Our Director, Dr. Catherine Masitsa-Rosza had booked this appointment for us a week in advance – a day at the spa. High in spirits, at 10a.m we make our way to Total Woman Spa located on the first floor of Adam’s Arcade Shopping mall. We are greeted at the door by a lovely looking lass in white. As we venture inside the parlor with its blue painted walls and crisp white furniture: tables, chairs working tops, it’s an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility. Janet, the Spa owner greets us with a warm smile and warm conversation as and hands us over to her attendants and the pampering begins.
First, we are treated to a sugar scrub with mint, and its heaven! The skin-penetrating effect of mint and the sugar on the hands is really soothing. The sugar-based exfoliating treatment makes quick work of dull, dry skin and ragged cuticles to give even to the most mani-deprived hands a taste of soft, smooth, spa manicure perfection–in just one minute. Ask for it when you visit the spa sometime.
This was followed by the paraffin manicure, and no, there was no paraffin smelling chemicals involved. It is actually a beauty treatment for the hands that combines nail polishing and buffing with skin softening and moisturizing. While most standard manicures focus only on the fingernails where Manicurists rub lotion into the fingers or provide brief palm massages, to increase blood flow into the fingers, which can help nail enamel adhere; paraffin manicures involves the entire hand being dipped in paraffin wax (this is where it derives its name from) either before or after the nails are polished, in order to seal in softness and moisture. The wax is usually left on the skin for some time, usually between five minutes and half an hour. When it is removed, the skin will typically feel silky soft, and the hands are refreshed and revitalized. Paraffin Manicure focuses on the health of the whole hand and ultimate relaxation is usually the goal. The incorporation of the wax is typically considered a luxury, and this sort of manicure is usually among the more expensive offerings at salons and spas.
Oh did I mention the tea and biscuits, the whole time we were getting the manicure? It really is thoughtful service.
Our hands look dapper, we make our way to the pedicure station complete with an all-white leather Robotic Massage Chair, with a full back and seat massage remote controlled by, you guessed it, you! The jet massage tub is exhilarating as the warm foamy pedicure bath massages the feet and toes. The lovely ladies work on our feet scrubbing, exfoliating and all manner of pleasantries and the result –soft, radiant feet, red painted toes that your significant other can eat grapes from. *wink*wink. A treat that every bride-to-be must have. Better still add it to your monthly bucket list.
Finally, we make our way to our private rooms each for a facial, massage and waxing. By the time we are done, its five o’clock, and we have to leave the pleasant indulgence.
