This week, Under the Dryer reveals part two of our visit to Athena Salon and Gaia Day Spa in Mandeville, owned by cosmetologist Jennifer Groves. The well-appointed spa — located upstairs the salon– is known for its luxurious service and its ever-changing specials to suit the needs of its high-end clientele. J Wray and Nephew were also on hand to treat customers to delightful cocktails. Here’s what happened…

Best Face Forward — Marlon Longmore

Marlon made a special visit to the spa to celebrate his birthday. He chose to treat himself to a Gaia Signature Facial for sensitive skin. No stranger to spa treatments, he knew exactly what to expect during his visit.

The routine:

* Cleanse face using a specially mixed oatmeal-based product.

* Exfoliate the face with a mixture of cornmeal and sugar.

* Gently remove with water and cleansing pads.

* Tone skin using rose water.

* Gently apply a facial gauze mask.

* Apply papaya mixture to the face and leave on for about 20 minutes.

* Moisturise skin with honey-based mixture for 15 minutes.

*Papaya is a natural skin lightener that acts as a basic skin peel. It contains the papain enzyme, which aids in skin renewal and control of premature aging, according to studies.

*Most of the mixtures used at the Gaia Day Spa are created by the spa therapists and are not sold in stores.

Marlon’s take:

I love getting pampered. Today was really relaxing and I enjoyed it! It was a truly wonderful addition to my birthday. I also love that they do not give me the same treatment as everyone else– they take time out to analyse my skin and give me a customised treatment.

Mini Facelift — Tricia Brooks

Tricia took some time off from her busy schedule to enjoy a spa visit. In addition to getting her usual ‘mani and pedi’, she decided to try the microdermabrasion and LED light therapy procedure.

*Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation technique that removes dead skin cells using abrasive crystals gently passed along the surface of the skin with a suction wand. It is done primarily to remove/reduce the appearance of sun damage, spots, blackheads, whiteheads, premature lines, wrinkles and possible ingrown hairs.

The routine:

* Use an astringent to cleanse the face.

* Gently use an abrasive microdermabrasion crystal wand on the face.

* Use an ultrasonic microdermabrasion device to remove dead skin cells.

* To further tone the skin, pass an LED light therapy machine over the skin at a safe distance.

* Soothingly apply a mixture of clay and apple cider vinegar to the face and allow the mask to set for 20 minutes.

* Gently remove with water and cleansing pads.

* Skin is then further hydrated with a honey-based moisturiser.

Tricia’s take:

“It feels pretty good, not painful at all. I knew about the process and its benefits; that is why I wanted to get it done. I think the spa did a wonderful job!”

A Polished Finish

Spa therapist Kerrian Gayle re-polished fellow staff member Tashekia Marriot’s acrylic overlaid tips. “Though we offer many nail techniques, acrylic overlay is perhaps the most popular service done weekly,” Kerrian informed our team.

Tashekia’s take:

“I chose these colours today because they are bright and summery, yet still professional.”

The Gaia Day Spa has frequently changed monthly specials on some of the spa packages offered so that customers have an opportunity to try most of the treatments offered throughout the year. Clients who indulge in three or more services can enjoy a freshly blended fruit smoothie and a garden salad made to order.

Contact Information

Salon/ Spa owner:

Jennifer Groves

Location:

Gaia Day Spa

Cobblestone Professional Centre

1 Brumalia Road, Suite 4 (upstairs)

Mandeville, Manchester

Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday

9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Appointments only

Telephone:

1-876-889-0212

1-876-406-8804