Undefined Declarations

Dubai Beauty Center Review: Machka Beauty & Body Designs

I was delighted to accept an invite from May Khazal, Managing Partner at Machka Beauty & Body Designs and I was ecstatic after my experience at this top of the line beauty center.

When I asked May about what makes Machka unique from other beauty salons in the city, she said: “We want the client to feel like she is pampered and can do everything at one place. We offer superior quality while having competitive prices.”

May also explained to me how Machka’s concept is not just that of a beauty salon. “The salon is only part of the concept.” she said.

I personally believe that the strength of this high quality beauty center lies in its ability to act as a fitness center, beauty salon and spa all in one.

This proves highly convenient for Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle, where one can’t afford to make several visits to different centers and spas to get their services done.

Machka has these main departments:

Hypoxi (slimming technique using special equipment).
Hair and Nail Services.
Facials.
A wide range of Body Treatments.
Other services (Waxing, Threading, Tinting & Bleaching).
Bridal and Makeup.

Why Machka

Another feature about this high standard beauty center is the superior levels of hygiene and excellent maintenance of the facilities. The center shines and smells of cleanliness and freshness, the decor is contemporary and inviting and the interiors are brand new and well-maintained. Anyone visiting the center can see the attention to detail and care given to every aspect of the place. I was truly impressed by how neat and clean the place looked.

Marrakech Moroccan Bath

The therapist doing the Moroccan Bath at Machka is undoubtedly one of the best in town. She is originally from Morocco and has a complete understanding of the treatment and products used. She also takes her time and does an authentic bath treatment in a highly professional way.

The Moroccan Bath at Machka takes from one hour to two hours depending on the type chosen by the client.

The steps taken during the Moroccan Bath include:

The hair is shampooed and a hair mask is applied. Then the hair is wrapped to retain the moisture.
A mixture containing Moroccan soap and Henna is applied all over the body.
The body is rinsed.
The whole body is scrubbed with a special Moroccan Loofah. The feet are also scrubbed using a foot scrub.
A combination of mud and herbs mixture is applied to the body and face.
After each application, the client gets to sit in the steam for 15 minutes.
After applying the mud mixture, the body is wrapped in a plastic wrapper.
The body and face are rinsed.
As a final step, the body is rinsed with a special water mixed with rose water, oils and natural herbs.
Rose water oil is applied on the face.

Benefits of the Moroccan Bath:

Removes dead skin cells.
Improves blood circulation.
Invigorates and refreshes the body.
Reduces stress.
Enhances the overall well-being and mood.
Relaxes the body and tired soul.
Proven to effectively aid in slimming the body.
Tones the body.
Regenerates the skin.

Results:

Shiny skin
Fairer skin tone
Brighter complexion
healthy, natural glow
Relaxed, less stressed self

What distinguishes the Moroccan Bath from other body treatments is that it uses all-natural ingredients which help detox the body and take it to its natural and original state. It’s also greatly useful for sensitive skin. And since I have extremely sensitive skin, I can say that the treatment worked wonders for my body and my skin had no reaction whatsoever to any of the products used.

Thai Massage

After my Moroccan Bath treatment, I got to relax and unwind with a Thai massage done by a professionally certified Thai therapist.

The massage was highly rejuvenating, the ambiance was truly relaxing and I left the treatment room feeling chilled with a sense of unmatched calm and peacefulness.

As the therapist has a total of 10 years of experience in the field, she is an expert in relieving tension from the muscles and focuses on problem areas with high professionalism.

Price

The Moroccan Bath treatment is priced at AED 200, while the Marrakech (special) Moroccan Bath treatment is priced at AED 350.

Contact

Check out Machka’s Website for a list of their extensive treatments and services. And don’t forget to check out their Facebook Page too!

Until next time, Have a wonderfully pampered time 🙂

Treatment Room at Machka Beauty Center Dubai

Hair and Nail Care at Machka Beauty Center

Dubai Creative School Recommendation: The Annex Institute

Being a creative professional, I always found it so challenging to learn the right skills and tricks to make it in the creative world. Growing up and living in Saudi for most of my life hasn’t helped much either. Since there aren’t many opportunities to work in a creative industry or explore your creative potential and flair. That’s why I had to move all the way to London to take a course in a creative field.

Today though, you can find a highly professional and high-standard school for all your creative passions right here in Dubai! The Annex Institute is a new inspiring school in the heart of Dubai that trains creative individuals on beauty, hair, makeup, photography and film!

All of The Annex Institute‘s courses are certified by the KHDA and are vocational courses that will help you gain all the knowledge and skills that you need to start the creative career of your choice.

The Annex is the only creative school in Dubai that offers essential Basic Health and Safety courses for salons and salon professionals.

Me Checking out the school on the Girls' Day In Event! — Me Checking out the school on the Girls’ Day In Event!

Head of Hair Education at The Annex Institute; Yessenia Cano

Professional Hair Educator Yessenia Cano

Head of Hair Education and LA native Yessenia Cano has worked with Hollywood celebrities as a hair stylist as part of her extensive and unique portfolio! Someone with Beverly Hills experience in Dubai? Only at The Annex!

The Annex use the most professional hair and beauty products

Stay tuned to the blog for my next exciting post about The Annex! Where I get to take a Personal Makeup Artist course at the school with the highly talented Chief Creative Officer and Makeup Artist – Aqeel Al Nasser and flaunt a glamorous and contemporary brown smokey eyes look!

In the meantime, check out the school’s web site and Facebook Page and get inspired with the coolest creative school in town!

Dubai Boutique and Cafe Review: Spontiphoria

Spontiphoria: a combination of Spontaneous Euphoria or “Sudden Joy” is the idea behind the creative name of a newly opened concept store in Al Wasl Square, Dubai.

Spontiphoria is a home-grown unique store that effortlessly blends the convenience of a boutique and cafe concept. The bright and inviting decor of this boutique/cafe was the first element that caught my attention. I absolutely adored the vintage-style wallpaper, neat seating arrangement and overall fresh and elegant look of the store.

Managing Director Sidiqa Sohail spoke to me about the store’s concept, baked items offered in-store and other products, as I sipped some soothing lemon ginger tea and sampled delicious treats. Sidiqa wanted to bring something new and unique to the market, hence the idea of a boutique and cafe in one store. There’s even a bakery at the store where wholesome baked goods are freshly made every morning. Sidiqa; who started baking at age 16 can also be seen wearing a uniform and baking some specialty desserts. During our lovely conversation about her store and studying in the UK, I got to try out an Oreo and Nutella trifle. Which I must admit was simply divine! Another genius creation and specialty of the store are the unbelievably light and tasty Nutella cookies.

No Sugar Added to the Nutella Dessert

The great thing about Spontiphoria’s baked goods is that they follow home-made recipes; and that their Nutella dessert doesn’t contain any added sugar. Apart from the sweetness of the Nutella chocolate and other ingredients, no additional sugar is added to the recipe. This makes for a delightful guilt-free dessert that tastes so wonderfully light and gratifying!

Jumeirah-born Concept Store

Having opened only one month ago, the store is a unique addition to the Wasl Square block. While most Dubai cafes and boutiques offer similar commercial products and services, Spontiphoria brings in a new range of products and services which are home-grown and authentic.

“Our desserts and baked items’ focus is home-made and wholesome, and within that range falls both eastern and western desserts.” Explains Sidiqa.

Beautifully embellished Eastern Kaftans and stylish evening gowns can be seen on the racks at this airy and bright store. The outfits, accessories and gifts are imported from various countries in the U.S. and Europe.

Breakfast Spot

Since the store is open from 8 am, it would be a good place to start your day in a relaxed setting (classical music playing in the background) and in an unconventional way.

Freshly baked croissant and juice or coffee would be ideal for a place like Spontiphoria. Also, make sure not to miss out on the traditional “Karak Chai” that is freshly brewed twice a day (in the morning and at high tea time).

Window into Eastern Culture

There are countless International cafes and franchise chain stores scattered around Dubai. But what this city lacks is an authentic concept that gives visitors an opportunity to experience and uncover a broader and more cultured type of cafe and boutique.

Sidiqa wanted to introduce a different and unique type of store to the generic and International cafe scene in Dubai. And I believe that she has succeeded in doing just that. Because the last thing this city needs is another International cafe chain or fully imported boutique name.

If you would like to have a different kind of afternoon tea in a chilled and bright setting, want to start your day with home-made goodness or just happen to be in the area, then I would suggest that you drop by Spontiphoria for a rich insight into the opulent Eastern style and food culture.

I would highly recommend this spot for Western expats who are new to the region and unfamiliar with the Eastern culture. As Spontiphoria offers visitors an authentic taste of the region’s extravagant style and food scene.

Contact Details

Web site: http://spontiphoria.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/spontiphoria?fref=ts

Location: Wasl Square, Jumeirah, Dubai.

My Beauty and Home Fragrance Essentials: Bath & Body Works

Let me let you in on a little secret about my blogging rituals (as I like to call them); every night when I’m working on my laptop from home, and the comfort of my own bed – well mainly because I don’t have enough space for a desk in my studio apartment – I play a CD of chill-out or jazz tunes and light up a scented candle.

Not any scented candle though…I have developed a healthy type of obsession with Bath & Body Works collection of scented candles. My obsession started when a friend of mine presented me with their anti-stress stress relief scented candle as a birthday gift on my birthday. Yes, she’s a very caring and loving friend who thought that I could use some stress-relieving candles to combat my chronic stress that she could obviously sense every time we met 😀

Honestly, I’m very thankful for that friend for introducing me to the Bath & Body Works home fragrance collection. As I’ve been a big fan of their scented candles collection since that birthday present. My favorite scent is the Pineapple Mango (pictured above); it has a very sweet and fruity scent to it that is so strong and energizing.

You don’t want to miss out on the “Buy one get one free” promotions that the store has on its home fragrance range. That’s the time when you would see me at the store with a basket full of scented candles of all size and type. I tell you, they are highly addictive 🙂

Another product range from the beauty-lovers’ dream store that I’m a big fan of is their True Blue Spa range. I think the first product that I tried from that range was a body butter or lotion, before being hooked on their Callus Treatment tough love foot cream. It’s the most intensive yet light foot cream that you will ever come across. The foot scrub from the same collection is also great and effective. So is the hand lotion.

The good news is that Bath & Body Works Middle East have just introduced the True Blue Spa Shower Smoothies and Body Bars Collection. The smoothies come in a number of exotic fragrances in a rich formula with a blend of moisturizing yogurt and vitamins. Since the Smoothies come in the form of a creamy cleanser, you can expect your skin to be gently cleansed and hydrated at the same time. The Body Bars also come in various scents and help nourish and replenish your skin. Which means that you will enjoy a healthy, hydrated and refreshing shower experience!

The Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Range is a staple on my night stand

The 10 oz Shower Smoothie is priced at AED 80, while the 7 oz Body Bar is sold at AED 40.

I personally can’t wait to try this new collection from the wonderful and rich True Blue Spa range. You’ll most likely see me in a Bath & Body Works store with a basket full of goodies…especially when there are promotional offers being held, which is a regular thing with this fresh American brand. In the Middle East, they always run weekend offers which goes on from Tuesday to Saturday, in addition to their weekly offers. In Dubai, there are five store namely in Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Mall & Ibn Battuta.

In the end, I must admit that the sweet and relaxing scent from this brand’s scented candles collection has greatly contributed to my well-being and calmness. I don’t think I would have the patience and peacefulness that is essential for sitting down to write a blog post if it weren’t for Bath & Body Works’ wonderful collection of relaxing and invigorating scented candles 🙂

Watch this space for a cool and exciting giveaway with Bath & Body Works Middle East for a chance to sample their amazing and neat products.

For more details about UAE store locations, check out this link.

To find out more about the offers at the store and their uber cool collections, check out and “like” their Facebook Page.

Dubai Beauty Salon Review: Sisters Beauty Lounge

Being a regular client at Sisters Beauty Lounge Mall of the Emirates branch means that it’s the go-to salon for my hair cut, hair color, hair roots touch-up, and the fabulous Red Ken hair treatment. What I wasn’t aware of though, was that they also offer an exceptional classic manicure and pedicure!

Why is the Sisters Beauty Lounge mani/pedi unique?

Honestly speaking, this was my first time to experience a manicure/pedicure that uses a Brazilian mani/pedi kit. This basically means that water is not used to soak your hands. Instead, both hands and feet are wrapped in disposable gloves filled with a moisturizing Brazilian cream (includes copaiba oil). This is a highly hygienic method that acts as a great moisturizing treatment for the hands and feet. And I was informed by my nail therapist Amelia that Sisters is the only salon that uses this progressive and wonderful method in its manicures and pedicures.

Products Used in the Treatment

With a total of 13 years of experience in this business, it’s no wonder that Amelia is an expert in everything related to nails. She recommended the right products for my nail status and type, and also helped me select a good nail polish color to match my skin tone and that is also on trend.

Amelia used the “Rebuild” Perfect Nail nail hardener as a base coat treatment for my nails, since they are soft and chipped at the ends. A drop of Solar Oil was also massaged into my hands and cuticles. The oil contains essential oils (jojoba oil, almond oil) that help replenish and moisturize the nails and cuticles. This oil works just as well with polished nails.

Brazilian Pedicure

As everyone knows, pedicures in this region must involve a thorough foot scrub. I must admit that it’s my favorite part of the nail treatment! It just feels so good to get the skin on your feet polished and the rough skin removed. A tangerine scented foot scrub was used on my feet and I could tell that the product was of high quality from the rich texture of the scrub granules. It was simply divine….

Scrubbing the feet before applying the nail polish ensures that your feet are clean and fresh and ready to be extra pampered with a lovely nail polish 🙂

Nail Polish Brand Used

I was delighted to try the newly launched long-lasting nail polish by US brand CND. Vinylux offers a new nail treatment breakthrough with polish that lasts up to seven days without chipping!

The innovative range gives you durable, shiny and week-long wear polish with the use of a strengthening top coat. What’s more is that this polish can be applied directly to the nails without the need for a base coat. This allows a faster and more effective two-step process.

Amelia applied two coats of the CND Vinylux polish followed by a transparent top coat. I was amazed at how quickly the polish dried! it was almost instant and I didn’t need to sit at a drying bar or wait for it to dry! 😀

Brazilian Pedicure at Sisters Beauty Lounge

Main Pros of Sisters Beauty Lounge Nail Treatment

Highly experienced nail technicians. Amelia really knows what she’s talking about and has extensive knowledge about the products that must be used for the different nail and cuticle types.
Strong lighting above the nail station translates to a more efficient and effective session.
The salon follows high hygiene and safety standards with the use of disposable nail kits.
The use of the gloves with the cream to soften the hands really helps in achieving smooth and replenished hands.
The use of high quality and reputable product brands.
Relaxed and chilled ambiance.

Me being pampered at Sisters Beauty Lounge

As if my treatment wasn’t rejuvenating enough, I could hear The Cranberries “Salvation” playing in the background. With the vocalist screaming the words: “Salvation, Salvation, Salvation is free“….Being a 90’s girl who grew up in this region and always dreamed of breaking free from my constraining lifestyle and cultural background, I think nothing could top that song at the end of my mani/pedi and as a declaration of my independence 😀

By now I guess you know all the reasons as to why I adore Sisters Beauty Lounge Mall of the Emirates branch. Yes, playing cool music all the time is one of them 🙂

Price: AED 75 for the Classic Manicure and AED 85 for the Classic Pedicure

Web Site: Sisters Beauty Lounge

Facebook Page: Sisters Beauty Lounge

Giveaway # 2: Professional Photography Session with Yasir Saeed Photography

Have you been dreaming of having your photos taken by a professional photographer, but never got the opportunity to turn that dream into reality?

Well, now is your chance as we are giving one lucky winner a complimentary professional photo session with a total of 10 images compiled in a digital smart phone application that allows you to share the album with your friends and family.

What’s more is that this package is originally valued at 1,000 AED!

Why Yasir Saeed Photography?

Yasir creates “Contemporary Portraits” with a flair of fashion.
95% of his subjects are not models; and a makeup artist is not employed on most of his shoots.
Fashion photo shoots mostly change what the person looks like, while his work keeps people looking as they are naturally.
Yasir’s photography is a unique blend of standard studio photography and commercial fashion photo shoots.
His service includes going to the client’s location and shooting there at no extra costs.

Yasir Saeed’s Philosophy

Everyone is a supermodel, everyone is photogenic.
If you don’t look good in your photos, it’s the photographer’s fault.

Quotes by the Photographer

“When I take photos of any subject, I look at them through my eyes and how they appear to me. I need them to feel good about themselves, and see them for how they really are”

“There’s a big difference in how people see themselves and how they really are. People are very cruel to themselves. I try to show them how beautiful they are.”

ENTER GIVEAWAY BELOW

Notes:

Entrants must be residents of the UAE and must be able to collect the prize from Dubai.
Winner will be announced on 1st of October.
The giveaway does not include high resolution images, only 10 images in a digital smartphone app.
Entrants must “like” both Facebook Pages (Undefined Declarations and Yasir Saeed Photography) to qualify for the competition.

Good Luck!

Dubai Chocolate Boutique Fairy Tale: Debauve & Gallais

In a city that attracted thousands of International brands from across the globe to open branches in its glamorous and shiny malls, it’s no doubt that the chocolatier of the kings of France – Debauve & Gallais has opened its first regional flagship store in Dubai.

Brand History

Debauve & Gallais, a brand that carries a strong history behind it, is certainly not just another gourmet chocolate brand. Dating back to the year 1800, when “Debauve” – pharmacist of the King Louis – opened a chocolate factory with his nephew, Mr. Gallais. The quick success of this factory made it the appointed supplier of the Kings of France at the time.

The specialty French Royal Chocolatier’s flagship Paris store of almost 200 years still stands at Rue des Saints-Peres and is inscribed in the French Historic Monument List.

Since the brand is the renowned chocolatier of the Kings of France, everything about this delicacy follows the spirit of the French Royal life style. Strongly inspired by Marie Antoinette and the lavishness of her era, expect nothing less than authentic French designs, porcelain vintage ornaments, hand-painted ceiling and wall coverings and original antiques.

An eye for quality and attention to detail are what differentiate this chocolate brand from all others in the industry, and are highly reflected in its products, packaging and boutique. Debauve & Gallais stands in a category on its own and is considered the most exclusive chocolate brand in the world.

I was delighted to accept an invite to visit the brand’s Dubai flagship boutique located in DIFC, and open since February 2nd, 2012. Over superior quality and rich hot chocolate and chocolate pistols, I had a very enjoyable and interesting conversation with the brand’s Business Development Executive; Nahid Ghahary. Nahid introduced herself to me and explained her passion for everything French; from the language to the culture to of course the chocolate 🙂 She described the brand as a “chocolate through chocolate experience” meant for exclusive clients. These clients include upscale people interested in luxury and different experiences. Such as upscale families who don’t mind spending in return for great quality. They also cater to big corporate clients and make elegantly packaged corporate gifts for those clients.

Information about the Chocolate

With over 2,000 recipes, you’re sure to find a flavor that will keep you coming back for more. As Nahid told me “it’s addictive!”. But don’t worry about the calories, as the cocoa pods used in making this gourmet chocolate are among the top 5% luxury cocoa pods. And the cocoa type and sugar used are of the healthy and beneficial type. Unlike most chocolate brands that are creamy and heavy in taste, Debauve & Gallais chocolate has a very high quality and fine texture and taste to it.

And if the above information isn’t enough to make us want to become loyal fans, knowing that the cocoa plantations for this chocolate brand are located in Cuba and Venezuela surely will.

My Debauve & Gallais Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Experience

I don’t recall ever tasting a hot chocolate as rich and of high gourmet quality as the one that I had during my all-things French and chocolate related conversation with Nahid. The exclusive brand’s hot chocolate is made by adding low fat milk to 72% dark chocolate chips and a touch of cream. The boutique also serves a variety of tea and coffee types.

All the chocolates are hand-made as opposed to using a machine to make them. And the print on the chocolate pieces is a silk print that can also be personalized according to the client’s request. With a price range of AED 11 per piece and AED 850 per kg, evidently this chocolate brand is not made for mass consumption. But for the sophisticated and refined chocolate lovers and connoisseurs.

Best-sellers

Marie Antoinette Pistols (Les Pistoles De Marie Antoinette)
Truffles
Forestiere (pistachio covered chocolate balls)

Boutique Interior Design

The luxuriously decorated interior of the boutique is the creation of Elenora showroom and interior design studio. Located beside Mercato Mall on Jumeirah Beach Road, this design boutique offers a unique selection of furniture, wallpapers, fabrics and trimmings and wonderful antiques sourced from Europe and America.

I was also pleased to meet with Boutique Manager; Niya El Maataoui who was kind enough to talk to me about the different antiques and ornaments spread around the extensively well-decorated space. I will let my pictures do all the explaining 🙂

More Chocolate…

Sadly, my chocolate fairy tale had to come to an end…but my obsession with this exclusive specialty French Royal Chocolatier has just begun!

With a sample gift box of dark chocolate pistols – with the word “Dubai” inscribed on them – from my generous and lovely hosts, I can rest assured that I have my Debauve & Gallais chocolate cravings taken care of. At least until my next visit to this dream land hidden gem.

Honestly, I had such a wonderful afternoon at the boutique with my genuine and lovely hosts Nahid and Niya. And I can’t wait to go back for another magical moment of afternoon tea and one of a kind chocolate and of course lovely and highly cultured conversation.

Contact Information

Web Site: http://www.debauveandgallais.ae/

Facebook Page: Debauve and Gallais – Dubai

Instagram: debauveandgallias

Location:

DIFC, Gate Precinct Building 2

Dubai, UAE

Dubai Spa Review: Elixir Spa at The Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa (Part Two)

While The Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa may be well known for its lively and energetic beach party venue XL Beach Club (which by the way I still have to check out!) – this grand hotel and beach resort is also home to a hidden gem of a spa: Elixir Spa.

I decided to arrive 35 minutes or so before my appointment time so that I can relax in the spa’s locker room facilities; steam and sauna rooms before my treatment.

Steam Room

What makes this Ottoman-decor inspired steam room stand out from any other steam room that I had ever been to is the added detail in this room’s ceiling. Small light fixtures in the ceiling of the room change color simultaneously in a very subtle and relaxed vibe. The swift color changing movements help take your mind off whatever it is that it was engaged in and aids in clearing your head. The multi-colored lights definitely made me only want to focus on how the colors shifted and never want to leave the room! But I had to, since I still wanted to check out the sauna room next door.

Sauna Room

I thought that this spa’s sauna room was also different than others that I had been to. First, it was highly spacious. It could easily fit 15 to 20 people – perfect venue for a sauna party 🙂 Then, it had a furnace and nice interiors that emit a relaxed and chilled vibe. By staring at a light in one corner of this expansive and stylish sauna room, I could feel some calm and peacefulness overcome me. If I could use one word to describe this sauna room, it would be: authentic.

Relaxation Room

Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to lounge in this tranquil and peaceful room. Because it was already time for my treatment. The room had a relaxed air to it with the sound of soft chilled tracks playing in the background and cool dim lighting. It’s the perfect place for some meditation and quietness after or before a treatment at the spa.

Hot Stone Renewal Body Treatment

I’ve been wanting to try the hot stone massage for quite some time, and I’m glad that I did! as the therapist advised me, this massage is one of their best-seller treatments and it’s no surprise why it is. The type of massage used in the hot stone treatment is the popular Swedish massage. The therapist begins by rubbing some Moroccan Argan oil on the area, before using the warm yet soothing hot stones to massage the area in a smooth rolling motion. Circular, upward, or random strokes are used when massaging with the hot stones. What I found to be remarkable and highly comforting was that the stones glide on the skin so effortlessly. It certainly doesn’t feel as if an object is being pressed on your skin, but more like someone with unusually warm hands massaging your body 🙂 Simply divine.

After massaging with the stones, the therapist also uses her hands to complete the treatment with conventional massage strokes. The procedure is repeated on legs, arms, back, stomach and chest before ending with a stress-relieving head massage.

Needless to say, my one hour hot stone massage treatment made me feel relaxed, stress-free and utterly pampered. It also put me in a hypnotized sleepy mood which I loved except that I had to get some work done after the treatment 🙂

Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

Improves circulation
Improves blood flow
Eliminates toxins from the body
Helps relieve stress
Aids in relaxation and rejuvenation

Don’t Miss

I loved the still water with a hint of lemon that was served at the spa. It was a lovely addition to the conventional water, and was so refreshing to have before or after treatments. So if you visit the spa, you must have the lemon infused drinking water 🙂

Price

The hot stone renewal body treatment is priced at AED 500

There is an ongoing summer promotion at the spa which entitles you to a 20% discount on any Elixir signature treatment.

Contact

You can check out the Habtoor Grand’s web site for their contact information and details about the hotel’s restaurants, leisure and sports facilities, as well as their pool and beach club.

“like” them on Facebook to stay updated with their news here.

You can also read about my experience on a day at their beach club here.

Until next time, have a wonderfully pampered day!

Dubai Spa Review: N.A.I.L.S. Specializing in Organics

I had been living in Dubai for a year or so when I first found out about Nails Organic Spa. I think I was doing an online search for a salon close to my area when a link or a review led me to this hidden gem. Since then, I have been a regular visitor of this amazingly professional and relaxing spa.

Spa founder and CEO Jazz Bedesha explained to me how she wanted to bring something different to the spa market, so the concept of using organic products was introduced at Nails. Jazz also explains that: “although not everything is 100% organic, they try to source as many organic and natural products as possible.”

The spa uses and sells a number of all-natural and toxin-free cosmetics and skin care products. These include brands such as Zoya and Eminence.

Zoya nail polishes are non-toxic and have proven to be the only non-cancer causing nail polish brand available. By focusing exclusively on healthy, natural Nails, Zoya Nail Polishes has been awarded as the longest wearing natural nail polish by an independent panel in Women’s Health Magazine. Zoya Nail Polishes are free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor.

Eminence is an exotic skin care line that brings together high quality Hungarian ingredients with old world knowledge of herbs and fruits. The high-end organic brand addresses a variety of skin concerns such as premature aging and wrinkling, sun damage, acne, loss of vitality, tone and radiance. Despite Eminence being more on the higher price range, other herbal and natural line products are being sold at the spa.

Treatment: Half Lymphatic/Half Aromatherapy Massage

I was advised to do a combination of lymphatic and aromatherapy massages since each type serves different purposes. The aromatherapy massage uses softer strokes and helps you to relax, while the lymphatic massage uses strong strokes on areas that are susceptible to cellulite. The therapist used upward massage movements on my legs to promote blood circulation towards the heart and help reduce cellulite.

Benefits of lymphatic massage include:

Improving blood circulation.
Reducing body toxins and cellulite.
Toning and firming the body.
Tightening the skin.

Prior to the the treatment, my therapist Jen asked me to choose from a color palette the colors that I liked the most. Later, I got to smell the different oil scents corresponding to those colors and choose the one that appealed mostly to my mood at that time. If you’ve been following my blog, you might remember a previous review that I had done on a treatment with Nails. You can read all about it here.

All massage oils used in this highly rejuvenating and relaxing spa are 100% organic. Moroccan Argan oil is used in the massage treatment, and is also available for sale at the spa. I can honestly say that discovering this oil has been one of the best beauty secrets that I came across in my lifetime! Unlike many oils, Argan oil has a light texture and is absorbed quickly by the skin. It effectively nourishes thirsty skin, hair and even the rough skin on your feet! I highly recommend this oil to everyone and I believe that it’s one of the essential beauty items on your dressing table.

Staff Friendliness and Spa Ambiance

Honestly speaking, the staff at this spa (including the receptionists) are amongst the most professional salon staff that I have come across in this region! The appointments are always booked and started in a timely manner, the ladies are professional, polite and friendly, and most importantly, the appointments are ran smoothly and in a highly organized and systematic way. As you know, Dubai is a greatly fast-paced city and one can’t afford to loose time in waiting for an appointment or for the previous client to finish their time or anything of the sort!

Another element that I absolutely love about this spa is the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The soft background music playing in the spa is always calming and helps you to unwind from the business of city life.

Price

Once you visit Nails Spa, you will realize that this spa offers high quality services and treatments for great value.

The one hour Lymphatic Massage is priced at AED 375. You can try a package of 10 sessions and see how it enhances your body shape and assists you in loosing the extra pounds.

Contact Information

Web Site: Nails Organic Spa.

Facebook Page: N.A.I.L.S Specializing in Organics.

Final Notes

Nails regularly run special promotions on their various spa treatments and services. You can find out all about them on the spa’s Facebook Page.
From my personal experience, Zoya nail polish is way more long-lasting than other nail polish brands. The colors are solid and don’t chip off easily.
Argan oil is sold at the spa for AED 130 per bottle.

With a bagel shop just across the street from this heavenly spa (which I still have to try), all-natural and organic products, friendly service and a chilled ambiance, what better place to spend a day of unwinding and relaxation than at Nails?

Besides frequenting the spa for my waxing and nails services, I now look forward to trying their other massage treatments and services.

Have you been to an organic spa lately? if so, where was it and how would you rate your experience?

Dubai Spa Review: Tips and Toes (Part Two)

I’m a huge fan of massage treatments! whether it’s a stress relieving deep tissue back massage, a regenerating Balinese full body massage, a 30-minute foot reflexology treatment or even a strong scalp massage at the hair salon, I’m up for it any time of the year, month or day 🙂

I even booked another massage treatment today for this Saturday, so make sure you follow the blog to read all about it.

Exactly one month ago I had done a review on Tips and Toes‘ Rattan Foot Reflex treatment. If you missed it, hit this link for that review.

I was very pleased with my treatment that I decided to go back to the salon for a back and head massage. The back massage was a 30 minute Swedish massage. And the head massage lasted for 20 minutes.

Tips and Toes Greens Branch

I would like to note to all of my readers that while I went to the spa’s Dubai Media City branch for my foot reflexology treatment, my back and head massage was done at their usually busy Greens branch. Unfortunately, the space in this branch and the size of the treatment room doesn’t allow for a good amount of privacy and peacefulness required for any massage treatment. That’s why I would highly recommend a different branch if you were planning on getting a massage done. The Greens branch is OK for nails and other services though.

My Therapist

Being a highly talkative person in certain situations, I couldn’t help but start a conversation with my massage therapist. And I’m so glad that I did. Because she turned out to be very friendly, kind and wise too! Although she asked me the common question that spa and salon therapists like to ask their female clients: “Do you have a boyfriend?” twice, and me answering with the same reply (obviously, it was within a short period of time): No, I’m too picky – I truly adored that therapist for her wise response to my answer when she said: “All men in Dubai are players. If you don’t like to play, you will loose.” Or something of the like 🙂

Right. Thank you for reminding me of yet another challenging aspect of my current life while I was trying to get a massage done to relax and forget about stressful issues! (honestly, I’m only joking, I absolutely love wise and life-smart individuals.)

My Massage Treatment

The treatment as a whole was highly rejuvenating and soothing at the same time. It greatly helped me to unwind and forget about life’s stresses (including bad boy types) 🙂

My therapist also used some hot towels to help release the tension in my muscles and tight knots. This resulted in reducing the size of the knots to almost diminishing them altogether! Which as you all know is not an easy thing to do especially from one massage session!

As a result, I left the treatment room feeling more relaxed, much less stressed and in an overall more positive mood.

Cost and Contact Link

Since the spa was running a special summer promotion at the time of my treatment, I was able to get a 30% discount on the service. So I ended up paying AED 119 for my massage treatment.

You can contact the salon, find the branch nearest to you and ask about promotions by checking their web site below:

http://www.tipsandtoes.com/

Conclusion

I would highly recommend Tips and Toes for a mid-range revitalizing spa treatment. Their many branches offer a wide selection of services with professional therapists at very reasonable prices.

Personally, I have been dreaming of sitting in a warm jacuzzi or hot tub and never having to get out! EVER!

What treatment do you find yourself daydreaming about? which one is at the top of your list right now? what type of spa service do you like to get most?