Category Archives: Beauty

Namaskar Spa, Marrakech

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Every girl should have perfect nails to display at the poolside so I was delighted when I got the chance to try the Namaskar Spa for a full luxury pedicure.

Located down a hidden pathway, the spa is unassuming – a quiet retreat for guests needing some t.l.c. Greeted by the friendly staff, I took a seat and enjoyed my soothing tea and warm cleansing cloth.

My therapist spoke no English so we communicated minimally through hand gestures. A full hour of intensive foot pampering passed by quickly, it was perhaps the most thorough pedicure I have ever experienced.

After a soak and file, my feet were exfoliated and moisturised, though the best part was the amazing massage which followed. While I read through the various magazines on offer, my therapist worked miracles on my feet, her concentration did not falter. My toenails were trimmed, rounded and even my Jessica nail varnish colour of choice was painted on, a vibrant shade of daffodil yellow.

With flip-flops carefully manoeuvred onto my colourful feet, I was ready to show off my tootsies by the pool. Namaskar Spa is a real asset to the hotel and a must for every guest.

More information here: www.palaisnamaskar.com/eng/welcome/

Spa and Sustenance at La Sultana, Marrakech

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La Sultana is part of the ‘Small Luxury Hotel of the World’ group and successfully offers guests authentically Moroccan five-star accommodation. This lovely property is steeped in tradition and beautifully designed. With various riads to choose from, the different rooms and suites evoke alternate characters, moods and styles, there truly is something for everyone. It is a petite hotel, intimate and cosy but it is easy to find your own space to relax. The central courtyards offer oases of serenity and peace, with trickling fountains, lush greenery and pretty pools for cooling down during the hours of sweltering heat.

With our accommodation already arranged, we sadly couldn’t test the rooms but found just enough time for a short spa treatment and evening meal. Here we found a moment of quiet despite being located in the midst of the medina.

The small scale indulgences were modest but wonderful and the attention to detail is obvious throughout the building.

The fragranced hallway leads you to the small spa which offers a large variety of specialised treatments. After changing we descended a precarious spiral staircase to a warm room for a 30 minute massage. Asked beforehand about our preferences, we were each able to customise the massage to best suit our needs. I chose to concentrate on back and legs and chose the sweet vanilla oil. Relaxed and destressed, I was almost asleep by the end.

Before supper we had a few minutes to enjoy a hot cup of herbal tea and the thermal pool, revitalising our bodies before the feast ahead. With seating around an illuminated outdoor pool and a local musician playing in the cloisters, the setting for dinner could not have been more romantic and special. Moroccan classics and contemporary dishes can be found on the menu, so for those staying at the hotel there is plenty of choice each evening. We selected a mixture of both cuisines though it was the more traditional dishes that stood out. Pigeon pastilla with rich and meaty, while the lobster ravioli was an innovative and extravagant option. My chicken tagine was tender and vibrantly flavoured with lemon, a popular recipe in Marrakech, made here to the highest standards. Following several glasses of well-matched Moroccan wine, we completed the meal with expertly poured fresh mint tea.

La Sultana is quite simply a lovely place to be, awakening every sense to the Moroccan way of life and leaving you with a lasting memory of this miraculous city.

More information on La Sultana here.

www.lasultanahotels.com

Many thanks to Visit Morocco and Travellink Morocco.

Spa Satori, Manchester

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Follow the High Street into the Northern Quarter and eventually you will reach Spa Satori, Manchester’s favourite holistic health and beauty retreat. Established in 2002, this independent spa has built a reputation for providing the highest standard of healthcare and wellbeing treatments. Offering a wide variety of spa and beauty therapies for both men and women, the experienced and passionate therapists strive to offer you the most rewarding spa experience.

With an extensive list of treatments including the ‘Ultimate Stress Relief’ Massage, Hot Volcanic Stones, balancing Reflexology, detoxing Colonic Hydrotherapy, 100% Organic Eminence Facials, Shellac nails, Waxing and many more, Satori will remedy and relieve any stress and strain and beautify you from head to toe.

When we arrived the spa was blissfully silent, we slumped down onto the plush sofas and enjoyed a few minutes relaxing whilst heated lavender cushions were placed around our shoulders. Before long we were in one of the rooms lying on gloriously soft warm beds, ready to be pampered. Two dedicated therapists talked us through which treatments would suit us best. I had a 1 hour Eminence Organic facial and my friend opted for the lava shell body massage and we both completed our sessions with the specialist Hopi Ear Candle Therapy.

My facial soothed and refreshed my skin removing dead skin, extracting dirt and alleviating blocked pores. The massage was gentle but worked deep into the muscles to remove all tension. Spa Satori offer an unrivalled list of treatments and the Hopi Ear Candle treatment is just one of the more specialist therapies you can experience here. We both found it very interesting to try this, lying still whilst a candle burns down sucking wax from your ear and clearing your sinuses. I’m not sure how different I felt afterwards but I definitely felt healthier.

This luxurious retreat left me feeling revived, rejuvenated and refreshed before boarding the train back to London. A lovely place to spend the whole day or just pop in for a quick treatment whilst in town.

More information here: www.spasatori.co.uk

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.

Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.

Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50  and Advance First £38.00, book here.

Bali Health Spa, Manchester

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Bali Health Spa is cleverly concealed in the aromatic streets of Manchester’s Chinatown. But once you have found theinconspicuous entrance and made your way up the staircase you will not want to leave in a hurry. This Balinese-inspired day spa and tea house is instantly calming, a welcoming retreat from the busy streets of the city centre.

After jumping off the tram and running through the streets, we still arrived embarrassingly late for our 11am massages. The staff were unfazed though, efficiently placing slippers on our feet and escorting us upstairs to the couple treatment room. We were talked through the special features of our chosen massage (the BALI Signature Energising Massage) which uses their own oil blend and herbal poultice. Both therapists focused on our individual needs, for me this was the tension in my mid and upper back.

The spa treatments incorporate both Western and Asian techniques and are carefully tailored to suit each client. The room designs take inspiration from world class spa resorts, luxury hotels and Asian massage centres hoping to offer a simple but special luxury. Our room was petite but very comfortable, with soft heated beds and a delicious scent in the air. The treatment began with a warm foot flannel followed by the herbal poultice. My therapist then worked her way through the stiff knots ensuring the pressure was strong enough for me throughout. In just 35 minutes we were both totally soothed of all aches and pains, too relaxed to even get off the beds. As a parting gift the staff gave us the herbal poultices to take away and use in a relaxing bath at home.

Rejuvenating pods are a special feature at Bali Health Spa and enable the venue to cater for large groups. Twelve pods with built-in massaging seats are available for use on the second floor. You can create your own private sanctuary with the 30 or 60 minute massage programmes, or use the facilities whilst enjoying another beauty treatment. As I sat in the comfy leather chair drinking my lemongrass tea, I was lucky enough to receive a thorough pedicure. A lovely girl soaked and sanded my feet, removing all dry skin and exfoliating until they felt softer than ever. After an hour of luxurious pampering, she added the finishing touch, a coat of red Jessica nail polish.

Open seven days a week with impressively convenient hours, the Bali Health Spa is a haven for ultimate indulgence. Whenever life in the real world gets too hard, this beautiful spa will alleviate stress and put balance and beauty back into your day.

More information here: www.balihealthlounge.com

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.

Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.

Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50  and Advance First £38.00, book here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 151

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I am very excited to see the launch of the Mavala ‘That’s My Colour’ campaign. This is a month long social media initiative which sees Mavala nail varnish brand encouraging the public to send in pictures (via Twitter and Instagram using #ThatsMyColour or directly to the MavalaUK Facebook page) of objects featuring colours they’d love to see bottled and turned into a Mavala nail polish. It could be your favourite dress, a flower or anything else made from a colour that inspires you. I know mine would be a particularly shocking shade of neon pink to match my website and all my thoroughly modern accessories.

At the end of the month three entries will be selected to create the Mavala ‘That’s My Colour’ collection to be launched in early autumn giving the public a special chance to dictate which colours are must-haves for the forthcoming seasons.

See the video here explaining the campaign – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPF5CP_Bqqo and post your picture to one of the social media platforms below:

#ThatsMyColour on Instagram

@MavalaUK on Twitter

MavalaUK on Facebook

Good luck!

Four Seasons Hotel and Spa, Hampshire

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I spent less than 24 hours at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire, but my mini-break here felt like a week long holiday. This restored Georgian manor house an hour outside London is easily the most homely of the Four Seasons I have stayed at, blissfully blending English country living with 21st century modernity.

Driving up the bumpy driveway, the epic building looked like a palace ahead of us… impressive in size but utterly charming in character. Comprising of several different wings, it can be difficult to navigate your way around, although the obliging staff are more than happy to assist, escorting you back to your room, or elsewhere on site. There is an abundance of fun, exciting and indulgent things to do at Four Seasons Hampshire, suitable for all the family. There are a few activities I would particularly recommend:

1.Going for a bike ride round the countryside. Bikes, maps and water bottles are available free of charge from the hotel. The knowledgeable staff will advise you on a route and send you merrily on your way. Despite the freezing wind we loved our ride, spotting lots of amicable animals on our journey and travelling down past a very pretty river. It was idyllic and very invigorating to get some fresh air in my lungs! There are several little pubs to discover but sadly on a Tuesday the local was shut.

2. Returning back after your exercise fresh faced and ravenous, the special afternoon tea is the ideal sustenance. A delicious cake stand of classic English filled sandwiches, warm home baked scones and divine miniature cakes and pastries… a treat for all the senses.

3. If you’d like company the hotel dog is available for walks, just ask at reception. Welcoming one and all, dogs are even allowed to stay at Four Seasons Hampshire, a fact that astounded me. The staff deep clean the carpets after each furry guest ensuring the room is in tip top condition before the next visitors arrive.

We were staying in the amazingly spacious Park Suite. It was magnificent, fit for a queen, with luxurious fabrics, numerous amenities and heavenly views of the expansive grounds. Decorated in muted beige and cream, it had an instantly calming effect; we sat in our grand living room sipping the chilled champagne and munching on chocolate coated strawberries, both left kindly in our room for us.

Down duvets and pillows top the beds, a Nespresso machine for caffeine kicks and silky soft slippers and towelling robes for wrapping up in. You won’t want to leave the room – we delayed our departure to spend more time lazing around, watching the big flatscreen tv and flicking through magazines. The rooms at Four Seasons Hampshire are blessed with glorious light, making the private accommodation the ideal place to work, sit or just relax all day. If you feel like venturing out there are plenty of lovely communal areas like the splendid library to explore.

Our suite had one full marble bathroom and one guest powder room. The main bathroom was spectacular, glistening and shining with a huge bath and rain-shower, a separate toilet and two massive his and her sinks. Sparkling mirrors and super soft towels are also on offer.

The spa alone is reason to visit… a huge luxurious fitness and beauty centre with every facility imaginable. Lavish but lovely with thoughtful touches evident everywhere. I was lucky enough to experience the popular Pure Radiance Facial, the perfect pick-me-up to refresh and add a glow to tired winter worn skin. This hour long treatment is soothing and sensual for the face, using the gorgeous ESPA products, it revitalised me for the week ahead. After my treatment I went for a long swim in the indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool before enjoying the sauna and steam rooms. The spa is kitted out with every essential and luxury you could ever need… and I understood quickly how so many can spend the whole day here.

There are various dining options available… the prestigious and smart ’Seasons’ restaurant, the more relaxed Bistro and Cafe Sante the health conscious lunch choice at the Spa. We tried the Bistro for supper, which was good enough to deserve a separate review! Breakfast the next morning was also served in this large room. We enjoyed an exquisite array of continental treats, tiny pastries and fresh juices, warming roasted coffee, french toast and waffles. We felt completely spoilt by the staff who managed to provide us with everything despite the inconvenient power cut! Needless to say it was all delicious, particularly the homemade options.

After a full and fabulous day of relaxing and refreshing, eating and exercising, it was time to leave Hampshire and our favourite new hotel. Just a short distance from London, but feeling far far away from busy city life, Four Seasons Hampshire is the perfect place for a short getaway.

More information and book here.

www.fourseasons.com/hampshire

Hari’s Hair and Nails, King’s Road

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Hari’s is my dream salon… a kooky King’s Road venue to get both your hair and nails spruced up. It is a beauty hot spot, frequented by famous faces and always busy and buzzing.

With over 35 years experience as one of London’s most famous hair and beauty retreats, Hari’s philosophy is to nurture and develop its own talent with a team of innovative stylists, many of whom have been with the company for over 15 years. They please both men and women with their exemplary colour and cutting, and fabulous Sophy Robson nail art services.

On a rainy Friday afternoon the salon was chaotic, full of pretty girls needing a make-over before the weekend. Luckily the 19 bus stop is just a few steps away so I jumped in before being soaked to the skin, ready to let the Hari’s crew beautify me. I initially noticed the quirky interior, every mirror station is differently designed and the detailing gives the salon real personality. The colour and pattern explosion reminded me of the 90′s – a kind of Girl Power haven.

Sophy Robson is something of a phenomenon, and her permanent nail station at Hari’s is a real asset to the salon. Designing and painting the nails of celebrities worldwide, including on site at the London Olympics, Robson has brought nail ornamentation to the forefront of fashion. Neringa is Sophy’s top nail girl and I was lucky enough to have my fingernails in her capable hands. Deciding on an assortment of 10 different Sophy signature styles she got to work immediately, a speedy expert. Tut-tutting at my bitten nails, she gave me a quick manicure before coating the nails in clear base coat. The ten designs (mini hearts, camouflage, flowers, polka dots, candy stripes, houndstooth, clouds, ice-cream, dalmatian and Giles eyes) each involve different coloured varnishes and complicated patterns. The techniques are tricky but Neringa completed each nail efficiently and swiftly painting the intricate designs immaculately.

After sitting downstairs for nearly 90 minutes of nail art, I was escorted upstairs for my hair cut and blow dry. I was lucky enough to be with Andy, one of the most experienced stylists at Hari’s. Known for his versatile and sharp skills he greets every customer with a warm smile and a sweet manner. He trimmed my hair before giving me a volumising blow dry. Using Kerastase products and his hands to scrunch my hair, he managed to bring out amazing natural waves. Teaching me as he worked, he convinced me I could do the same at home.
Hood up and coat on, I was ready to face the rainstorm outside, my nails and hair perfectly prepped and preened ready for the weekend. I can’t imagine a more fun and fabulous place to hang out on a Friday afternoon… Hari’s is a hairdressing heaven and a nails sanctuary for London’s most stylish girls and boys.

Details: Hari’s Hairdressers King’s Road 233 Kings Road, London, SW3 5EJ 020 7349 8722

Hari’s Hairdressers Brompton Road 305 Brompton Road, London, SW3 2DY 020 7581 5211

More information here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 148

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Les Beiges is the light and luminous Spring range from Chanel. Super sheer bronzer powders to tint your skin with a subtle sun kissed glow without feeling heavy and cumbersome.

I was pleased to see no shimmer at all, a trait of bronzers I’m not very keen on. A bit of sparkle is okay in summer, but feels too glitzy for March. The Beiges hues are all very matte and natural looking, but can be applied with different brushes to create varying strengths of colour. Used with a big bushy brush the colour is faint and light; with the denser retractable Kabuki brush (also from the new Chanel collection) the colour is deeper, for a more obvious tan effect.

Les Beiges powder is the creation of Chanel’s in-house make-up guru Peter Phillips, who’s broken with the classic black packaging tradition just for this product – encasing the powder in an appropriately beige compact (another of Chanel’s signature colours). It is a striking and bold statement and looks slick and stunning.

Whilst adding a touch of colour and tan to the skin, Les Beiges also has useful sun protection (the powder equates to an SPF15).  It’s available in seven shades – from fair to darkish – I suggest choosing the one that’s just a tad deeper than your current skintone.

For the full beautiful beige look apply the sophisticated Beige Chanel nail varnish to your nails too.

Buy Les Beiges online here.

Blow Bar, Angel

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A blow dry is an instant pick-me-up and I think it is only a matter of time before this quick beautifying treatment becomes a super fad.

Blowbar is a styling bar concept imported from LA. They now have two London branches, in Wandsworth and Islington, and are conveniently located so you can pop in for a 30 minute wash and high fashion blow dry in your lunch break, or dash in before a night out (on Thursday and Friday they stay open until 8pm). And for just £25 a go it feels very affordable.

I visited the cute venue in Camden Passage, Islington… surrounded by gorgeous boutiques and glorious smelling cafes, it is a lovely place to potter around for the afternoon. The Blowbar salon is slick and stylish but very petite with black walls, cream leather seats and two wash basins at the back for hair washing. I love the font used by the company, a vintage twirly writing like the programme ‘Bewitched’ – it has a retro feel.

Blowbar also offer colour and extensions upstairs in the salon but I decided to go for a simple blow dry, so I could experience the treatment that has made them so well known. Emily washed my hair efficiently with the L’Oreal Professional products whilst chatting to me about life at Blowbar. Hearing about all the excitable girls that come in for preening, it sounded like such fun to be here everyday. It would be an ideal place to hold a girlie party, with champagne and a nail varnish station on offer to guests.

I opted for a simple wavy, glamorous style. It only took 20 minutes, after scrunching through a little product, Emily blasted my hair with hot air whilst pinning in several rollers to add more shape. Then to hold the ‘do’ in place she grabbed one of the many cans of Elnett hairspray and blitzed my hair. It felt light and lovely and looked miraculously sophisticated and grown up.

The blow dry will last a few days, and I guarantee after a few sessions at Blowbar you’ll be hooked on this ‘feel good and look great’ therapy.

More information here: www.theblowbar.com