Last week, I was worn out in a way only a new mother can be. One of my favorite luxuries in life is going for manicure and pedicure and over the years I have lived in Ghana, I have been to many of the salons in Accra. The service is often between 45-65 GHC (20-30 USD) and many times good: someone pampers you and you come out looking great, other times not so great and you come out even more tired after micromanaging an attendant who seems clueless…
This time, I decided to go to a new salon, Ariel’s Haven and Day Spa, located in South La Estates, not far from the La General Hospital. I walked through their beautiful garden and then the receptionist and the owner, Olivia, warmly greeted me before I was shown to a cozy waiting area with comfortable couches.

Ariel’s specialty is private treatment rooms. I am one of those social butterflies who like going to the salon to meet people, but I think Ariel’s dedication to privacy is nice for the times you do not feel chatty, but still want to be pampered.

There is the room for the Domestic Goddess, Corporate Empress, Diva Princess (don’t that sound great!) and also a “Man Cave” for spa needs of guys. The salon is six months old, housed in a nicely refurbished private home and therapists all seemed experienced.

I quickly decided I would do a massage as well and although treatments are by booking, Ariel’s sorted me out for a Swedish massage (90 GHC) in the Tranquility Room. However, first I was to do my nails! I had chosen aromatherapy manicure (30 GHC) and pedicure (40 GHC) and two attendants worked on me efficiently for about one hour, using products from the African Kanshi line and polish is from China Glaze. The treatments were finished off with a nice and thorough foot massage.

Then I was shown into the massage treatment room. The massage was one of the best I have ever had! I know all about the medium-deep tissue massage that is called Swedish as I am Swedish! The one-hour of candlelit bliss allowed me to both doze off and get much needed intense kneading on some of my sore spots (oouch!) The massage room had room for two tables, so you could come with a friend or your partner and a washroom for cleaning up and changing. Again a very private set-up.

The attention to detail at Ariel’s was great – everywhere cosy lighting, a good but not overwhelming scent, relaxing music, water served very cold with a lemon wedge inside and the personnel are kind, efficient and smiley. You can have a facial like my blogging colleague Naa had. Read her review here! The garden has a serving area where you can grab a bite! The salon is also open on Sundays!

All the little things a tired mother needs! Thank you Ariel’s Haven and Day Spa for a very relaxing morning!

This post is a collaboration between Ariel’s Haven and BloggingGhana. If you want a review for your business, please contact info@bloggingghana.org.