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The Reef, Maidstone – 3 Bubbles
Our Spy loved all her treatments at this family-run beauty salon and treatment rooms. Don't expect a pool or any heat facilities, but you can choose from a great range of health and beauty therapies. Don't miss the Magic of the Outback massage.
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?
Long-term effects
Was it worth it?
What else could you have?
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
First impressions?
The Reef is a beauty salon and treatment rooms located in the very fashionable heart of Maidstone shopping centre. From Maidstone West Railway Station, I walked alongside the river for a while, then into the town centre which is packed with a variety of shops, wine bars and eating establishments. I turned into Gabriels Hill and immediately noticed the totally glass-fronted building which is The Reef. Once through the door, there is a large wooden reception desk directly in front of you. Also in this area is an array of stylishly dressed display cabinets containing an assortment of creams, lotions, sprays and polishes.
In the salon area, just off reception, there are two large pedicure thrones and a number of manicure stations. Further into the salon are four rooms designed especially for waxing, and fake bake tanning. The top two floors offer a further six treatment rooms for use by day-spa-goers. There are also changing rooms and a relaxation room.
How did they welcome you?
The reception staff, Annette and Adam, greeted me very warmly, offered me a drink and then ushered me up the stairs to the first-floor relaxation room. Annette showed me the changing rooms, poured me a cold glass of cranberry juice and left me to change into my robe and slippers.
What happens next?
The changing room is quite small, but the lockers were large enough to store all my belongings. In the locker was a very cosy robe and funky, beaded flip-flops. On the window-sill were a box of tissues and a small basket with a collection of hair bands; as I had forgotten mine, I thought this a really useful and thoughtful touch!
Once changed, I went through to the relaxation room. This room is faintly lit and contains three loungers, a couple of chairs and an area for eating lunch. On top of one of the cupboards there was water, a selection of fresh juice and a bowl of fruit on offer.
Annette appeared with some green tea and a consultation form, which I filled in while quietly sipping my tea. When Annette returned, she briefly outlined my programme for the day and also handed me a written timetable. Very efficient!
A few minutes later Mia, my first therapist, came to collect me and took me up the hall to a large, tidy, dimly lit treatment room. The treatment table was heated and very comfortable.
Which treatments did you have?
I had a very full programme! I had the Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow (30 minutes, £32), Magic of the Outback (80 minutes, £88), The Reef's signature hot stones booster facial (50 minutes, £62), a Leighton Denny On The Move manicure (30 minutes, £17), and a Leighton Denny Custom pedicure (45 minutes, £28).
What were the treatments like?
For the Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, Mia lightly brushed my entire body, starting with my feet and legs. At first, there was a slight tingly sensation which quickly turned into a weirdly energising feeling. Next Mia applied warm oil before exfoliating with the lime and ginger salt. The drizzle of warm oil felt soothing, and the smell was intoxicating. The exfoliation felt a little abrasive but as the oils soaked into my skin, I felt relaxed and invigorated at the same time.
Once the treatment was over, Mia left the room while I took a shower. The warm water intensified my energised feeling. I dried off and waited for the next instalment.
The Magic of the Outback massage is the Reef's signature massage; this treatment was brought back to Kent by two of the spa's therapists who learned it while in Australia. Magic of the Outback is a massage inspired by traditional Australian aboriginal techniques. It combines a unique mix of massage, pressure point, and deep spiralling movements. The massage oil is a subtle blend of lemon, grapefruit and mandarin. I could feel Lauren, my massage therapist, slowly and firmly massaging the mixture into my tired, old muscles. I felt warmth and moisture being absorbed deep into my body and skin. This massage technique was definitely not like anything I had experienced before. Time passed very quickly. Before I knew it, the experience was over. I was thoroughly transported.
It seemed to take a long time before I was again in control of my senses, and I slowly sipped a long glass of water.
My therapist for the hot stones booster facial is Laura. She took the time to explain the treatment, the products, and the potential benefits. The facial is uniquely prescribed, and targets the areas where your skin most needs it. Lauren used an Elemis aromatic deep-cleansing milk with rehydrating properties. The cleaner was followed by a hydrating ginseng toner and a rose exfoliate. Part of the treatment included hot stones facial and shoulder massage. I instantly felt the release of tension in my face, especially on my forehead, and drifted into a state of perfect relaxation. Lastly, Laura applied pro-collagen eye-renewal cream. Once again, my treatment was over all too soon.
My entire morning had been spent in a state of pure bliss. I actually had no idea how long I had been away, transported to my own little world. Laura advised me to take some time in the relaxation room in order to wake up slowly, and said that my lunch would be brought up in a while. I had another glass of water and relaxed in one of the loungers. Instead of waking up, I fell into a deep sleep. When the door opened, I awoke to find that my lunch was ready. Brilliant!
Lunch at The Reef is brought in from Eden Sandwich Bar, just around the corner. I had pre-ordered a fresh fruit juice, a tri-colour salad (shredded mozzarella with slices of vine tomatoes, avocado and fresh basil) and the fresh fruit salad. The lunch was delicious and surprisingly filling.
After lunch, I dressed and went down to salon for my Leighton Denny manicure, where I met Lauren again. As soon as I sat at the manicure table, I could see the look of dismay on Lauren's face. I think I have only ever had two manicures in my life -- and it showed. I knew this was going to take more than 30 minutes.
We began by choosing a colour from a large selection. I opted for a colour something between clear and cloudy.
The On The Move manicure is a manicure designed for those on the go. The nails are shaped and re-shaped, then the skin exfoliated. Lauren did a tidy-up of my cuticles and applied a serum, then polish, and a top-coat to finish. My nails looked good and I was impressed. Maybe I'll have a manicure more often!
The nail technician for my pedicure was Katie. I walked a few steps from the manicure table to one of the two throne-like, specially designed pedicure stations. Again, Katie and I began by choosing a colour, and this time I opted for a dark plum.
Katie treated my feet to a soak then delicately bathed and exfoliated them. Once out of the water, Katie then spent some time moisturising and conditioning, tidying my cuticles, nail shaping, and concluded with a classic polish application.
How did you feel afterwards?
This was the first time I had spent an entire day having one treat after another and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't feel as though I were on a conveyor belt, I felt relaxed and cared for. The bookings had been scheduled with just the right amount of time between therapies. I had time to enjoy the treatments and time to relax and appreciate in between. My feet don't normally get to see a lot of the outside world and, as I looked down, I was impressed. I thought they might deserve to be shown off for a while.
What happens afterwards?
After my very complete spa day, Lauren advised me of the do's and don'ts. Mainly do drink plenty of water, don't drink alcohol and avoid shaving. She then gave me a fantastically detailed account, in writing, of the products The Reef had used during the day. I really like having something to go away with. Often you are told and advised of so much, it is hard to remember exactly what has been recommended.
Long-term effects
I had a long journey home, but felt relaxed and calm. I slept very deeply and woke feeling invigorated and energised. These effects lasted more than a few days. My skin felt silky-soft and healthy. My hands and feet well groomed. I felt well turned out from head to toe.
Was it worth it?
My day at The Reef was a pretty indulgent day: my day's treatments worked out at approximately £200. But I can't actually think of many better ways to spend money on yourself. I would highly recommend a spa day as a worthwhile maintenance exercise, a bit like having your car serviced: the long-term effects far outweigh the immediate cost!
What else could you have?
Elemis, Guinot and Skinceuticals facials, massages and other body treatments. In the beauty salon, you can have Leighton Denny nails, fake bake tanning and Lycon waxing (Lycon is a new Australian low-temperature hot wax).
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
I really should have read my Welcome Letter before setting out. Had I read the instructions, I would have brought open-toed sandals to preserve my shiny new glamorous feet after a fantastic pedicure. Luckily, Clare (Managing Director of The Reef) kindly allowed me to take home some very fashionable flip-flops.
Any special features?
The Magic of the Outback treatment is something for The Reef to shout about. Also, if you are looking for beauty treatments, The Reef's salon area has been specifically designed to provide a good experience.
Who do you think would like it?
This salon is ideal for busy on-the-go clientele. The Reef is centrally located so is convenient and has all the latest beauty equipment.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave The Reef 3 bubbles. The Reef is a beauty salon and treatment rooms with a little something extra. Its overall philosophy is one of personal service and the team at The Reef seem to be very experienced in providing just that. The front-of-house team are efficient and friendly, the therapists are skilled, knowledgeable and experienced, and the treatments unique and good value for money.
The Reef was spotlessly clean throughout but upstairs the décor was a little tired in places. While lying on the lounger, I could see cabling hanging down from the cupboard lights. A spruce-up would be welcome.
I felt that if all six treatment rooms were in use, lunch time in the relaxation room might be a little congested and not very relaxing. Also, the changing room is very small and will really only accommodate one person at a time. The only showers are those in the treatment rooms themselves. It was all comfortable enough but not luxurious.
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
I would definitely go again, especially for another pedicure. I would also definitely go back for their signature massage (Magic of the Outback) as this massage is unique to these treatment rooms.
We visited The Reef in May 2009
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See also:
* Contact Details for The Reef
* Products in the spotlight: Elemis
* Read more spa reviews
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