Beauty
Umhlanga’s Wonderland: Buff Parlour
The Buff Parlour – Umhlanga’s newest little secret!
I walked through the keyhole branded doors and was thrown into a rabbit hole – Surely this must be wonderland!
The artistic decor makes this beauty parlour a one-of-a-kind that no one has seen before.
Bright colours, wacky designs, flamingos on the walls, with an aroma of coffee, donuts and perfume – this beauty parlour is unlike any seen before.
The aptly named “Angel” showed me around before my first treatment: a wax. Now, normally wax treatments are painful and somewhat boring, leaving you to stare at the celling and… wait. At Buff Parlour, you will find yourself greeted with some retro visuals to put yourself at ease, while old school music videos play from a screen on the wall, making the experience a lot more enjoyable. There are also jars of colourful stress-balls in each room for some added fun.
Angel explained that their procedures are a lot more hygienic than most practices we have here. They follow the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, meaning they don’t use the same spatula for every treatment and will always have the bed covered in paper towels – no ickyness in Wonderland!
I was also surprised to learn that they cater for men too, and how grooming or “manscaping” for males is fast becoming a trend. I laughed at the menu of treatments – waxing “from cherries to cheeks” being on offer at Buff Parlour for the boys.
The Buff Parlour also boast a selection of lovely, locally made beauty products like Pocket Perfume, make-up palettes and brushes.
After my wax, I was guided to the manicure table, overlooking a perfect view of the outside world. A lady named Sivu sat opposite me and asked me the world’s toughest question, “Which colour do you want?” I stared at the endless rows of perfectly stacked Essie nail polishes, before picking a gellish candy-floss pink (inspired by the parlour’s walls!).
Sivu quickly got to work (the whole thing taking 45 minutes!) soaking off my previous nails and filing them into shape. At the same time, Angel returned to ask if I would like anything to drink or eat – I asked for a cappuccino after being tantalised with the aroma of coffee since I had walked in… When my warm drink arrived, Angel began giving me a pedicure, while I was getting my manicure done. (Now that’s service!) The Buff Parlour leaves you with more time in your day to focus on other things you have planned – and you still get to indulge in life’s little pleasures. Perfect for busy bees!
Once done with my mani and pedi, I felt like a new woman. Isn’t it funny how a good set of new nails leaves you feeling like a you can take on the world? I would definitely recommend the Buff Parlour for your choice of pampering – or maybe just pay them a visit for great coffee and a Wicked Donut. Your choice, ladies (and gents).
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The Boulevard, 19 Park Lane, Umhlanga Ridge
Appointments: 087 287 9878
Email: hello@buffparlour.co.za
Treatment List: http://buffparlour.co.za/
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday from 8am-6pm
Saturday from 8am-4pm
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Inside the exclusive Fairmont Zimbali Resort is the Willow Stream Spa.
We sent a Durbanite contributor to experience their treatments.
“I was treated to an incredible unforgettable experience at Willow Stream Spa.
Upon arrival, I was shown to the shower & changing room and stored my belongings in the lockers provided. I changed into a luxurious gown complete with slippers and waited in the relaxation room.
The relaxation room comes fully equipped with tea and coffee, fresh juices and bottles of water.
Shortly after, my therapist greeted me and proceeded to guide me into my treatment room. I was spoiled with a full body massage, which I must add was one of the best I have had.
The massage was followed by a facial, using their Africology skincare range, and lastly, a pedicure.
Afterwards, I sat in the relaxation room with a cup of tea and indulged in the delicious supply of muffins. With a view of the beautiful resort and garden, I had found my little slice of heaven.”
The luxury spa offers:
• 9 treatment rooms
• 3 outdoor cabanas
• Steam rooms
• Separate ladies and gents relaxation lounges
• The “Great Room” for after treatment relaxation
• Heated blankets and elevated treatment beds
• A full spectrum of health and beauty services all performed by trained specialists
Whether you’re planning an indulgent day at the spa, or popping in for a mini break, the special Spa Offers will leave you relaxed, energised and ready to take on the world.
For spa information and reservations:
Please call +27 (0)32 538 5000
or email willowstreamspa@zimbaliresort.com
Hours of Operation:
Please note that spa hours are seasonal and subject to change. Please contact Willow Stream Spa for the most accurate information.
Spa:
10:00 – 19:00 (Weekdays)
08:00 – 20:00 (Weekends & public holidays)
Fitness Centre
06:00 – 21:00 (Daily)
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SAINT&SUMMER was created much in the same way it’s now run – captivated by their local surroundings and based on a friendship foundation 20 years deep. It was in 2013 during the humid heat that is Durban in December, that they began piecing together the vision for their business.
We sat down with Julia and Roxy to find out more about the local brand.
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1) How did Saint & Summer start?
We’ve been friends for years; long before we ever considered starting a designer footwear business together. Throughout the years, our shared love for fashion, swimwear, clothing and well, just a generally obsessive interest in all things stylish… made it a pretty easy move to start SAINT&SUMMER together.
We’re both beach obsessed, and one balmy Durban Summer, we got chatting about how to turn our passion into something adventurous. We wanted to share our love for style with our friends and other fashion-forward ladies out there. And so SAINT&SUMMER was born.
Sun kissed bodies, vibrant sunsets, punchy cocktail umbrellas and sandy hues became the mood board for our first SAINT&SUMMER’s range of matte jelly sandals – and now 5 years in – we’ve just launched an exciting swoon-worthy AW19 range that has everything from two-toned sneakers to studded block heels, sheen prints and leopard skin slip-ons.
2) What makes your brand proudly Urbanite?
We’re for everyone. All the looks, all the sass, all the versatility that the modern woman needs to rock her own unique sense of style. Our styles can be paired with any outfit. So whether it’s a pair of skinny tight jeans or a flowing boho-dress, the shoes fit!
Our SAINT&SUMMER shoes are easy to wear, easy to pair and have longevity with wearable fabrics, on-trend patterns and styles, and creative colour palettes that mix with every season.
3) What sets your brand apart from others?
We’re really passionate about fashion and we source shoes that we know we would be proud to wear any day of the week. It’s important to us that the shoes burst with personality and style because you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes J.
Our SAINT&SUMMER styles are super versatile too, and can take you right through from the morning to evening with their on-trend looks. Which is why comfort is also very key.
4) Would you consider a mens range in the future, or is it only for women?
We haven’t before but as our brand grows we are actually being asked this question a lot more frequently… so who knows, anything is possible
5) What is your vision with Saint & Summer?
To give fashionable women a unique way to express their individuality through style, in comfort, and within budget.
6) How can we purchase a pair? Online or in store?
We have an online store where fans can browse the ranges and purchase our shoes online at www.saintandsummer.co.za We also have a list of stockists on our site, detailing all the stores that stock and sell SAINT&SUMMER shoes so customers can have a look and see which stockists are in their area if they want to go and try on or browse the styles.
7) Do you have any advice for first time business starters?
Very simply… get dirty, work hard, be ready for mistakes It’s all a part of the journey.
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View their range online at www.saintandsummer.co.za
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