Diamonds are well touted as a girl’s best friend as they shine bright and last forever. But rather than wearing them on my fingers, I got them slathered on my hands and feet in the hope of younger, more luminous skin. And which better place to try it than the iconic Taj Salon housed by the Taj Mahal Palace at Colaba? Boasting of a rich history of over 77 years and the most opulent treatments, I was eager to put the luxury diamond hand and leg treatment to test.
I was well aware that the grooming for Madame Pompadour’s Fashion Night – the first Fashion Show in the country took place at this renowned salon. First look at the salon and you could mistake it for a stylish French boutique on the boulevards of the Champs Elysees. Think pastel shades of pink, grey and green, elegant arches interspersed with French colonial louvres with blushing pink flowers in shining vases.
My therapists Puneet and Durga quickly greeted me as I stepped in and asked me if they could offer me something. They escorted to me to the treatment area where there was a thali that consisted of almond, honey, diamond bhasm scrub and everything that was to be used for this regal treatment. The treatment started off with traditional soaking of hands and legs using the Diamond Bhasm cleanser. This was followed by the cutting of the nails, cuticle care, filling, and buffing.
The mani-pedi treatment room has a television which I utilized all through the therapy. Meanwhile watching the history of the Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba, I basked in a deeply nourishing and pampering scrub and massage that was prepared by blending dry fruits with honey. This was then followed by a round of relaxing and deeply exfoliating Diamond Bhasm Scrub which gave the effect of a dermabrasion with rose essential oil. Half way through my therapy, I could already notice the tan disappearing.
Next was a milk bath which is also known as ‘The Royal Hammam.’ The smell of rose petals with milk tickled my senses and I knew exactly how Cleopatra was pampered! This was followed by a reflexology massage with pure almond oil blended with the relaxing essential oils of rose and geranium that assisted me into sweet slumber. Post the rejuvenating massage, it was time for the application of a rich, soothing saffron and sandalwood masque on my hands and legs which was left to dry for 10 minutes. The final touch was the 24 Ct gold sheet which was gently massaged into my skin using a gold serum, which acted as an SPF.
By the end of the treatment, my skin felt baby-soft and my soul nourished in equal measure. My polite and efficient therapists and their attention to detail, cleanliness, hygiene etiquettes, luxurious concoctions used; everything together definitely made it the best mani-pedi I have ever had. While I could see specs of diamond shimmer on my hands and legs, I realized that thanks to the royal pampering, the glow had also emanated within me.
Price: The manicure and pedicure is priced at Rs 6680+ taxes and Rs 7570 + taxes respectively
Where: Taj Salon – The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Apollo Bandar, Colaba,
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Contact: 022-22883934
Note: The critic was invited by the Taj Salon but all the opinions expressed herewith are her own
