If you’ve been following my blog long enough- you’d know by now that I have spent the better part of my adult life studying, sampling, researching alternative and holistic health solutions for the mind and body. These days, its becoming increasingly difficult to find a space to retreat to because you are always scrambling from one appointment to the next. Our days aren’t measured with how many minutes we spend on the grass each day but how much we get done and this, is causing oxidative damage and stress on our bodies and minds.

I have been travelling quite a bit and I have to admit that I often swap a day out shopping with a spa treatment because the swap feels better and my body could do with a little TLC. When the good folk at Magnifique invited me to their new salon in Vasant Vihar- I was intrigued to check it out. If you remember, I worked with the talented HMUA team and at the salon a few years on a magazine photoshoot. You can see some of the photos here– Polina is a fabulous photographer.

Anyway, I digress, I walked into the salon and was greeted with a cup of herbal tea and my charming therapist sat and explained the benefits of aromatherapy to me. Simply put, Aromatherapy is an alternative form of holistic therapy that uses essential oils to help you destress, facilitate mindfulness and promote relaxation. Research has shown that these aromas from oils, experienced through aromatherapy and essential oils have innumerable therapeutic benefits on the mind and body. I was confused about which massage to choose but I picked the ‘deep stress body massage’ in the end because it uses a unique blend of arnica and lavender to work on alleviating soreness and promoting rest. My skin is usually very sensitive so we did a patch test behind my ears for 15 minutes to check for any changes on the skin and then the massage began. I was woken 45 minutes later to the nasty sound of a phone notification and as I silenced it, I thanked my therapist for a fabulous session as she finished the experience with a little massage on the neck and shoulders. I have to admit that because I use my phone and computer a lot, my shoulders are always sore and stiff so these areas usually need a little extra TLC at the spa. After a quick steam, I showered and walked out feeling fresh and noticeably lighter. Its been a month since my last massage and while I’m aching to go back and try and deep tissue- I’m thrilled with the results of the simple mobilisation exercises that my therapist taught me. I even bought some arnica oil on my travels and use it on my neck before bedtime when it starts to hurt or feel sore.

Magnifique Salon, is the brainchild of Dipali Mathur-Dayal and Milan Sharma. They recently opened their brand new outlet in Vasant Vihar but their flagship Salon is still in Defence Colony. Apart from mani-pedis, massages, hair treatments, the team can also help with HMUA support for shoots and weddings and can help with image consulting as well. For bookings and inquiries click here.

About Magnifique, the brand :
The story of Magnifique began when the thought of discovering utmost beauty was conceived by the truly artistic skills of a service industry veteran, reputed banker, and a renowned lawyer. Magnifique is all about celebrating the transformation of ‘U’. Through a line of specialized services and grooming rituals, delivered by only the best, you will discover the renewed radiance and confidence that emanates from the magnificent you.

Inspired by international cultures that excel in the art of grooming and providing alluring beauty solutions, this avant-garde couture salon will offer you the opulence of a luxe-grooming experience with delightful results. Situated at South Delhi’s high street fashion alley, Defence Colony, where brands and people compete over caviar and cars, Magnifique aspires to rise as a one-stop family destination for those seeking to be spotlight-ready within minutes.