Showing posts with label salon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salon. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 13, 2016


Last Saturday, I had no weekend-getaway plans to I decided to just spend it by pampering my tired hands & feet. I remember seeing this new salon near the parking area of Trinoma, so I decided to give it a try. Since it was real early, I was their first customer - you know there's always a pressure being the first customer, its like you're setting their sale situation for the day.

Anyhoo, the receptionist that greeted me was very kind & accommodating. I asked her what she can recommend as what I basically wanted was a foot spa/scrub of some sort. She recommended their Foot Spa package - which already consists of pedicure, foot scrub & massage. And all these 3 for just Php 450.00.

They also offer different kinds of scrub, oil & massage you can choose from; but if you're too lazy to select - then they do have a ready package you can choose from. I was so tired from my night shift that day so I just opted to choose from the ready list. I chose Easy Sunday Afternoon package which includes:
  • Peppermint Scrub
  • Lemongrass Mask
  • Lavender Oil
  • Swedish Massage
  • Pedicure inc. of regular nail polish     

Before I get to the service, entering the main area really amazed me. Their salon was so homey, and true to their business name, its as if you are inside a kitchen. 
Center table with fake cupcakes on top
Comfy couch sets
Work area is very spacious

Small pots/pans hanging on the wall, a refrigerator where they store their top of the line nail polish, even the tools they use for mani & pedi like a pan to soak your feet in, syringe to dispense their cuticle remover, etc. SOOO COOL :)
They use a whisk to mix the warm water & soap

Some of the kitchen tools they use for your feet


Easy Sunday Afternoon

1. First, they soaked my feet in a frying pan with hot water. One of the crew used literally a whisk to I guess mix the soap & hot water before they ask me to dip my feet in it.
2. After soaking, Anne started to apply the Peppermint Scrub on my legs. The peppermint smell was relaxing alone.










3. Then they wrapped my legs & feet with a clear cling wrap plastic foil. Anne describe this as baking. She had my legs & part of my feet baked for around 10-15 minutes.







4. While my legs are 'baking',  she started working on my toe nails. I was so amazed how they are using simple kitchen tools  on their mani/pedi service. She used a syringe to dispense a gel-form cuticle remover (this was my first time to try a gel-like form so I was so amazed) & a salt & pepper shaker to dispense alcohol. I also admire them for sanitizing all their tools before every service.


5. After my legs & feet have been fully baked, they took out the cling wrap foil by massaging a hot towel first. After removing the foil, they soaked my legs & feet again on a frying pan with hot water.

6. Next was my favorite part. The MASSAGE. Anne applied the Lavender oil & massage my legs & feet. HEAVEN.


7. The last part was of course the continuation of the pedicure itself. I paid an extra Php 60.00 for a Zoya nail polish. The package actually includes the basic nail polish already but if you want to try some high-end / organic nail polish - it will cost you extra Php 60.00 that you can use for both hands & feet.



Classic Manicure

Cost: Php 145 inc. of regular nail polish
1. First, they will ask to soak your nails on baking tray with hot water & soap.
2. The usual manicure process

They have a separate blower/heater to quick dry the hands & feet; very hygenic & useful especially if you are in a hurry.

Overall, my experience on this salon was incredibly awesome. All 5 stars for the staff, 5 stars for the excellent services and 5 stars for their tools/equipment/interior design.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place & will definitely go back.

They currently have 2 branches:
  •  Trinoma: located at the 3rd floor near Mindanao Parking Entrance & beside Sony shop
  • Alabang Town Center: UG Commerce Ave. Entrance, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
Visit their Facebook page for more information/reservation: https://www.facebook.com/kitchenails/







Wednesday, January 20, 2016

The Nature's Way Aromatherapy Salon (SM San Mateo Branch)
Update August 2017: I went back to this place for the same massage service & saw quite a big improvement from my last visit. They now have a basket where you can place your stuff inside the massage area. They also have a hook now inside each massage area where you can place your clothes. The place is much quieter now, although I went there on a weekday & at that time I was the only customer, but when the other staff outside was talking & laughing, the masseuse shushed them up & reminded them to lower down their voice. I very much appreciated that. The receptionist also asked if I want to shower & steam first - so that means its already available, yay! I had to decline that time as I just showered before I left home so there's no need for another one.

I just got back from my Korea trip with a terrible neck & back pain so I needed a massage pronto. I was planning to have my massage at Nuat Thai (San Mateo) but saw this spa place in SM San Mateo and decided to walk in to inquire.

Upon checking their service list, it seemed fairly priced so I decided to try them out. I had to wait for around 45 minutes though for an available masseuse, but I didn't mind. The receptionist was kind enough to ask for my mobile number so they can just text me once its my turn - which is a good thing as I can stroll around the mall instead of just sitting inside.

I chose the 'Shiatsu & Swedish Massage Treatment' for 90 minutes. I was ecstatic that it was inclusive of shower & steam - as what was indicated on their service menu.





I would just like to note that after my massage and during payment - ONLY then was I informed that it was just their 2nd day of opening. So this made me (kinda) understand what I experienced that day.

When I went inside towards the massage area, I saw a few men still working on some areas of the place. And yes, I can also hear them probably mixing cement, hammering, talking, etc. while I'm almost naked on the bed. Honestly, the whole 90 minutes I was awake and paranoid - especially since the small space I was in was just covered with curtains. I hear those men or whoever walking past the small space I am in; being paranoid if they can see me through some small holes of the curtain or whatever. I just wish they did that during the night or early morning while the mall was closed. It defeats the purpose of offering a relaxing/therapeutic experience to the customers. It was so noisy too that even the good massage did not made me relax & sleep.

Other things to improve on:
 
Massage Room

    -Light was too bright. I've been to a few spa places and as part of helping their clients relax - they should provide dim lights. The lights on the room was not that LED bright but it was not dimming the room either. Bright lights contributed on how paranoid & scared I am especially as I can hear men outside - like I feel was just inches away from our space/room. 

 -No hook/s to hang my clothes or a table to place my personal belonging. I had to place them all on the floor.
 


 
No Sauna or Shower Room (yet)

Since they were only on their 2nd day of opening & still on the process of construction - sauna/shower were not yet available. It would have been a nice gesture if they informed me right away that these won't be available yet - or noted it on their service list/menu. Or better yet, lower down the price since they could not offer the whole package yet.

Above everything else I've experienced, the massage was great & staff were nice & accomodating. But, it would have been best if they did not accept massage services whilst they are still not fully done with the construction of the place OR do the construction during off peak hours. It was really a turn-off for me and the other clients who went for a massage that day too for sure.

Hopefully, the next time I visit - they are all done with the place & offer a much more relaxing service.
  



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