Joburg’s energy, hustle and bustling pace makes downtime and deeper relaxation one of the most fleeting luxuries you can experience. Now more than ever, it’s important to prioritise self-care and to reset and renew – and one of the best ways to unwind and nourish yourself mentally and physically is immersing yourself in one of the City of Gold’s supremely decadent beauty salon enclaves. Whether you want hardcore results or just a bit of chill time, unplug, unwind and let these luxurious respites of beauty and wellness become part of your routine.
Editor’s pick: The View by 27Pinkx
Here’s to starting 2021 with a calm, clear head and skin to match! Pampering is of prime importance at The View by 27Pinkx, a cosmopolitan hideaway with exotic charm that offers massages, body treatments, facials, slimming treatments, waxing as well as manicures and pedicures. A fabulous spa is all about relaxation, and this posh spot within the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton sets the tone as you show up for your appointment. Every detail is ultra-luxe, and the treatments are similarly next level – think a ginger and lavender poultice massage, African body cleansing ceremony and honey enzyme facial. A green-juice detox is one thing, but if you’re looking for a truly deep cleanse, the detoxifying mud wrap might be just the thing. The one-hour ritual begins with a body polishing scrub. The body is then wrapped in a paste of green and kaolin clay, fennel, ginger and vetiver to stimulate the toxin elimination process, restore energy levels and improve circulation. This is followed by a warming herbal infusion massage to cap it off. Once your body has been pummeled into smooth submission, treat your face to the iS Clinical Fire & Ice Facial, which resurfaces the skin and amps up radiance with precise combinations of two treatment masks complemented by serums and creams, with oh-so-heavenly aromas of warm cinnamon spice and cool peppermint. Best of all? There’s no downtime. While you’re there, don’t miss the salt room – the secret to breathing easier and the perfect place to disconnect after enjoying the spa’s treatments. Not only does it promote relaxation, calmness and better sleep, it’s also hailed for clearing out passageways, strengthening the immune system and boosting the metabolism.
10th floor, Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, corner of Rivonia Road & Daisy Street, Sandton
010 226 9120
UniQBrows – Sandton City
The brow artists at UniQBrows – Sandton City are all about a customised shape. The team is headed up by South Africa’s brow queen, Unaiza Suliman, who’s extremely passionate about what she does and is single-handedly responsible for turning even the sparsest sets into fuller, natural-looking pairs. Whether you prefer threading, hyper-realistic and semi-permanent microblading or brow lamination – which gives a natural, brushed-up appearance and fluffy, glossy brows without the need for gels and pencils – this new flagship store has options for all, in an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming environment. While a classic shape and tint is always a worthy booking, there’s now a wealth of innovative beauty treatments to consider – from lash extensions and facials to IV drips and laser hair removal. An hour or two at this spot will leave you feeling extra spoiled, and you’ll certainly get your money’s worth – we asked as many questions as we possibly could and Unaiza’s invaluable brow and skincare tips are still paying dividends. After your treatments, we highly recommend checking out the UniQ Beauty Bar, where you can shop products from international beauty brands including The Ordinary and Pixi Beauty.
Shop L31F, Sandton City Shopping Centre, 83 Rivonia Road, Sandton
084 786 0671
Bronz’d
Effortless convenience is the top perk of this upmarket spray tan studio inside Ginger hair salon, which offers in-studio tanning sessions or at-home visits. The founder, Bronwyn, was inspired to open her own studio after living in California and being surrounded by beautiful people who make health and beauty a top priority. She’s kind and attentive, taking the time to walk you through the process to ensure you get the perfect colour based on your skin tone and preferences. Even the pickiest spray-tan customers will be impressed by their experience: First off, the vegan, organic and cruelty-free Norvell 1 Hour Rapid solution is remarkable. It develops in just one to three hours, is minimally scented with a raspberry almond fragrance and dries almost instantly, leaving no sticky residue and allowing you to go about the rest of your day without feeling like a sticky mess. In addition, the process is incredibly quick, the results last for at least a week and at R350 for a rapid tan, the price is right. The studio also offers an expertly curated array of skincare products and swimwear to bring your glow to the next level – you can’t miss The Fox Tan tanning accelerators and Motherkind pure hydrolysed collagen. Or, tap into the range of power-packed sk.in serums, formulated by well-respected medical aesthetics practitioner, Dr Alek Nikolic. We’re particularly smitten with the Bikini Babes bikinis imported from Southern California.
Ginger, 74 11th Street, Parkmore
011 326 7456
Tammy Taylor Nails – Sandton City
The next time your hands and feet call for a little TLC or you’re planning a staycation and pulling out all the stops, head to Tammy Taylor Nails – Sandton City. Attention to detail is the norm here, which results in especially long-lasting, no-chip manicures. The Tammy Taylor gel polish selection is huge, and customers are greeted with a smile and a cappuccino in a gorgeous black and gold marble mug as soon as they step their tired feet through the doors. The salon itself is Pinterest paradise – think fashionable armchairs, sleek foot basins and fancy light fittings. For the ultimate indulgence, we recommend you book the Nail PLUMP Treatment with Gelegance and a Spa Pedicure. Their specialty, though, is sophisticated nail art, such as modern and minimal linework, marble, chrome and Swarovski stones. While all of the treatments are equally stellar, it’s the Hydrate & Repair Facial using Optiphi products that you can’t miss out on. Dull, fatigued skin will come out with a visibly lifted, glowy complexion and the cooling mask will soothe computer-screen-tired eyes. This is a facial during which you really could fall asleep, in a good way! Even better, you can easily book online via their Instagram page.
Shop BC10, Sandton City Shopping Centre, 83 Rivonia Road, Sandton
068 056 5674
Caffeine & Cashmere 