That ‘Spa’cial Feeling

Even though the city offers branded salon services in almost every sector,Headmasters has been a popular choice,cutting across age,gender and budget. It is the kind of place you’ll catch an indulgent mother getting her tween’s manicure done,while she books herself for an ‘oxygenating facial’ at Pevonia,the spa on the second floor. It’s also where pretty young things from the nearby all-girls’ college saunter in for a quick blow dry (showing the college identity card leads to tidy discounts), while the family members opt for the 30-minute reflexology. It’s this family appeal and the concept of a ‘beauty mall’ which makes Headmasters work.

Step inside and you are greeted by uniformed customer care executives who seat you in a plush waiting area. If you prefer to wait for your favourite hairdresser,a glass of juice or hot beverage is served. The ground floor is where all the cutting-snipping action takes place,as the hair services are rendered here. According to managing director Pramod Dewan,the spalon averages nearly 100 hair spas per day. There is a kids play area with separate haircut stations and a menu of services.

Move an elevator level up and it gets quieter. The beauty services,using only Spa Pevonia products,range from deep cleansing rejuvenation facials (Rs 900 onwards) to body wraps. We would like to recommend the Luminous Vitamin C and Sea Facial,which is a radical facial treatment for dull and dehydrated skin. The men can make the most of a Skin Fit Caviar,which promises to replenish the skin while counteracting aging aggressors.

Head to the top floor and the air smells fresh and soothing,as soft music filters in. This is the Spa level and taking an appointment is mandatory. Pevonia Botanica is an elite spa care line chosen by prestigious spas worldwide.

The various therapy rooms (look-alikes of resorts in Indonesia),including a luxurious couple room,have been designed to offer privacy. It is hard to miss the serenity of the place. One can choose from Swedish,Balinese and Thai massages,but the one we found very relaxing is the Sabai Stone Therapy (Rs 3,500 for nearly 90 minutes). A mineralised black granite stone massage therapy is far better than the traditional stone massage and is very de-stressing. What’s reassuring is that the staff is well-trained and very discreet. There is a range of body therapies on offer,including a special Green Coffee Slimming Body Wrap that is recommended to beat cellulite. “The award took us by surprise. It was decided through feedback received from mystery shoppers,a process that was validated by Grant Thornton,” said Dewan,who is now looking to take the Headmasters success model to 25 cities,including Delhi,Ludhiana,Patiala,Amritsar and Jalandhar.