Chris & Alley

The moment Sharlene and I stepped inside chris & alley, a beautiful new space in Lifestyle Centre, we were greeted with warm, genuine smiles. First, they brewed complimentary cappuccinos for us from their speciality coffee bar. We sat for a minute, cups in hand, and let the noise of the morning fade until it was time for our first treatment.

Our therapists, Palesa and Bongi, led us to the pedicure station and started prepping our feet. Then came the hardest part: choosing a colour. Which, as you girls know, is never quick. While working on our toes, they offered us the chance to try their LED light treatments. And when someone offers you skincare plus relaxation, you say “yes”.

Sharlene chose the Unicskin UnicTech Eye Mask. It’s only 20 minutes, reduces lines and wrinkles, depuffs, and uses electro-muscular stimulation (EMS) to recharge the under-eye area. The red light also helps with collagen synthesis; her skin looked brighter and refreshed.

I tried the Unicskin UnicLED 5.0 Centurion Korean Mask. It has 528 lights and eight modes, each one for a different purpose. I did red for 10 minutes to help with rejuvenation, then purple for 10 minutes to add radiance and glow. Sitting there with the mask on my face while my toes were being done felt like the best kind of multitasking. Once the gel was set, they soaked our feet in warm water and crushed salts, then came a foot scrub and massage that had us both silently melting into our seats.

The part where we really switched off: Sharlene had the Optiphi Hydrate & Repair facial. It starts with relieving pressure points and aromatherapy, then a double cleanse, followed by exfoliation, a mask, a head massage, and finishes with moisturiser and SPF.

I opted for the Hot Lava Shell Massage, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Instead of hot stones, they use natural lava shells. Just a little warm water is needed to activate them with the ThermaBliss Charge, and they hold a steady therapeutic heat for up to 110 minutes. No reheating, no going cold.

The heat sinks in fast. Muscles relax, circulation picks up, and tension and stiffness just ease away. It’s a treatment designed to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and leave the body feeling revitalised, which was exactly how I felt by the end.

We left slow, soft, and glowing, a big thank you to the chris & alley team for pampering and spoiling us.

031 100 2718

www.chrisalley.co.za 

Shop 59, Lifestyle Centre, Ballito