Reviews
Review: Buff Parlour – Male Grooming & Treatments
Times are changing and male grooming & treatments are here to stay. Buff Parlour offers a range of facial & body waxing as well as hand & foot treatments. The Durbanite Team was keen to send a male across to Buff to try out a few treatments and share the experience with you: I was that male.
“Please tell more guys to do this, trust me, us ladies love a well groomed man.”
– Passing Birthday Girl with her gals (Happy 30th)
Buff Beauty Parlour in Umhlanga is an emporium brimming with delicious dichotomies. Fondly referred to as The Little Shop of Miracles, it is filled with everything you need and nothing you expect. The Parlour’s unique layout confidently ignores industry norms and, instead, follows department store protocol as there are various pods within the space, each with very specific branding. After all, the sum of the parts is greater than the whole.
There’s a certain stigma attached to “mansaping” but I was looking to break the mould and I was curious to see what our female counterparts go through on a regular basis. So, I lined myself up with an interesting combo: an intimate wax, a massage and a manicure. Let’s get this one out the way: I got naked. It really wasn’t as weird as I though (or weird at all), the Buff Team is so professional and happy to answer any questions you might have, and I had a lot.
Waxing Room
The intimate wax I mentioned before was everything from the cherries through to the butt cheeks and my back, brave if you ask me. After taking my kit off the questions began to flow, many of which I’m sure had never been asked before but I’ll spare you the details. Turns out they do this all the time, and it’s only as awkward as you make it. These ladies make hygiene a priority and each step of the waxing process is explained if you want it to be.
The heat of the wax was the worst part for me, but I got used to it. The waxing itself was pretty painless and my pain threshold is hella low. It’s quite a lengthy process and any stubborn hairs are tweezed, also not sore. I was smooth as a baby and ready for my back massage which was amazing. Honestly one of the best I’ve had: not falling asleep was a real struggle.
The Workshop
After some grooming it was time to put the man in manicure. I took my seat at The Workshop, ready for my hand treatments. It felt kind of strange at first but I got into it. There are a handful of comic strips & magazines to keep you entertained. It was at this point that the passing ladies shared their admiration at a man looking after himself. After all, isn’t it our masculinity that sheds negative light on male grooming & treatments? If the ladies love it, you should too. Ever heard the saying happy wife, happy life? My nails weren’t long so I got my nails filed & buffed and my cuticles treated. I even got a mini hand massage.
A few weeks have passed now and I can say that I’m so glad I did this: I feel so clean, all the time. Fresh and breezy. And trust me, if I had more time I would have gone for a full manicure & pedicure, treat yo’ self. Never again will I frown upon male waxing and other treatments. I thoroughly enjoyed my Buff experience and encourage any curious guys, and those already grooming, to give Buff a try, I can all but guarantee that you’ll be back: I will!
Details
Address: The Boulevard, 19 Park Lane, Umhlanga Ridge
Telephone: +27 87 287 9878
E-mail: hello@buffparlour.co.za
Website: www.buffparlour.co.za
Facebook: @BuffParlour
Twitter: @BuffParlour
Instagram: @buffparlour
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: 8am to 4pm
Closed: Sunday, public holidays & third Monday of every month.
Author: mrjoelmagic
“Florence Given has done it again. With Women Living Deliciously, she serves up a bold and unapologetic call to arms for women everywhere to stop shrinking themselves and start savoring life in all its messy, sensual, and beautiful glory.
This isn’t your typical self-help book. It’s raw, punchy, and dripping with Florence’s trademark wit and sharp honesty. She challenges the toxic conditioning that tells women to play small, behave, or constantly “earn” their worth. Instead, she dares us to live deliciously – to prioritize pleasure, joy, and unapologetic self-expression.
What makes this book so exciting is how real it feels. Florence doesn’t sugarcoat the obstacles women face—patriarchal pressures, self-doubt, and the fear of being “too much.” But she flips those struggles into fuel. Each page feels like a rallying cry, reminding you that indulgence isn’t selfish – it’s survival.
Reading Women Living Deliciously feels like having a brutally honest (but fiercely loving) conversation with a friend who refuses to let you settle for less. It’s empowering, rebellious, and addictive in the best way.
Verdict: This book isn’t just a read – it’s an awakening. Florence Given’s words will make you laugh, nod furiously, and, most importantly, rethink the way you move through the world. If you’ve been craving a life that feels bigger, freer, and more delicious, this is your permission slip”
Grab your copy here:
https://www.wordsworth.co.za/products/women-living-deliciously-the-life-changing-book-every-woman-deserves
Author: Melissa Moodley
“This is the first book of the “The Stonewater Kingdom” duology and is absolutely perfect for gothic romantasy lovers like myself!
The Knight and The Moth follows the story of a Diviner (A woman who receives visions from six God-like creatures known as Omens) and her journey to the world beyond an ancient cathedral, the only home she has only ever known. Her fellow Diviners start to go missing after a knight arrives at the cathedral and she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. But searching for the missing Diviners leads her to discover a much darker truth.
This is not the typical magical world you expect, the focus more on magical objects than magical powers which was unique and refreshing. The whole story intrigued me and kept me reading and reading so I could unravel the lies and find out the truth along with the main character, Sybil. I enjoyed her development from an obedient servant to a defiant and strong woman who now sees the world and herself differently.
Of course there was romance…instant hate and banter vibes between Sybil and the knight Rory, that grew into something more. It was quite a slow burn with one or two spicy scenes but as an avid smut reader I would have preferred a bit more spice haha.
I adored the quirky and annoying sidekick…a stone gargoyle who constantly mixes up phrases and has a knack for calling everyone Bartholomew. Hilarious! I loved this character and all his peculiar traits, he definitely brought light and humour to the story and had me laughing at some very awkward and embarrassing moments.
There was a shocking discovery towards the end, everything just clicked and it all finally made sense! The last few chapters were action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat, ending with such a twist!
If you love secrets and betrayal this is definitely for you. The second book is scheduled to come out sometime in 2026 and I can’t wait to read the epic conclusion!”
Buy your copy here:
https://www.wordsworth.co.za/products/stonewater-kingdom-1-knight-and-the-moth-trade-paperback
Author: Durbanite
There’s something magical about escaping the bustle of Durban and heading into Zululand for a weekend of tranquility, warm hospitality, and adventure. Our stay at Ghost Mountain Inn was nothing short of unforgettable – from the moment we arrived, we were wrapped in the comfort of this family-friendly lodge set against the dramatic backdrop of Ghost Mountain itself.
The staff at Ghost Mountain Inn were incredibly warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the start. To our delight, we were upgraded to a stunning suite. Waiting inside was a thoughtful welcome: chilled champagne and a beautifully prepared platter of strawberries, fruit, and cheese. The suite itself was spacious — perfect for a romantic couple’s getaway, yet roomy enough to comfortably host families. With an outdoor shower, a tub, and all the amenities you could need, it was the kind of place you don’t want to leave.
Exploring the Lodge
Our first day was spent exploring the lodge. A highlight was the stylish bar near reception, where cocktails flow as easily as the Zululand sunsets. Dinner that evening was a treat: a lively braai buffet where the chefs grilled everything to perfection. The spread included an impressive variety of salads, sides, starters, and a dessert station that made it impossible not to indulge.
Adding to the atmosphere, the lodge was abuzz with energy thanks to a cricket tournament hosted during our stay. The vibe was vibrant and social, with families and groups of friends gathering across the lodge’s many spaces.
Family Fun & Outdoor Adventures
Ghost Mountain Inn is truly family-friendly, and we discovered this even more on our second day. The property has not one but two kid-friendly pools, perfect for both relaxation and play. Beyond the pools, a wooden jetty leads out across the dam – a picturesque spot where you might spot hippos if you’re lucky (we weren’t this time, but the view was worth it). All the while, the looming presence of Ghost Mountain provides the perfect backdrop for those picture-perfect Instagram moments.
Of course, no Zululand trip is complete without a game drive. We ventured into the Mkuze area, where the Big Five roam. The experience of spotting lions, leopards, buffalo, and other wildlife in their natural habitat was a highlight of our trip.
Dining Experiences
Mealtimes at Ghost Mountain Inn are as much a highlight as the activities. For lunch, we enjoyed the casual outdoor restaurant with its pizza oven, serving up fresh pizzas alongside hearty burgers, pastas, and light bites. Dinner the next evening offered something different – a set menu with options ranging from steak to chicken, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a buffet feast or a relaxed Ă la carte meal, there’s always something to suit.
Final Thoughts
Our weekend at Ghost Mountain Inn was a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a weekend with friends, or a family bush holiday, this Zululand gem offers something for everyone.
With warm hospitality, beautiful surroundings, and endless activities, Ghost Mountain Inn is a destination we’ll keep recommending to Durbanites looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Tel: +27 (0)35 573 1025
Mobile/Whatsapp: +27 (0)64 664 6495
Author: Melissa Moodley
