often accompanies a demanding schedule. Yet my journey at Sash Spa was not quite over.
Controlled Tresses At Sash’s Salon
The lovely
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