If you live in Dubai, chances are you’ve probably driven past Marina Plaza a million times and never noticed it. It’s a slick and subtle extension to Dubai Marina Mall and one that houses a select range of coffee shops, salad bars and a bijoux salon called The White Room. It’s something of a tardis and upon first inspection looked like it could only take a couple of clients. As I stepped inside, however, a wall – which turned out to be a door – slid back to reveal a gleaming corridor of mani-pedi stations. Living up to its name, the salon was sparkling white, with clean marble floors, ostrich leather seats and fuschia lumbar cushions adding an injection of colour.
A long-lasting Gelish mani-pedi lasted just over an hour and 20 minutes and cost Dh235, while a regular manicure was a snip at Dh65 for 45 minutes.
Clad in clinical white, the therapists were both friendly and efficient. The hand, shoulder and foot massage they offered as an added extra was also second to none. Another sliding door revealed a hairdressing salon where I was booked in for a trim. A deft-fingered stylist called Ivy cut my long hair in record time of 10 minutes and to superb effect. I’ll most definitely be back.
Blow-drys are big business in the Marina and The White Room probably can’t be beaten on its price of Dh65. Best of all, that price applies to long, thick and even curly hair. Reflecting current trends in styling and, just in case you’re in the mood for something different, you’ll be handed a glossy book of Disney-inspired “up” and “down” dos to flick through. Styles en vogue, I was assured, include the Repunzel, the Ariel and, of course, the Cinderella.
Salons promising to be one-stop-shops for all your beauty needs, from massages to cosmetic treatments and hair, are definitely on the rise in Dubai. Many of them, however, seem like a production line, with hurried service and pricey day deals. The White Room’s big selling point is that if feels like a private salon where you can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and do some work while you’re pampered or zone out and completely relax without fear of 30 other customers’ eyes on you.
Another incentive to visit is the quick head-to-toe-spruce-up offer. With no more than 20 minutes spent on one treatment from nail touch-ups to hair fixing or express make-up, it’s a great place to swing by after work, before socialising at one of the Marina’s many restaurants or bars nearby.
The White Room is located on the ground floor of Marina Plaza. For appointments, call 04 442 1110. Other locations in Dubai include Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Motor City. Polish changes start from Dh40, scalp massages and conditioning treatments start from just Dh25 and trims cost Dh75. Visit www.whiteroomdubai.com
rduane@thenational.ae
