Luxury montage.

So what’s the deal?

If you’re going to take the time out of your day to stop by the salon, you might as well get as much done in one go as you can.

We finally found time to stop by Mosaic Nails for some basic beauty maintenance times three.

Nestled in the trees on an inconspicuous corner at the intersection of 24th/Karama and 13th/Delma, the interior of Mosaic Nails looks like an opulent ancient harem, featuring rich colours and textures brightened by wall-sized windows, candles and chandeliers.

We started with a standard manicure followed by a must-have pedicure. On the plus side, our fingernails were completely dry by the time we left; on the downside, our solitary technician didn’t start the pedicure until the manicure was finished, which meant the entire procedure took about two and a half hours.

Having made the time, however, they were two and a half lovely hours, especially the neck and back massage time that ended the procedure. If there’s a better way to unwind than curled up in a comfy chair while getting our nails groomed and our muscles rubbed, we can’t think of what it is.

Why go?

We loved the soothing ambience and funky decor – especially the copper bowls that served as basins for our feet and accompanying copper pitchers used to rinse between scrubs – and the fat arm chairs from furniture store THE One were a comfy alternative to many lifeless spa seats.

And why not?

While the mellow lighting adds to the atmosphere, it isn’t the best for choosing nail polish: what looked like a deep Marilyn Monroe red inside the salon turned out to be a smidge on the orange side once outside.

What? Mani/pedi/massage combo
Where? Mosaic Nails and Spa
The treatment: A manicure and pedicure followed by a 15 minute neck-and-back chair massage
Cost: AED 200
We say: Escape for a couple of hours of pampering
Contact: 02 445 9660 or download their entire menu of services available at www.mosaicnailsandspa.com

Laura Fulton