Mama and Daughter Spa Day at Hello Kitty Spa

As a Dubai mama, a mani/pedi once a month (at least!) is always top of my list. There is nothing more necessary in the city where people sport flip-flops and open toe sandals, than proper nail hygiene, as well as a splash of colour of course.

I was invited to try out the Mother and Daughter pampering package at the Hello Kitty Spa. Now I know what you are thinking mamas… I was just as skeptical. It seemed a bit too much to take a three and a half year old for such an indulgent afternoon and lets face it, her little nails on her tootsies looked pretty perfect to me. What’s more, the name “Hello Kitty Spa” made me think that it was purely a kiddie’s facility. And beside that, does my daughter even know who Hello Kitty is? Well, if only I had an iPhone ready at the moment I told her where we were going, the photo would have been priceless. (Luckily you can see her cheesy grin at the spa instead!!)

She was over the moon and started to say how much she loved Hello Kitty. I’m still not 100% certain she knew who it was, or whether the overjoyed reaction was due to the fact that she was spending a whole afternoon with her mummy (no sister in sight!) and was getting her nails done (something which she adores). Probably the latter…

So off we went to the new Dubai Mall spa where we were greeted by some lovely ladies who robed us up in Hello Kitty gowns ready for our mummy and me session. The interior of the salon was luxurious, offering a calm setting in a cream and beige palette, with accents of pink, and sweet Hello Kitty cushions scattered around.

First things first – we were invited to choose our nail polishes from a wide range of shades. For mummies they had Essie (with all the new summer colours) and OPI and for the little ladies I was delighted to see the 100% natural water based Snails range which you can wash off with water (perfect for my little girl) or Zoya’s polishes, which offer natural, toxic-free products. I heard a squeal of excitement as my daughter chose 2 sparkly colours and rushed over to get my approval.

We were guided to our stations and I was politely asked how I wanted my child’s nails filed. I was relieved and encouraged by this gesture of respect. As the technicians started to work on our feet, I started to realize that actually this was a nice place for mummies too. There were no short cuts taken and I began to really enjoy myself, once in a while looking over at my darling girl who was still smiling from ear to ear, whilst watching some cartoons on the big screen.

After her nails were finished, the staff were so alert to the fact that I had a rather young girl with me, who might start to get fidgety soon, that they suggested I do my manicure whilst we hit the hair salon. Thoughtful, professional, considerate… these therapists were really top notch!

At the sinks, my daughter’s hair was washed with Original Sprout shampoo and conditioner, which is paraben free and completely natural. They also used an organic shampoo and conditioner for me from the Bamboo range, which felt great. We then sat together for our natural curl blow-dries whilst being offered organic chocolate hello kitty pops and chilled strawberry lemonade. Oh yes!

And the result? Perfectly polished nails and gorgeously coiffured hair! Hello Kitty Spa is a destination providing an experience for little ones from babes to young teens and that is exactly what we got; A fantastically fun afternoon for mummy with her little girl as a treat! Is it too early to book again next week?

Hello Kitty Spa has just recently opened at Dubai Mall, second floor. They also have a branch in Town Centre Mall, Jumeirah 1.

Hello Kitty Beauty Spa, 2/F, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, (additional location in Town Centre Mall), Facebook, www.hellokittybeautyspa.com