Review of Zen Lifestyle Teviot Place, Edinburgh

Zen Lifestyle Teviot Place, 4 bubbles

These smart treatment rooms are deservedly popular for their high quality treatments, but Zen Lifestyle is a place for beauty rather than spa. Don't miss their amazing three-week pedicure.

First impressions?

How did they welcome you?

What happens next?

Which treatments did you have?

What were the treatments like?

How did you feel afterwards?

What happens afterwards?

Was it worth it?

What else could you have?

What do you wish you'd known before you went?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

First impressions?

Zen Lifestyle presents a smart purple statement with its shop front on Teviot Place. Inside the glass doors, all was spick, span, light and bright, with wooden shelves laden with gleaming products on the walls, more of the signature purple, and a wooden reception desk.

It was also all rather hushed: they were having a staff meeting! I'd arrived a little early, so was happy to go downstairs and wait.

How did they welcome you?

I sipped some sparkling water in the small waiting area at the foot of the stairs. There is water to help yourself to here.

What happens next?

My therapist, Louise, took me through into the nicely presented treatment room and asked me to sit on the treatment bed.

Which treatments did you have?

I had the Three Week pedicure (£60 for over an hour). This pedicure uses a bio-gel that bonds to your nails rather than nail polish, so you can expect no chips, flakes or scratches for at least three weeks.

What were the treatments like?

Very good. Louise started by removing my old nail colour, and asking me to choose a new one. I went for a startling bright pink.

Louise then gave me a foot soak, which softened my skin. It was a bit awkward lifting my feet in and out of a large bowl of water while sitting on the bed, and this wouldn't be manageable for everyone.

Once my feel were softened and exfoliated, Louise attacked my hard skin with a scalpel. This was wondrous to watch as she peeled off layer after layer. "I love doing pedicures," she said. "I like to see that what I'm doing is making a difference." There was certainly a difference being made to my poor neglected soles.

Once she had filed my nails into the right shape and buffed them up, Louise applied the gel. First, a clear layer, then two coats of colour, then a top coat. In between each layer, she popped my feet into small, individual ultra-violet lightboxes, which bonded the gel to my nail. It was a very busy pedicure, with my feet in and out of the boxes. It also took over an hour, by which time my bum was very numb for sitting at an awkward angle on the bed. I would have much preferred the treatment to take place in a chair.

How did you feel afterwards?

Numb but twinkly-toed.

What happens afterwards?

Because it was bonded gel, my nails were dry, so I could put my sandals straight back on. My toes looked super glossy and I was thrilled to bits with the colour.

I was sorry I couldn't stay longer and sample some of the other treatments on offer but, just as I emerged from the treatment room, my taxi turned up to take me to the airport.

Was it worth it?

Yes, it was. The colour lasted splendidly and, for £60, I thought it was a bargain. Especially as you get a free glass of champagne with your treatment (although I was happy to stick to my water). This pedicure is ideal just before a holiday as it lasts and lasts.

What else could you have?

For a small salon, Zen Lifestyle offers a wide range of treatments, including facials and massages, from brands including Elemis, Murad, and Jane Iredale mineral make-up.

They also offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments, such as permanent hair removal, and treatments for red thread veins and acne, as well as Botox and dermal fillers. They are also famous for their hot bikini waxing, apparently.

There are treatments especially suited to pregnant women and to men, and they will also put together packages for a spa hen party or bridal preparation. Their Little Bit of Everything package includes a 30-minute aromatherapy or sports massage, 30-minute facial, maintenance pedicure and a manicure: 2 hours of treatments for £118.

What do you wish you'd known before you went?

How tempting some of the other treatments looked. I'd have stayed for longer! Zen Lifestyle, and its sister salon in Bruntsfield Place, are open seven days a week, and offer early-morning and late-evening appointments to fit in around busy lives.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Zen Lifestyle 4 bubbles. It felt much more beauty salon than spa, so I wouldn't expect to come here and waft around in a robe. What you will get is a good pep-up or a relaxation fix. The staff are all knowledgeable and friendly, and make people feel relaxed and comfortable straight away.

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