Whether it’s a detoxifying body wrap or the perfect shade of rose-petal-pink nail polish, reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve put into planning your wedding with some serious pampering and relaxation at a top-notch spa. For the ultimate indulgence, schedule a massage, facial and mani/pedi so you’ll feel refreshed and renewed. Book your appointment several weeks in advance, and be sure to inquire about cancellation policies to avoid a charge if you miss your session.
Guerlain Spa at the Roosevelt Hotel (123 Baronne St., 335-3190, TheRooseveltNewOrleans.com) offers their “Bridal Glow Package,” which includes the “Intensive Body Therapy” (Invigorating Vichy shower body polish, replenishing body wrap and a customized skincare concentrate), the “Intensive Facial” (this two-hour-long facial includes deep cleansing, Guerlain facial massage, specialty mask and an active skincare concentrate to reveal greater tone and texture) and the “Intensive Hand and Foot Therapy” (the “perfect manicure and pedicure” using Spa Ritual 100-percent vegan and certified organic ingredients, with the bride’s choice of traditional nail polish or a gel polish that lasts three weeks). This three-treatment, six-hour day is a sublime way to unwind and beautify. For bridal parties, Guerlain offers customized package deals. Spa-goers can pick their own treatments, and complimentary champagne and a fruit and cheese platter is prepared by the spa’s chefs. Or, if you prefer, a catered lunch would be a lovely way to catch up with guests on the rooftop pool deck.
Housed in a former home of Huey P. Long, the infamous Louisiana politician, Spa Isbell (1245 Magazine St., 595-5009, Spa-Isbell.com) is a full-service salon large enough to host a day of beauty for your entire bridal party. Use of the private room, “includes complimentary wine, fruit and cheese to nibble on, or even chocolate covered strawberries,” says receptionist Cassie Hunter. For all-day affairs, lunch can be ordered in as well. Upstairs there is a large waiting area that’s big enough to accommodate large groups. Up to six people at a time can be serviced, including nails, massage, facials or makeup application. Appointments should be made at least two weeks in advance, but a month is preferable for your party to get the most enjoyment. Owner Angela Isbell has been in her Lower Garden District location for 10 years. Services include microdermabrasion, deep pore cleansing, glycolic peel facials, an array of manicure and pedicure options, as well as massage therapy, haircuts and coloring.
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Kinetix Spa Salon (536 Bienville St., 522-3318, KinetixSpaSalon.com) gives brides a plethora of à la carte options. The salon offers Brazilian keratin treatments, which are long lasting, gentle and leave hair luxuriously shiny and frizz-free. There are also a slew of other treatments that can be purchased solo or added to a cut or color. Nourishing helps smooth out dry or damaged hair, purifying adds moisture to a dry scalp and energizing plumps up fine hair. A deep conditioner can also be added to any of these for an additional charge. Stylist Candice Macera reports that brides are “leaving the hair down for a beachy soft curl. And wearing fake eyelashes is more popular than I thought it would be.” One unique service Kinetix offers is face enhancements. For the bride that doesn’t want to stray from her favorite foundation, this service focuses on the eyes or lips and is more cost effective than going for a full-blown look. Going for multiple services? Bring your favorite book and sit in the intimate, beautiful courtyard until you’re ready for your next one.
If you want your nails to last from the rehearsal dinner through the honeymoon, shellac polish is the only way to go.
Perfect 10 Hair and Nail Salon (5928 W. Metairie Ave., Suite 13, Metairie, 734-7373) offers this revolutionary system, which is applied just like regular polish but dries under a UV lamp in between coats. When done correctly, your nails are completely dry and as shiny as a new car for up to two weeks. Another perk is that the process doesn’t take much longer than a traditional manicure, and actually strengthens nails due to the durability of the product. Only pure acetone will remove shellac, and it’s best to have a professional soak your tips to remove it. For those fidgety women who immediately grab their car keys and smudge, shellac is perfect.
