The Sultan's Foot Ceremony, the Spa at Dolphin Square, London

Tantalised by the thought of being pampered with Moroccan mystic after an incredibly stressful home move, I booked in at the Spa at Dolphin Square for a pre-holiday pedicure.

Hidden away in a courtyard, a short walk from Pimlico Tube station, this Arabian-flavoured spa is an oasis of tranquillity and a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of London.

You will be hard pushed not to chill out when you step inside. Lavish furnishings coupled with dark wood make you feel as if you have been catapulted into another world. I was welcomed by a friendly, attentive receptionist who showed me where to change into my fluffy robe so that I would feel more comfortable. 

Relaxation area

The 55-minute Sultan's Foot Ceremony (£60) was sheer bliss and excellently executed. Soft music played in the background. It was wonderfully soothing. Just what  the doctor ordered!

After a superb foot soak in a wooden bowl with Dead Sea salts, my feet were treated to an excellent exfoliating massage. The therapist diligently removed any remaining hard skin before she tidied up the cuticles and massaged a rich moisturising cream into my feet and lower legs. Finally my nails were polished in a pretty pale pink. I felt revitalised.

The treatment over, I was ushered into a relaxation room for a Moroccan-styled tea ceremony. The mint tea was delicious and the dates that accompanied it were scrumptious. Such a civilised way of passing the time while the polish dries.

This is definitely a unique twist which transforms an everyday treatment into a luxurious pampering treat. After this, you will never want an ordinary pedicure again.

By Daralyn Danns

For more information about the Spa at Dolphin Square visit www.dolphinsquare.co.uk/spa

Step into summer

After pounding the pavements in New York and Madrid my feet had taken a bashing. They really were in need of some TLC, so it was off to the Urban Retreat at Harrods, London to see Chloe who, in my books, is the best filer, buffer and painter in town.

A pedicure especially for sandal season when your feet are on show is not a luxury it is a necessity.

“It is important to keep your feet well moisturised,” said Chloe. “So many people don’t use a moisturiser every night before going to bed. If your feet aren’t too dry then use a light lotion such as Leighton Denny Sole Pleasure (£9.50, urbanretreat.co.uk/beautique). 

Nail Loft, Urban Retreat Harrods

“If you have been wearing open-toed or/and backless shoes you may find that you need something more heavy duty such as Vaseline.”

I have to admit that I always slather my feet in Vaseline (not between the toes). I have tried lots of creams from the cheap to the expensive, but nothing seems to leave your tootsies as soft. Chloe’s tip is to apply it at night so there is plenty of time for it to absorb into the skin. 

After soaking my feet, Chloe set to work beginning with my nails. “The length should be just below the top of the skin,” she said. “You don’t want to have them too long so they catch or too short in case you are prone to ingrown toenails. File straight across and soften the corners.”

Chloe noticed that I had a nail that had slightly lifted. This had never happened before, but onycholysis apparently is common in adults of all ages and sexes. Separation occurs gradually and can be caused by trauma (I had banged my toe) or not being careful when you use tools to clean underneath the nail.

Essie Mademoiselle

Luckily, as mine was really not bad, Chloe managed to cut off the offending part of the nail and it now seems OK. You have to wait until the nail grows out, which will take months, until it is completely healed.

Chloe’s advice to keep feet in good condition is to have regular pedicures. “Also make sure that your shoes fit properly. Il-fitting shoes only cause problems such as corns, damaged toe nails and, of course, general discomfort.”

The best-dressed toenails, this summer, according to Chloe are wearing pastels or brights. “A nude is always chic and classy,” she said. “Essie Ballet Slippers is a classic pale pink.”

I went for Essie Mademoiselle, a pretty sheer milky pink. “It makes your feet look tanned,” said Chloe.

After the “Chloe treatment” my feet looked amazing and were ready to be back on show.

By Daralyn Danns

Custom Pedicures from £57. For more information and appointments visit www.urbanretreat.co.uk