It may sound vain to travel an hour to and fro for a mani/pedi, but … well, I got nothing. Maybe it is vain. However, I really wanted to experience a ‘royal retreat’!
Tucked away in a little (but popular) shopping mall, Royale Retreat is like that place you always go to meet your friends – kinda like Friends and Central Perk coffee place! Royale Retreat is owned by a husband and wife team and is a cozy, friendly, inviting place.
Mani and Pedi
I came for a manicure and pedicure that was pure enjoyment, although the surroundings made it much better. Royale Retreat’s owner, Selina is big on aromatherpay, so essential oils filled the hair. Not to mention, the seats are actually massage chairs (you guys know how much I love massages!) so that was just that little extra that made the whole experience enjoyable. I was also watching He’s Just Not That Into You on a big TV screen (which by the way, I think I have issues with that movie, they portray women terribly!) while chatting to the nail therapists. Also, one thing that Royale Retreat is very proud of is the absence of those weird blow drying machines that other nail salons use. It’s not that great for the nails, so at Royale Retreat your mani and pedi will be taken care of with OPI’s Professional Quick-Dry System.
I also enjoyed a hand massage with pure Shea butter, which I had never seen before (it smells though) and my hands were later wrapped in cling-wrap and put in heated mittens, resulting in them being super soft and smooth after.
After the pampering, I had a chat with Selina, the owner, who is very passionate about her business. I was really impressed at how she wants the best of the best in her store, which also includes a wall of speciality nail products for you to use. The nail polishes are mainly OPI (the best, I hear?) as well as Orly, Missha, Dior and Chanel.
The colors used on my were OPI’s Passion for my fingers, and Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow, which is a beautiful black green from their latest Espana collection.
I was the most excited about this the whole day! It’s beautiful. I would’ve taken a photo of it, but my crocked toes might make your lunch pop up again. Instead, this blogger has some great swatches of it! I LOVE it. It looks like black but with a little ‘edge’ – and who would’ve thought that black wasn’t edgy enough?!
And just so you can have an idea; my manicure lasted about 6 days, and my pedicure is still going strong after exactly two weeks.
Not just a nail place
When Royale Retreat say they are a nail spa, they really do mean spa. The place is infused with essential oils and smels wonderful, so that customers feel relaxed and calm – you know, really pampered! I was also very kindly given my very own little aromatherapy experience – Selina kindly gave me a candle holder (what are they called, I’ve never done this before?!) and an uplifting oil to burn. I will be writing about my very first aromatherapy experience soon.
Hygiene is very important at Royale Retreat, and everything is clean and sanitized after each customer with OPI’s Swiss Clean System. Last but not least, like I mentioned earlier – it is also a mini shop! Royale Retreat also sell other nail products, and their very own in-house Royale Retreat spa products.
Overall …
A royal retreat indeed. I really, really liked the coziness and professionalism of the place. You can see how passionate Selina is about her business and it’s so inspiring to see. How fun would it be to work in a place like that?! You could tell everyone was great friends (even their customers) and has a lot of happy, returning customers. Personally, I am not sure if I can take the long trips there frequently, but if you live around the area, please do take a look! You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to Royale Retreat for this opportunity! 
More info:
- Royale Retreat Nail Spa
- 55 Siglap Road, #02-23 Siglap Shopping Centre
- Tel: 6449-9939
- Web: www.royalretreat.com.sg
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