It has been a frantically busy day at work and I have just sat in another hour session of traffic, which as usual, has sent my irritation and stress levels through the roof. Added to this, my feet hate me as in an effort to look professional I decided to wear wedges to work this morning. Just on time for my appointment, I dash through the glass doors to the La Beautique beauty salon.

My therapist Nicole is waiting for me and her attitude speaks wonders for the salon. She is friendly and accommodating and greets me by my name – a personal touch which I pick up on. I feel welcome and right away begin to relax. I am surprised at how instantly comfortable I feel here. As a creature of habit, I find visiting new beauty salons more of a tension-building than a tension-releasing experience. Here however, at this beautiful, tranquil and oh so friendly beauty salon I can’t but feel instantly relaxed and comfortable.

La Beautique is an intimate boutique style salon located in the Tyger Waterfront. The pistachio green and burnt orange colour scheme and the dark wood finishes give the salon a distinctly Asian flavour. Soothing eastern music is audible in both the reception and treatment rooms, creating an atmosphere of medative calm.

The salon offers a number of different individual treatments and packages, ranging from skin and body treatments to facials and microdermabrasion. I’m here for a full-body Swedish massage – a treatment described in the brochure as ‘an invigorating massage aimed at reducing muscular tension through manipulation of soft tissue.’ It is recommended by the salon ‘as part of a regular program of stress management.’ Just up my alley.

The actual treatment doesn’t disappoint, in fact it exceeds my high expectations. After being invited to lie on my stomach, Nicole uses grapeseed oil to knead my muscles and surface tissue in a soothing rhythmic fashion. In the soft light of the therapy room I soon find myself chanting along to the Eastern music. I’m certain my body loves me for this. A salon for men and women alike, La Beautique also offers a number of executive treatments for men aimed at the rushed businessman who can only spare a little time for a quick treatment. These are of course a perfect lunchtime treat. In addition, they do hair removal, waxing, tinting and facials and there is a sunbed available and a nail technician on hand (please excuse the pun).

Finishing the treatment I, I am given a glass of water and some heavenly smelling orange oil which Nicole promises will clear my sinuses if I sniff gently at the tissue. I spend about ten minutes devouring the orange scent and then reluctantly get dressed. Surely there is no need to ever leave this room? Ever! At reception there are a number of products on display. I ask Nicole about these. She tells me that for facials they use Environ, a well known South African product and Ahava, an internationally recognised Dead Sea product range. In addition, they sell Zendegis natural supplements and aromatherapy oils. There are supplements for everything from anti-ageing to osteoarthritis, but it’s the oils which interest me most.

The Zendegis aromatherapy range includes oils for immune boosting, osteoarthritis pain, anti-ageing and cellulite treatment. There are further oils in the range designed for sedation, after-sport massage, pregnancy and passion. I make a note to study the pamphlet and return.

La Beautique is a beauty salon find! The attitude of the therapists is positive and friendly, the products used are top quality and the treatments will blow you away – in a good way!

I rush out with fifteen minutes in which to get home and dress for my next meeting. Straight back into the rat race. ‘But,’ I tell myself encouragingly, ‘I’ll be back!’ ‘This place is awesome.’

For further information and bookings contact La Beautique on (021) 914 4764. Business Hours are Monday – Friday 08h00 to 17h30 and Saturdays 08h00 to 13h00. Tuesdays and Thursday evening treatments (after 17h30), by appointment only.