FabSugar UK

Little Black Book: Leonor Greyl at the Michaeljohn Salon

BellaSugarUK — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I told u about Leonor Greyl's amazing new deep conditioner called Masque Quintessence, and last week I was privileged to get a customised treatment in the very private VIP room at the Michaeljohn Salon in Mayfair.

First they began by coating my hair with Huile de Palme to help nourish and detangle. Then, they applied a mixture of Huile de Germe de Ble, with wheat germ extract and celery extract (a combination you can only get at the salon) to help strengthen and deep clean. Next was a ten minute heavenly scalp massaged follow by an application of Masque Quintessence. Then came the neck and shoulder massage done with Huile de Magnolia oil.

After 20 minutes of letting everything absorb, my hair was thoroughly washed until it was actually squeeking clean! The most fabulous part of the wash (oh yes it gets better) were the chairs that massaged your back as you hair was being rinsed.

Finally, my hair was dried by Esther Lam, a senior stylist who was able to really showcase my healthy hair and scalp. All of a sudden my once limp locks had bounce and extraordinary shine - thank you Leonor Greyl and Michaeljohn for such a fabulous treat!

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Little Black Book: Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa

BellaSugarUK — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0100

In the French village of Martillac, just eight miles from Bordeaux, lies a charming white-washed country chateau amidst acres upon acres of grape vineyards called The Sources de Caudalie. The hotel boasts 49 guest rooms, two restaurants and an incredible Vinothérapie Spa that incorporates actual grapes, vines, seeds and local spring water in their treatments.

Caudalìe launched in 1993 by a young couple, Bertrand and Mathilde Thomas who were passionate about starting a beauty brand. In a Bordeaux vineyard, they met pharmacy professor Dr. Vercauteren who revealed that grape seed oil is 10,000 times more powerful at fighting off free radicals than Vitamin E. Since it had already been established that free radicals are what causes premature signs of aging, the three got together to develop Caudalie.

Today, Caudalie has over 30 products in their range to help heal, soothe, smooth, de-wrinkle, firm, cleanse, tone, exfoliate and tan the skin. This is the first vinothérapie spa and the setting can't be beat. I got a facial and a massage and not only did I love the scent of each of the grape-infused products, but my skin looked instantly glowy and renewed. I didn't buy anything to take home, but, I did receive samples. I love this concept because now I can spend some time with the products before committing to buying anything. If you ever fancy a little wine and a relaxation, vinotherapy is the ultimate indulgence.

For more photos of the spa, Caudalie products and the hotel grounds, just read more.

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Little Black Book: Strip Waxing Bar

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

If you're anything like me, you get easily freaked out by the thought of a bikini wax. They're painful, embarrassing and they take forever. So whilst they are just one of the things us ladies endure for the sake of beauty, I never look forward to appointment time...that is, until now. Yesterday's experience completely changed the face of bikini waxing for me forever.

I tried out a sexy new hot spot in London called Strip Waxing Bar where the aesthetician peels the wax off of you directly instead of using linen strips to remove the wax and hair. It's much less painful (I swear) and did I mention that it smells like chocolate! I've never even seen this done before, but the results are quite effective. Afterwards there's still a fair amount of redness, but today, the swelling is gone and my skin is silky smooth. Here's what went down:

First, skin is prepped with oil which acts as a barrier between the wax and the skin. Then, the wax is applied in a goopy, thick layer. It takes about 30 seconds to dry, all the while warming your body and satisfying your senses with the sugary, chocolate-nutty scent. Once dry to the touch, the wax, gets peeled off in one fell swoop leaving your skin glistening and soft.

The magic is in the organic Australian Lycon wax. What it does is create kind-of a shrink-wrap around the hair, not the skin, making the experience much more comfortable. It also grabs the hair at the root so that re-growth is much finer. The wax is available in other flavours too like berry, lavender and active gold (smells just like chamomile) if chocolate isn't your thing.

For photos, store info, prices, celebrity clients and the downside of a Strip wax, read more.

There are currently two Strip locations in London; Chelsea and Notting Hill and prices for a bikini wax range from £22 - £50. The first floors sell classy and fashion-forward pre and post wax-related products and lingerie whilst the upper floors are treatment rooms where you can relax on a comfortable, professional table and watching television (this is fabulous distraction). The only drawback from the entire experience was that it took about 40 minutes, which is slightly longer because of the drying time.

However, take it from me (and other celeb clientelle like Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller and Claudia Schiffer) that it was worth the wait. Do you think you'd be interested in getting a Strip wax the next time you're in London?

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Little Black Book: Hotel de Russie

BellaSugarUK — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Walking into the Wellness Zone at the Hotel de Russie in Rome, Italy, I was overcome with with the feeling of luxurious calm. The serene spa (you won't be able to talk on your mobile phone here) hosts treatment rooms, a comfortable reception area and an over-sized jacuzzi with built-in lounge chairs for the optimal 'chilaxing' experience.

They use and sell four different brands in the spa, namely Carita (a prestigious skincare line from Paris), Dècleor, Skinceuticals and their specialty treatments feature products from a coffee based lined called Body Coffee Brand.

Their signature treatment, a Body Coffee Exfoliation Experience, uses the energy from the caffeine in the coffee beans to awaken your senses, relax your muscles, exfoliate your skin (from the grinds mixed with sea salt) and stimulate your circulation. Did I mention that it finishes with a galam butter and aloe vera massage? The treatment lasts for 50 minutes and costs €110.

As you may expect, pampering yourself in the Wellness Zone, like most high-end spas isn't cheap. Prices range from €25 for a pedicure to €410 for a full day of Wellness Zone pampering, but boy was it worth it to have the chance to unwind after a long day of sight-seeing and eating pasta!

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Little Black Book: Ritz Carlton's Give Back Getaways

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

For far-flung spa trips look no further than the Ritz-Carlton hotels. This five star chain boasts spas to die for, with a whole host of signature beauty treatments to the highest standard. I've visited quite a few of these around the world and if you're looking for a luxury treat with that home-from-home attention to detail then I can't recommend them highly enough.

This year the chain have launched a fantastic initiative called Give Back Getaways which combines all the pampering of a spa treat with the chance to actually help the local community and environment. The opportunities are varied and are ideal to offset that 'me me me' guilt that I know I sometimes feel when basking in a spa break. From building a library for the young children of migrant workers at the Dandelion School in Beijing, to helping with renovations and landscaping at the Children Hospice SONNENHOF in Berlin, the scheme allows you to make the move to being beautiful on the inside, as well as outside.

For what initiatives you can get involved in and the lowdown on some of the great treatments, plus all the photos of the spas, just read more.

At the Ritz-Carlton spa in Cancun, Mexico you can combine water-based treatments with taking care of the environment. Relax with a Signature Kayanta Herbal Body Scrub ($170 for 50 minutes). It's a gloriously revitalising treatment that refines the surface of the skin by exfoliating dead cells with a herbal scrub made from organic medicinal plants and mud . It will leave your skin glowing and super smooth. Then get involved by helping to protect endangered sea turtles in the nearby ocean. You will join a biologist from the Cancun Department of Ecology for a rewarding hands-on experience protecting mother turtles during nesting and helping them return safely to the sea. Guests will head out at night to search for nesting turtles, gather sea turtle eggs and bring them to a safer location at turtle camps where they can be buried without interfering with their natural cycle.

Meanwhile at the hotel in the Grand Canyon you can be trained to spot and map the location of endangered Blue Iguanas, before treating yourself to a blissful facial. Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer explains:

“We have come to recognise the interest many of our guests have in becoming more involved in the region where they are spending their vacation. Many of them are active volunteers in worthwhile activities at home, and want to continue this spirit of giving when they visit other parts of the world. We believe Give Back Getaways is a unique way for our hotels to partner with guests to provide an experience both memorable and personally enriching.”

Personally I think the idea of combining gorgeous beauty treatments in stunning locations with the simple act of helping to give back to the local area is a winner. How about you, is this something you think you might like to get involved with?

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Photos courtesy of Ritz-Carlton.

Little Black Book: Hotel Le Bristol

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

If you're looking to treat someone extra special to a spa trip or just needing to get a dose of glamour before the Christmas shopping grind begins, than I simply cannot recommend a better bolt hole than the Hotel Le Bristol. This sumptuous hotel in the heart of Paris has recently revamped it's luxurious spa. Needless to say the results are very impressive and well worth a quick trip across the channel.

The Anne Semonin spa is a haven of calm. It specialises in aromatherapy treatments, as well as tailor-made beauty treats. Their signature phyto-aromatic facial left me with incredibly glowing skin that made me feel like I'd spent a week in Mauritius instead of a day in Paris. There are also expert pedicure treatments by the renowned Bastien Gonzalez, who is a favourite of the Vogue and Grazia beauty editors.

For what else to expect from a treatment, plus the hotel's new perfume and more pictures, just read more.

All the Anne Semonin facials start with a personal diagnosis of the skin. Combining natural ingredients and essential oils, the professional treatments are both results-orientated and wonderfully pampering. The therapist will then give you a prescription for your skincare needs, as well as showing you how to create customised blends to maximise the efficiency of the products.

For real beauty junkies, Hotel Le Bristol have also just launched a new scent with Maison Jean Patou. The iconic perfume house, which made the famous Joy perfume in 1930, have recently created an exclusive line to complement the elegant atmosphere of the hotel and spa. Head Perfumer Jean-Michel Duriez has produced a home spray and candle (£24 each) with a fresh, woody scent to reflect the lushness of the hotel's gardens and the warmth ambiance of it's lounges. The chic candle, in particular, would make a great stocking filler or memento from your trip.

Finally, I can't resist a mention of the amazing swimming pool, which is located on the 6th floor. Surrounded by teak and glass it opens up onto a large sun deck with fantastic views of Paris. The whole pool is designed to look like a 19th century ship, and the craftsmanship adds a magical air which makes swimming with a view of the Eiffel tower a truly memorable experience.

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Little Black Book: Steenberg Spa

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Some of the best-kept secrets amongst beauty journalists are the spas and hotels in Cape Town, South Africa. For the price of a blow dry in London (£30-£40) you can get top notch head-to-toe treatments that will leave you glowing. My favourite is the gorgeous spa at the Steenberg; the oldest farm in the Cape, Constantia Valley. This luxe property has recently launched a fantastic treatment to revitalise winter skin and get you looking toned and beautiful.

The Ginkgo Signature Therapeutic Massage costs the bargain price of £33 for 90 minutes of pampering. The treatment encompasses five different techniques using traditional touch therapies to leave you feeling completely rested. For what to expect simply read more.

To slough off any flaky winter skin and leave you looking glowing, you're first treated to an expert full body exfoliation. This is essential to get rid of dead skin cells on the body that can leave your skin looking dull. Expect silky smooth skin that's ready to imbue more moisture.

Next you can look forward to a thirty minute back and neck massage. Any muscular tension will simply melt away, while your body is flushed of toxins. The treatment is ideal for promoting feelings of deep relaxation. Indulgent Lillian Terry oils are used which have been specially formulated to ease away neck tension that can lead to headaches or migraines. They are great for helping with general back tension and muscular knotting too.

Finally there's a lovely hair and scalp treatment, using wine-based Theravine products. Working on the premise that in order to have beautiful hair, you need a healthy scalp, the treatment balances the hair follicles and nourishes your locks for super shiny hair. All in all, it's like a glamorous MOT for your whole body.

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Little Black Book: Penha Longa

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0100

If you're planning a special spa break or are looking for something that might work for a honeymoon or pampering hen weekend, the luxurious Penha Longa Hotel and Spa in Portugal could be just the ticket. It's recently been voted number one in the 'Top Europe Resort’ category in Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards in the U.S. The spa is seriously impressive and it's based a half hour outside of Lisbon, so it's easy to get to for a weekend escape.

The hotel and spa are set in a 545 acre national park to make getting in touch with your inner zen much easier. The area was once described as "a glorious Eden" by Lord Byron because of it's luscious landscapes and stunning royal palaces. The whole area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the resort itself comprises of a nineteenth century palace that was originally a monastry in the fourteenth century.

For a review of the spa and what to expect, plus some pictures of the resort just read more.

The hotel is managed by Ritz Carlton and there's an impressive array of treats for spa junkies. All the rooms have oversize marble bathrooms filled with Bulgari products. The Six Senses spa is a new addition and is surprisingly big for a hotel spa, as well as including an indoor and outdoor swimming pool for pre-pampering fitness. It includes nine treatment rooms including a suite reserved for those who prefer more privacy. Plus there are two lovely relaxing areas where you can bliss out post-treatment with herbal teas.

The spa is based in the gardens, just a short walk from the hotel, and has an ambient air with Japanese-style water features, such as a three metre waterfall. There's also a jacuzzi and platform over the pool for yoga and tai chi. The treatments themselves are pleasingly varied; a fantastic shiatsu massage is offered in a tree surrounded gazebo, whilst the Peace Facial, which lasts 70 minutes, is a superb complexion booster. An expert facial massage plus hydrating apricot mask is ideal for toning and freshening the skin.

For a very authentic Portuguese experience try one of their signature wine-based therapies. The Relaxer Treatment begins with a welcome foot ritual and pressure-point experience. Your body is then cocooned with wine yeast and crushed grape extracts that refine the skin and assist with the elimination of toxins. Essential oils of blueberries and wild cherries are infused to increase body metabolism and encourage detoxification. Then enjoy a complimentary glass of Portuguese organic red wine to complete the journey! Sounds like my kind of spa.

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Little Black Book: Pleasure is Pleasure with Darphin Treatment

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0100

The next installment of my Little Black Book feature is about the incredibly luxe Pleasure Promise Facial (£60) from Darphin (available at Harrods). I'm a devotee of Darphin products since they use high quality ingredients, they smell gorgeous and give me amazing results.

This facial works on a sensory-basis. It combines aromatherapy products with expert massage techniques, to improve the tone and texture of your skin. For the full review of the treatment, plus what to expect, just read more.

The facial began with a relaxing back treatment combining shiatsu and Swedish massage. After feeling very chilled out, I was then treated to a tailor-made facial using Pierre Darphin's original techniques. These work to relax facial muscles and melt away any tension you may hold in the face for a better-than-botox effect. After the massage, an iris and rose mask was applied while I was given a soothing hand and arm massage for an extra blissed-out feeling.

The facial is costly but with the extra back and hand massage work it feels like an all-over body treat. Plus the £60 is redeemable against products purchased and the treatment time is an hour and a half, so you get a lot of pampering for your pounds. Make sure to book in advance on the treatment booking line 0207 730 1234 ext 4326.

All in all I was very impressed with this facial. It's a results-orientated blissful treatment that gives you glowing skin. I think this may be even better than meditation.

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Little Black Book: ZenZone at Hotel La Florida

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0100

I'm a bit of a spoiled kitten when it comes to facials, I have to admit. Years of working in the beauty and fashion industry means I've had my fair share of the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.

The worst, was a 'couple facial' in which my skincare expert actually flicked the sides of my cheek with her artificial nails, while at the same time Mr Bella kept trying to grab my hand, shouting "don't let her touch my face, I don't like having my face touched" as his masochistic therapist tutted at the state of his stubble.

So instead of lying back and thinking of beauty, I've come to approach facials with more than a little trepidation. Hotel facials, I'd always assumed, were pretty much bog standard – fluffy white towels aplenty and the requisite, five minute shoulder massage at the end.

But I take it all back. After succumbing to the charms of the earnestly named Zen Zone spa at the Gran Hotel La Florida in Barcelona, I am feeling like the cat who got the canary. For why, just read more

The sleek spa is really more of a succession of beauty treatment rooms, below the gorgeous L-shaped, outdoor-to-indoor swimming pool and decking. This is where Ernest Hemingway used to enjoy a cocktail or two, while taking in the spectacular views of the city.

Treatments such as hot stone therapy, a wrinkle busting facial and a specialised oxygen facial (for smokers or to combat jet lag) make the hotel worth a visit. I had a simple Purifying Facial, (90 euros for an hour), using the gorgeous Ole Henriksen products, beloved of celebrities like Madonna, Renée Zellweger, Jessica Alba and Charlize Theron.

The three step treatment was superbly professional and extremely relaxing, whilst my facialist was thorough, yet still discreet and charming (sometimes these things feel a bit like having a chat with your mother about your lifestyle choices, but there was none of that, thank goodness).

The facial itself includes cleansing, exfoliation, a creamy soothing mask and an expert massage to hydrate, relax and revitalise the skin. It was pretty much blissful, and expecting my skin to look somewhat blemished and red after the treatment (as it does after most facials, for the first few hours) I was pleasantly surprised to find my face looked plumped up, smoother and with that radiant freshness we all crave.

The next day, even after a long and delayed flight, lack of sleep and a nasty sugar and caffeine-fulled diet, I still looked blissed out and glowing. Definitely purr-inducing.