There’s something about the unfussy glamorous ambiance of the Four Seasons Beirut Spa that instinctively makes you want to throw off your shoes as soon as you walk into the door, splatter yourself on a flat surface somewhere and announce “take me away.”

Despite its luxurious five star status, the place exudes an ultra-chic effortless zen flair without coming off as too lavish for comfort, a place where you’re more than happy to turn your phone on airplane mode, put on a fluffy white Egyptian cotton robe and surrender. And that’s precisely what I did.

After detailing my preferences on a straight forward questionnaire the super friendly spa attendant led me to the marble clad locker rooms. It felt more like a changing room fit for a star. A dressing table sat in the center complete with an ample range of complimentary personal hygiene and essential products with every possible thing you would require post-treatment, from my favorite brand of hairspray to deodorant. Each detail had been carefully thought out. I slipped into my robe and a comfy pair of green slippers as I made my way to the steam room.

I was advised to give my skin a good five minute sit-in, namely to relax but also to get the steam to open my pores and sweat out toxins before my treatment began.

Five minutes was more than adequate to get me flustered and as soon as I exited the steam room, a cold bottle of water had discreetly appeared with my belongings. It doesn’t get more thoughtful than that.

My massage therapist was waiting right outside as she walked me to a large private massage room, one of seven the Spa boasts. As part of the relaxation treatment I was invited to soak my feet in a basin as she began an aromatic cedar-wood infused bath. Perfect.

I had opted for the Mediterranean Experience; it included a full body massage and an Arabian Exotic Purity facial treatment with Cedar wood essential oils and my personal favorite, extra virgin olive oil.

The full body massage was exceptional and delivered exactly what it had promised from foot to neck; balance and relaxation. The combination of that with the soothing music that played in the background put me on a natural high. To top it off, she concluded by massaging my feet with olive oil and wrapping them with more fluffy warm towels. I felt like a pampered baby.

Next came the facial, my skin was gently cleansed with a chamomile and lime, exfoliated and toned and hydrated with Rose Face Mist. Then came the eye lifting gel and a revitalizing face mask followed by a lovely massage and hot towel wrap and a velvety nourishing moisturizer. It was revitalizing to say the least. The entire treatment was performed exclusively with Sodashi products, a high-end chemical free Australian brand specialized in skin care and spa therapy, available at the Four Seasons Spa.

Getting up from that massage table was the hardest part after 120 minutes of pure bliss I didn’t think I was ready to face the world again. But I guess that’s why most respectable spas seat you in what I like to think of as the transitional room, a private lounge area where you can continue to experience the tranquility while nibbling and sipping on some tea and nuts and one of the best granola bars I have ever had, prepared at the hotel’s kitchen.

I couldn’t get myself to dab on makeup after that facial, my face was supple and firm, way too clean to be polluted, so I conjured up the courage to walk out makeup-free and happy.

The spa also offers an extensive list of massages from Traditional Thai to Swedish Massages in addition to a fabulous VIP couple’s suite with its very own private Jacuzzi , a perfect treat if you have something to celebrate.