GASTRONOMY by Joy: Nail Cocktales Hand and Foot Spa, Luxe Pampering for us Foodies and Mommies

Friday, August 22, 2014

Nail Cocktales Hand and Foot Spa, Luxe Pampering for us Foodies and Mommies

Your resident foodie/slash mommist needs to be pampered not only with food but with a specific amount of "me-time" as well, albeit the "no-time" excuses and budget issues, to preserve my sanity. After all, it's not easy to write about all the dishes we've tried and places we've been to just to give you fresh scoop. Especially from a hands-on mom who's four kids have been turning her life around.

For those who personally know me and maybe for my regular readers, my penchant for beautiful and neat things is very obvious. If given every opportunity I would steal some time away from our home and just buy things that I think would make me pretty or even enhance my look. Case in point, buying nail polishes and nail care kit that I never get to use appropriately. I had to admit though that my little girls are way learning faster to use them than me and would often laugh at my nails after I've applied my chosen colors.

Oh yes, I gave up! Thank God I did, for if not, I would not have the luxury of trying out nail lounges and see how each one is unique from each other.

With my liking to having my nails fixed, I have even hosted a spa-rty for my readers and their little ones to celebrate my 3rd blog anniversary, which happened some time last year. You might want to read about that here:

Our 3rd Year Celebration! Living a Sweet and Pampered Blogging Life!

Talking about trying out nail salons, I've tried a lot, but I have found to like only a handful, and because of my fondness, they share blogging spaces with my other favorite establishments.

This time I'm swooning over one that is near our place, situated near Mall of Asia and where up and coming dining and fashion establishments are slowly swarming in. I'm talking about Nail Cocktales at Blue Bay Walk, nestled at the second floor of the building fronting Food Club.

After meandering through the stairs I got a bit giddy. You know that emotion when you are about to be dolled up and at the same time you are to discover something worth your time.

Upon entering, I was blown away by the expanse the salon is accommodating. It's not like any other salon or spa that are so tightly spaced the staff could hardly move about even endangering patrons.

Every detail has been accounted for in the deluxe space, with clean symmetry that's apparent, yet not striking. This time you won't see the usual pink or earth-tone hues but bold and vivid combinations of teal (which is in my current favorite color palette) and magenta, harmonized with the pale yet relaxing modes of beige and taupe.

Also, don't come looking for chandeliers or even your typical relaxing spa music. Posh as they are, the owners try to make the space hip and a cool place to hang around and bond with friends and families, so even the toughest of males down to the very "kikay" kiddo can come pampered, without hearing chirping birds and chanting sounds to lull you.

Everywhere in the room you can find your comfortable nook, whether you are alone, with a friend or even a group as large as 10.

More plus points which you can't have in other salons are electric sockets near you, where you are allowed to charge your gadgets, and yoohoo, WIFI is stable and FREE.

Now comes my favorite part, and the hardest to decide on, the polishes. There are so many colors, textures and brands to choose from. Rest assured that only quality products will touch your skin and nails.

They have imported brands as well, such as Nature Republic, Zoya, Chanel and the new cool brand, Ruby Wing - with each one of the shades dramatically change in direct sunlight and then back again once inside.

However, note that an add on fee applies to imported brands. Make sure to ask the nail techs about which has add ons and which does not.

There are so many unique themes the salon carries. With it's namesake, cocktales can be served while you are being treated. You can choose from their cocktales menu and even watch the bar tender make your drink.

I was offered Long Island Iced Tea. It's their house blend tea spiked subtly with whipped cream flavored Pinnacle Vodka. I find it not only refreshing, but the aroma and the after-note of the burnt orange and vanilla, said as an infusion to the vodka, as very interesting.

They feature services for the hand, nail, foot and skin. At this secluded room is where Depileve waxing is done. Too bad I wasn't able to try it out.

The menus were so cohesive and every treatment customized to the need of the clients. You can either have just the hand care or the foot care, or go all out with the hand and foot care package.

Another thing that I find amazing is that the scrubs, creams and whatnot were made specially for Nail Cocktales by a chemist. What's so cool is that you can choose the scents of the treatment which are inspired from favorite cocktale drinks.

Here are the foot treatments that I fancy:

Cherry Margarita pedicure - Focused of dry and dehydrated skin

Key Lime Drops - Focused on tired and dried feet

Cosmopolitan Spa Pedicure - Focused on tired and achy feet

Apple-tini Spa Pedicure - Focused on tires and over-worked feet

Hale Bopp - Focused on tried and dried feet

So, what's your choice?

I spent the whole afternoon of pampering sesh with GLAM GODDESS, one of the hand and foot care package. It's Manicure + Pedicure + Foot Spa with Marine Wrap ( P600).

Jackie my therapist was so kind enough to even ask me how I want my feet to be massaged. That's after having it soaked in treated water, sanitized, scrubbed and moisturized. Then my feet were lathered with another cream and wrapped with plastic cling wrap.

Which do you think I chose for my hand nails?

Look how neat my nails are. Ready for my glam look.

Tadah!

I loved my nails and the feeling of being well-taken care off.

What bliss!

I can't wait to go back and try the other treatments, this time have my three daughters get pampered. Now I'm ready to face more challenges, and more food reviews, garbed in my new sparkling nails. I just wish I could have more time though...