Prepare to embark on a voyage of self-discovery and renewal as we uncover the hidden gems and iconic havens that redefine the spa and salon experience in Riyadh. From all-encompassing wellness centers to salons focused on nails and beauty, each spa offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, tailored to elevate your well-being and restore balance in every aspect of your life.
Four Spa
FOUR SPA is one of the OG nail spas in Riyadh. When Riyadh was in need of a nail salon that will give guests personalized attention and luxury services that elevated the spa experience, Four Spa was there. Nestled in the heart of the Diplomatic Quarter’s Kindi Plaza, Four Spa has been providing top-notch service that leaves its clients feeling like royalty.
I have been going to Four Spa for my gel manicure and pedicure. This time, I tried their new service: Russian manicure, also known as dry manicure, which is recently taking the beauty world by storm with its meticulous techniques and stunning results. At the heart of Russian manicure is the emphasis on nail health and flawless execution. Unlike traditional manicures, which often involve soaking the nails in water, Russian manicure focuses on dry cuticle removal and nail shaping, resulting in a longer-lasting and more precise finish.
The nail technician was really gentle in removing the excess cuticle and dead skin around my nails using specialized tools. She also paid very close attention to detail and ensured that each nail is perfectly groomed and free of imperfections. The finishing touch of “buffing to shine” made my nails the perfect canvas for a flawless coat of polish of my chosen color: a deep blue that shifts color esp. when under the sun.
Four Spa also offers massages and the Deep Tissue Massage that I had was one of the best I’ve experienced in Riyadh. The massage therapist, who is Thai, was warm and courteous. She explained to me what will happen in a Deep Tissue Massage, a therapeutic technique that targets deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue in the body to release tension and alleviate chronic pain and promote relaxation.
The massage therapist began by warming up my muscles with lighter pressure and gradually increased intensity. She applied firm pressure to specific areas of tension, knots, or adhesions in my body. I was glad that I was also able to tell her the amount of pressure I like before the massage started. With this kind of massage, it’s common to experience some soreness or stiffness after but in my case, I didn’t experience any intense pain or discomfort. It was a truly relaxing experience.
I also had their eyelash extension service. The room for the eyelash services was further inside the Four Spa salon itself and was quite straightforward with its white walls, a lash bed and a big vanity mirror. The service was said to last for an hour and the technician began with cleansing and patching my eyes for protection before applying the extensions. It’s a tedious task that requires accurate positioning in order for the lashes to be glued in so I took it as an opportunity to get a short nap in. Eventually, everything was set and I had voluminous lashes for the next two weeks.
With Four Spa’s luxe ambiance and friendly staff, it’s no wonder they were able to branch out and welcome more customers. Visit their branches in Takhasussi and KAFD as well. I will surely come back for more of their amazing beauty and wellness services.
Four Spa
Kindi Plaza, Diplomatic Quarter
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Closed on Sundays
Contact: +966112014444
Website: four.com.sa
Social Media: @4spa
Metanoia Spa
Nestled on the top floor of Reef Village in Al Nakheel District, Metanoia Spa aims to transform your restless state of mind to a state of relaxation, indulgence, and rejuvenation. Their spa menu comprises of nail and hair services, facials, eyelash stylings, and massage therapies – all housed in a beautiful and elegant abode that makes you forget the busy, bustling city.
Inspired by Bulgari’s design elements, the lobby dons a large Italian marble wall, custom wooden ceiling fixtures and plush seating for their guests at the main salon area. Upstairs, the impressive interiors continue with both the al fresco “sun room” where enticing day beds lay with marigold coverlets. Across is their VIP room that is available for small groups to avail of private beauty services and even events.
Our booking for the day was set for a pedicure and aromatherapy massage. The lower floor hosts the nail services hence the first hour was spent there. While I laid back and put my feet up, the nail technician set on to work on my cuticles, filing my heels, providing a foot scrub and then proceeded to apply the polish. The work was clean and refreshing, and I was provided with in-house slippers before heading up for my massage.
In the upstairs’ reception area, I filled out a standard form inquiring about any possible health concerns and special requests before the service commenced. Once that’s done, I was ushered to the locker area to leave my belongings and change into one of their deluxe robes. As I entered the massage room, I was welcomed by the masseuse, uniquely named Aloha, and asked me to choose the scented oil that I wanted to use before I laid down. I did my best to soak in the 60-minute massage as she proceeded to draw out my bodily aches. The strokes and pressure application were on point to my request, and the session was calming with light spa music playing in the background.
After the massage, the relaxation continued to the sun room, where you can sit back and spend a few minutes internalizing the moment, sip on some hot tea before finally deciding that all good things must come to an end.
Overall, their attention to detail was astute, using name cards with the customer’s names handwritten and placed in each side table. The rooms were well-kept and the service was attentive and polite. I was not surprised to hear of their returning customers’ feedback since I too, intend to return and enjoy their services again soon.
Metanoia Spa
2123 Abdulwahid Ibn Ahmad, An Nakheel
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
(Monday-Thursday)
1:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Fridays)
Closed on Sundays
Contact No: 053 555 2217
Social Media: @metanoia_spa
Mellow Nail Artistry
With hundreds of nail services to choose from in the city, Mellow Nail Artistry presents itself as a creative space for ladies to chill, have coffee, and get their nails done beautifully. They have a spacious and light-filled location at one of the buildings in Laysen Valley, just minutes away from the Diplomatic Quarter.
A vast, black oak wood counter is front and center at the entrance, with one side working as the reception and the other side as a mini-coffee bar. Behind it is a large walled bookshelf, with cutesy trinkets and art deco books displayed. The nail salon on the east wing has large windows overlooking the plaza, while the hair services section on the west wing has the sun rays streaming over the room. Another main room hosts services solely for manicures, which was the service we signed up for on that day.
I availed of the shellac nail service with minimal nail art, but they also have other services such as gel or acrylic extensions, BIAB overlay, nail art, and even child-friendly manicures for little girls. The nail technician assigned to me was Natalie and she spent an hour cleaning my nails and preparing it for the gel application. They have a lot of nail polish colors to choose from and I decided to go for their gold chrome nails which make use of nail art powder that is rubbed on the nails to get the chrome effect. For the nail art, I chose a design made of the crescent moon and stars on my ring finger.
The results were lovely and my gel nails lasted over three weeks. The nail technician was skillful in her nail art and I was happy with how the manicured nails turned out. As for the overall vibe, it was indeed light and mellow, as their brand suggests.
Mellow Nail Artistry
Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily)
Contact No.: +966592170201
Website: www.mellownailartistry.com
Social Media: @mellownails.sa
NEW: Style O’s Beauty Salon
Style O’s Beauty Salon is nestled in the vibrant heart of Riyadh, adjacent to Olaya Street near the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower. Style O’s redefines beauty with their unparalleled range of premium services, including professional lash extensions, gel nail enhancements, and exquisite hair extensions.
The salon prides itself on delivering top-tier beauty solutions that enhance natural beauty. They believe in accentuating individual beauty in a subtle yet impactful manner, unveiling the inherent elegance and grace within each woman. Their team of skilled professionals is dedicated to crafting looks that radiate confidence and sophistication, while maintaining the integrity of your natural features.
Whether it’s fluttery lashes that frame your eyes, flawless nails that dazzle with every gesture, or luscious locks that cascade with grace, the salon specializes in enhancing your beauty in the most natural and authentic way possible.
Style O’s Beauty Salon
Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Road, Olaya
Opening Hours: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
2:30 PM – 7:00 PM (Friday)
Contact Number: +966550215510
Social Media: @beautyculture_sa
Fairmont Spa
The Fairmont Spa at the Fairmont Hotel Riyadh is now fully open and running, reflecting the hotel’s seamless marriage of gilded Middle East glamor and international modernity. Providing an oasis of tranquility and calm in the bustle of Riyadh’s financial district, the space has been fully renovated to offer some of the most impressive facilities in the city. Cocooned in soothing neutral hues with marble touches, it is perfect for retreating to after a day exploring the city’s myriad cultural and cosmopolitan sites, but also a destination in its own right. Part of the hotel’s all-encompassing wellness center, the spa is home to a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam and hammam experience. All facilities and treatments are designed to energize and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul and enhance overall well-being.
A blissful and welcoming sanctuary, the spa offers separate facilities for men and women, open to men for treatments, but with the elegant and private ladies’ lounge on hand for private beauty treatments and pampering. This private haven includes the Nail Lounge where meticulous manicures and pedicures are crafted for the perfect touch of elegance and relaxation. Holistic and regenerative spa treatments are available, perfect for much-needed self-care following the festive season, and span bespoke massages, body treatments and rejuvenating facials. Signature treatments include Freedom, a unique fusion of deeply therapeutic massage techniques, abdominal cleansing, and Kansa Wand lymphatic face drainage. This specialized combination aims to alleviate tension and fluid retention. Additionally, Flow incorporates hot basalt and cold marble stones that skilfully intertwine, creating a beautifully balanced therapy that brings both relaxation and revitalization.
Part of the wellness offering, The Fairmont Riyadh Fitness Centre boasts state-of-the-art cardio equipment for invigorating workouts, with health professionals on hand to create tailor-made wellness regimes and assist with any new year’s health and body goals. The Fitness Centre is also equipped with lululemon gear to aid you in your post-workout stretching routine.
For guests who want to unlock a year of health, wellness, and transformative fitness, gym memberships are available with a one-month trial for SAR 2,000 and a one-year membership at SAR 17,000.
Fairmont Spa
Fairmont Hotel Riyadh, Business Gate, Qurtubah
Opening Hours:
Spa: 11:00 to 22:00
Spa Facilities: 06:00 to 22:00
Gym: 24/7
Contact No: +966 11 826 2626
Email: fairmont.riyadh@fairmont.com
Social Media: @fairmontriyadh
