Tag Archives: pedicure

Jin Soon nail bar, New York

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Renowned as one of NYC’s best nail salons, Jin Soon now resides at three different locations, catering to girls with nail needs in East Village, West Village and the Upper East Side.

I visited the West Village spa and was impressed with the service from start to finish. The selection of nail colours on offer ranges from deep winter reds and browns to the palest neutrals and I was glad to see some fluro brights on display too. Jin Soon doesn’t restrict the collection to just one brand, instead offering polishes from Chanel, Essie, Opi and many more, all lined up on shelves against the wall, ready for application.

The nail bar is petite with a few tables for manicures at the front, and several reclining chairs for pedicures at the back. You can tell immediately that the staff here are experienced and prepared for every treatment. I received a speedy and thorough mani-pedi simultaneously (which is what happens in New York) from the lovely, efficient and friendly girls. With a mug of mint tea in hand, slumped in a sofa chair, I felt totally relaxed as my hands and feet were pampered… total bliss. The girls pummelled, exfoliated, trimmed and filed away, working meticulously to perfect my previously abandoned fingers and toes.

As well as the spa salons, there is the Jin Soon Lacquer line to invest in. These polishes have been a hit, bold thick glossy colours that add extra glamour to your nails. Their snazzy glitter colours have been particularly popular over the festive period and feature in all the major magazines.

Jin Soon is a revolutionary nail bar in New York – in under an hour they will transform your hands and feet, Cinderella-style.

More information here: www.jinsoon.com

Many thanks to NYC GO for their help with this trip, and Virgin Atlantic for flights.

Sophie Gass, Holland Park

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Every girl needs a local manicurist for a last minute beauty fix. In Acton I found Nara, in Holland Park I have Sophie Gass, a fabulous little nail bar on Ladbroke Grove.

Sophie Gass is a brilliant Holland Park ambassador, working in the centre of this West London area and enjoying all it has to offer. Whilst my toes were being pampered by her best therapist I picked her brains on the best things to do in the neighbourhood. At only 26, this girl has impressive ambition, discovering a gap in the market, she opened an affordable and stylish nail salon just a few months after quitting her high-powered job in the city. With an assortment of unique clothes, lovely jewellery and tempting accessories, it is also the ideal place to pick up a party frock or last minute gift.

I went along for a luxury pedicure and was amazed by the precision and care of the treatment. My feet were soaked, exfoliated and moisturised, my toenails were filed and cuticles were trimmed ready for my Essie colour of choice.

The salon is bright and airy, designed simply but with indulgent touches. Each reclining chair has a nearby iPad for your use and new monthly magazines are scattered about to occupy you while your feet are being pampered. When my bright blue nails were done, I tip-toed around the venue trying on the beautiful brightly coloured dresses and smiling at the sweet cards.

This is the highlight of Ladbroke Grove, and my favourite new hang-out in the neighbourhood. I can tell I will be spending a lot of Saturdays in Sophie Gass.

More information here.

www.sophiegass.com

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/