The summers here can be harsh. Exposure to harmful UV rays, and mercury-busting temperatures and high humidity levels can all lead to dehydrated and parched, sallow-looking skin. So where can you go to restore your natural ‘glow’.

Cue the ‘summer breeze’ package at the serene Four Seasons Spa & Wellness Centre, a three-in-one treatment that claims to rehydrate your skin. The spa itself has an uncanny ability to make you feel calm as soon as you step into the reception, and the treatments themselves all tie into a theme based on the five elements of Eastern tradition (water, wood, fire, earth and metal).

The first part of the treatment was exfoliation, which involved being rubbed down with an organic green tea and dead sea salt scrub, designed to remove the top layers of dead skin and make way for the more radiant, fresh skin underneath. Bit by bit, my Indonesian therapist buffed and polished every square inch of my body, bar my face and the parts covered by my disposable mini boxer short briefs, with the scrub. Whilst not being particularly painful, it wasn’t the most relaxing of experiences, but a certain amount of force was necessary to stimulate my blood circulation, which in turn helps to remove toxins.

The sandpaper rubdown left me with a slightly odd, but not unpleasant, tingling sensation all over. I was then directed to the rain shower, in which I spent a good five minutes getting rid of the tiny bits of salt. As I dried myself off, I couldn’t believe how silky smooth I felt.

Next it was on to the hydrotherapy bath for some relaxation and deep moisturising, so I maneuvered myself inside and under the bubbles. Once lying comfortably, I had to choose an essential oil from the five on offer – again sticking to the idea that each of the five elements target specific problem areas. I opted for wood, which was said to nourish my skin and draw out impurities.

Twenty minutes and a tricky exit from the bath later, I was lying face down waiting for my Sodashi signature earth massage. Talk about saving the best until last, this massage was bliss at its celestial best. Such a complete difference from the rough scrub of only an hour before, the massage was light but effective as my therapist generously applied the earth essential oil before deftly kneading her way through all of the knots in my shoulders, neck, back, arms and legs, I could literally feel my skin slurping up the moisture. The ultimate pleasure though was the scalp and head massage, which was so relaxing I felt myself nodding off. Being in such a state of total relaxation made it hard to finally sit up when the massage was over.

At the end of the treatment, I was pleased with how my skin looked and felt. With the heat remaining for a few weeks yet, it’s just the excuse needed to pop back for another treatment.
Four Seasons Spa & Wellness Centre (4494 8801). Summer breeze package, 140 minutes, QR1,100