The Mandarin Salon

Before I left the States, my Bay Area colleagues gave me a generous gift certificate to the Mandarin Oriental. Lucky me, right?
Well I finally decided to cash it in for a couple of services at the Mandarin Salon. My toes were badly in need of a pedicure (basic maintenance) and I’d also been dying to try an eyelash perm (unnecessary splurge). That’s the wonderful thing about gift certificates — you might actually indulge in services you don’t really need but just want.
The Mandarin Salon is understated but of course all-​out chic and elegant. Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted, checked in, and asked if I cared for a beverage. But of course.
Right on time, I was led back to a private room where the lash perm would be performed. The esthetician carefully explained the process to me so I’d feel comfortable with what was about to happen (hey, putting chemicals near your eyes can seem scary!), and let me know that the entire process would take about an hour. Off to work she went, and off to an almost-​sleep state I went. Her very precise technique resulted in perfectly-​flipped up eyelashes which actually look longer, too! I’ll definitely be doing this again.
Over in the private pedicure area, I was greeted with a large selection of fashion magazines (in English) and was asked if I wanted anything to drink. I had a cup of the ginger tea which came with a petite biscotti, and the staff was kind enough to refill it without being asked. The pedicure service was also precise, taking almost an hour and culminating in the softest feet and most beautifully-​painted toes.
I walked out feeling like a million bucks — that’s the Mandarin Oriental way. For an indulgent afternoon for yourself or a lavish gift to someone you love, you just can’t go wrong at the Mandarin Spa.