The Domain Bahrain boutique hotel, which opened late in 2013, has finally unveiled its Vie Lifestyle Lab spa, bringing non-invasive weight loss and skincare treatments to the Persian Gulf region.

Located over two floors within the 131-key hotel, the spa features 16 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples’ therapies, a whirlpool and an Iyashi Dome – an infrared sauna that promotes detoxification, relaxation and weight loss by supposedly reducing the size of fat cells. The hotel claims that this is the first Iyashi Dome in the Middle East.

“First developed in Japan, this treatment is based on an ancient technique called Suna Ryoho where participants would bury themselves in hot sand to detoxify the body through perspiration,” Lisa Mascoll, director of Vie Lifestyle Lab told Spa Opportunities.

A ladies-only spa section is located on level 11 of the hotel, a mixed spa and gym can be found on level 15, in addition to an indoor pool on level 36. Facilities are available to resident hotel guests and Domain members alike.

“Statistics show that a growing number of people from the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council countries) are committed to changing their lifestyle to regain their health,” Mascoll continued. “They are willing to travel to far-away countries to try non-invasive solutions. Vie Lifestyle Lab has brought these solutions to the region.”

“The concept of Vie Lifestyle Lab has been developed with the help of a number of specialists in their respective fields,” added Mascoll. “The concept of Vie touches on so many different aspects of our lives that many focus meetings were required to piece all these elements together. Specialist equipment for massage therapy, hydrotherapy and facial therapy have been selected from leading international brands.

“Once equipment and treatment plans were designed, we worked together with Bahrain-based House of Infinity to work out the interior design and space planning. Sothys Paris has been selected as our anchor spa product.

“We also worked with Dubai-based Meraki on the Vie Lifestyle Lab brand, which was designed around our concept, to communicate the seamless link between science and conventional spa and wellness therapies,” commented Mascoll.

Customised anti-ageing facial packs are on offer at the spa, using a patented age-reversal cosmeceutical programme called the Collagen Hyaluronic Treatment, which features peptides, antioxidants, collagen and hyaluronic filling agents. Another signature treatment is the High Protection Eye Treatment, which features the use of chilled porcelain spoons on the skin to address puffiness and dark circles.

“Over the last couple of months, as director of spa operations, I have been working on recruitment and training of my team and on the pre-opening preparations. Many people like to ‘turn back the clock’ and regain some of their youthfulness, strength and energy. This can be achieved, but it often requires a change in lifestyle. Vie Lifestyle Lab is the place to get serious about such change,” concluded Mascoll.