In the grand scheme of things, a hand and nail treatment is not high on the list of spa services I am likely to prioritise.
However, after experiencing a luxurious new treatment that focuses on the condition and finish of hands and nails – with a bit of relaxation included – I’m considering reorganising those priorities.
I’ve been invited to try a new offering at Auckland beauty and wellness destination East Day Spa. The premise is an elevated and advanced hand treatment – with or without manicure and polish – that treats hands and nails using luxury handcare range Margaret Dabbs. I’m drawn in by the idea of combining services I would normally seek out in the spa for my face, like high-tech skin treatments and relaxing massage, but this time targeted to my hands.
Founded by a British podiatrist of the same name, Margaret Dabbs is a British brand that has carved out a niche for hand, leg and foot-care in the high-end beauty market. The brand offers a range of products from nail treatments and moisturising creams to anti-aging tech, manicure tools and more. Once hard to come by here, key items from the respected line are available from East Day Spa and the line is also soon to land at MECCA.
Dabbs’ expertise is well-known and she was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2023 New Year’s Honours List, so I was already keen to know more when I heard about East Day Spa’s new treatment.
What is the LED Manicure by Margaret Dabbs?
East Day Spa’s LED Manicure by Margaret Dabbs promises a smoothing, softening treat with benefits akin to a facial. It includes the use of powerful light therapy to improve skin health and rejuvenate the hands. Expect perfectly groomed and painted nails, alongside a scrub, soak and massage.
You can select the 60 minute option, which carries out the hand treatment and massage elements without a manicure, which is perfect for those who already have polish or builder gel, as these won’t be disturbed with the treatment.
The real indulgence though, is the standard 90 minute treatment, that includes manicure with nail polish or gel polish, where you can choose a colour from a selection of the brands such as CND, OPI and Chanel.
What does the treatment involve?
Arriving in the serene and chic spa within Auckland’s Sky City Grand Hotel, I am invited to stow my things, and take a seat on a comfortable lounger in the spa’s mani and pedi treatment room. There are only three loungers so it still feels like a sanctuary away from any hustle and bustle, as I sip on a welcoming tea as I settle in.
I already have builder gel on my nails so I’ve opted for a shorter version of the treatment without polish. If you are seeking the standard treatment with gel polish, this would generally be done at the start of the session, as the oils used int he treatment can affect the adherence of gel.
To begin, I’m asked to soak my hands in a copper bowl that includes a vitamin C infusion, along with floating lavender sprigs and sliced lemons. It smells delicious and I’m curious as my spa therapist Reni begins to gently scrub my hands using cuticle remover, massaging skin with the slices of lemons as she moves. It’s a fragrant delight, and though only the first step of the treatment, leaves my skin soft as silk.
Next, she slips my hands into high-tech star of the offering, Margaret Dabb’s silicone and LED hand mitts, for a 15-minute period. The mitts use LED light therapy to stimulate collagen in the skin, helping to treat pigmentation, age spots and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
I’m not just sitting there though, Reni moves on to a seated head, shoulder and neck massage. It’s absolutely divine, and surprisingly effective even though it’s performed over my clothes and the minutes pass quickly in my blissed-out state.
Another treat for the senses follows, when I’m asked to dip my hands into small bags of runny paraffin wax. As Reni gently moves the liquid wax to cover my hands, she explains the warm, swiftly setting wax helps seal in hydration and softens hands. After a few minutes I’m inclined to agree, as the wax is removed in one gentle (and incredibly satisfying) motion, leaving my skin feeling incredible.
While I was sitting with the wax, she had also used the Margaret Dabs cream to carry out a comprehensive leg and foot massage. It meant by the end of what is technically labelled as a hand treatment, I’d had a deeply relaxing experience, with almost my entire body (minus my torso and upper legs) receiving an expert-level massage.
What we thought
Before trying the LED Manicure I was curious. While I respected the fact East Day Spa is always developing and offering new treatments and approaches in line with global trends, often leading the industry here in New Zealand, I wasn’t entirely convinced an extended hand treatment was a must-try offering.
Call me a convert, but I am now convinced. I would definitely book it again, especially while taking up the polish element too. It was restful, rejuvenating and offered something unique and new to try, which would be fabulous to do alongside a friend or partner, not to mention my hands and skin look and feel great now. While not an everyday necessity, the price not only includes three approaches but the extensive massage and manicure with polish too. Nothing is done by halves at this spa and it’s a top of the line experience.
I also think it makes the perfect gift: for that hard-to-buy-for person you want to surprise with something new, someone who’s hands take a toll as part of their job or everyday life, or someone your just want to provide a little escape from every day life.
- The 90 minute LED Manicure by Margaret Dabbs, $130, is available now at East Day Spa in Auckland.
