New Yorkers are known for their serious pampering. You only have to glance at perfectly put together Olivia Palermo, the poster girl for an immaculate blow-dry. The fashion favourite even admits to hitting the nail bar at all hours of the night (chipped nails are a universal beauty no-no even after midnight). For those that share Palermo’s beauty aesthetic, The Loft is a safe haven. The boutique concept has just opened in Jumeirah’s new Wasl Vita Mall, offering a doorway to Fifth Avenue, minus the flying time. Whether you’re looking for some post-work pampering or a more indulgent weekend spa experience, The Loft is set to become your go-to for skin, hair and nails.
On arrival, I was greeted with the sight of a chic salon that was quintessentially Upper East Side. White and black interiors, white brick walls, leather furnishings and a few flashes of Fifth Avenue immediately transport you across the Atlantic. I’d booked in for a pampering experience to sort out my post-festive season skin and hair. My stylist suggests the rather lavish Kérastase Chronologiste treatment that incorporates pearls of active ingredients that mimic that of caviar to tame my tresses; excessive heat styling has lead it to look a little lacklustre. After shampooing and being treated to a scalp massage, the caviar treatment is applied to the roots of my hair and combed through it’s lengths before being clipped and wrapped up in order to retain heat and allow my hair to drink up the goodness of the mask.
With rather glam foiling wrapped around my head, I proceed to my treatment room. Living in a city can be tough on your skin so I opt for the Skinovage cleansing treatment where leading German skincare brand Babor is used to remove the daily grime that clogs pores and leads to a less than radiant complexion. A variety of masks and creams are used to cleanse and stimulate my skin, one resulting in a tingling sensation as it reveals areas of my skin that require the most attention. My therapist works in the lotions and potions as she massages my face, neck, shoulders and décolletage. By the end of the 30 minutes, I’m asleep.
With glowing skin, it’s back to the sinks to wash the indulgent caviar treatment out of my hair, and after a blow dry my hair has mirror-like shine and is softer than ever. Olivia Palermo, eat your heart out.
The Loft has locations in Dubai Mall, City Walk and Wasl Vita, with new salons opening soon in Business Bay and The Palm Jumeirah. The Dubai Mall branch caters for men and women. For more information on the Wasl Vita branch please call 04 343 9669
