Life’s not always so easy, I work hard, but it doesn’t always follow that I want to play hard too. When it comes to taking some time off, occasionally I just want to be pampered and leave the thinking to someone else. Feeling in need of a recharge at the end of a long hot summer, I headed to the edge of the Dead Sea and the Evason Ma’In Hot Springs and Six Senses Spa, writes Ahmed Ramzi.
How to get there? Easy. I put my trust in Wataniya Airways a long time ago to get me to my destination with the minimum of fuss and the maximum of comfort. Checking in a the (now not so) new Sheikh Sa’ad terminal is a breeze. I have one rule I try to stick to when flying anywhere - whenever I get on an aircraft the only way to turn is left; to First Class. I now apply this to departing Sheikh Sa’ad. Turning left takes one to the First Class lounge.
Time for a bit of light breakfast before being whisked by car out to the waiting aircraft.
Perhaps one day, all airlines will be run this way. For sure there’s a lot other can learn from Wataniya’s decision not to squeeze in as many travellers as possible. When one travels as much as we do these days, it’s nice to be reminded that one is a human, and not livestock. The two-hour flight allowed just enough time for the excellent chicken and rice to be enjoyed at a comfortable pace. Airline food doesn’t taste the way it used to - and that’s a good thing!
Arrival at Queen Alia airport on time, and greeted by Evason Ma’In staff. In no time we’re at the resort, and being welcomed by Ibrahim Saba. Dinner at ‘The Springs’ providing the perfect end to the day.
Awaking to my one and only full day at Evason Ma’In, I was determined to make the best of it. Breakfast, a transfer to the Dead Sea, followed by a return to my refuge and tapas at the resorts Brown Bar. All this still allowed plenty of time for some spa time, and then paperbacks by the pool.
The emphasis at Evason Ma’In in on health and relaxation. The menus are inspired by international cuisine, and use regional ingredients sourced from Yemen through to Iran.
In common with all Six Senses spas, the Evason Ma’In places individual attention at the top of its list of priorities. My massage eased me towards a new reality through the physical, aural, and aromatic sensations.
Lying, as it does, 260 meters below sea-level and surrounded by mountains, I figured somewhere around me would be the opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset. Executive Manager Fred Selvi knew just the place. The Panorama Restaurant offers views across to Palestine, and gave much cause for reflecting on the ancient history of this land.
Romantic thoughts of the Levant swum through my mind as I once again sunk into my most perfect of slumbers.
The last day of a visit is never one to be wasted. I fitted in a visit to the Ma’In therapeutic hot springs, and a tour to Mount Nebo - to see what the Pope just saw - and then lunch at Haret Jdoundna in Madaba. Outstanding.
It hasn’t always been a pleasure to return to Kuwait, but these days knowing on arrival I’ll be greeted by Wataniya Airway’s splendid ground-staff makes the journey back all that more pleasant.
I left Kuwait jaded and drained, and arrived back two short days later ready to face a fresh round of challenges and opportunities. I think I could get used to this.
For further information on the Evason Ma’In Hot Springs and Six Senses Spa visit www.sixsenses.com/evason-ma-in
For further information on Wataniya Airways visit
www.wataniyaairways.com
First Published in Men's Passion Issue #17 November 2009
