Spa Review: Kozma & Kozma

Kozma & Kozma in Umm Suqeim offers a number of quirky treatments that are perfect for social media lovers. Janice Rodrigues gets a 'PomPom Monster' pedicure

The main reason one goes for a spa or salon treatment? To be pampered (or to leave looking better than they came in of course). But just like how many restaurants in the UAE now consider plating a dish just as important as taste, salons are also waking up to the idea of creating experiences. These aren't just treatments you book every month for grooming - they are meant to be treasured, snapped, posted on the 'Gram...
Kozma & Kozma is one such salon. The American owned salon opened its Dubai branch a year and a half ago, and while it offers all the usual treatments you'd expect - facials, blowdries, hair cuts - there are also some pretty wacky treatments on the menu. Take, for example, their mermaid pedicure, where your feet are dipped into a warm wax bath, wrapped in cotton, and placed in a mermaid tail blanket! Or a unicorn manicure, for 'cheeky grown-ups, who are young at heart'. All the pampering you need, with photo ops to boot!
The interiors reflect its exclusive-yet-quirky attitude. From having a candy and mocktail bar (one drink is complimentary with a treatment) to a colourful chandelier to sparkling walls and gilded mirrors. The name of my drink, by the way, was 'Girls just want to have fun'. Very fitting, indeed.
Therapy time
I had opted for a PomPom Monster pedicure, one of the newest additions to their menu. It began with a feet soaking but, surprisingly, not in water, but 'gel-filled balls' in shades of purple, blue and green (apparently the colour changes every week). Looks great, and feels interestingly squishy too. My feet were then exfoliated, my nails clipped and buffed to perfection, and a hydrating green clay mask slathered on. To make it stay, clingfilm was wrapped around my legs, followed by enormous, hairy monster paws (check picture to the right). After 20 minutes, a wash, and a brief foot massage followed.
What we loved...
The complimentary mocktail is a very nice touch indeed. The interiors are lovely, with special care given to ensure it is not too hoity toity (like the kitschy chandelier and the glittering walls). And, of course, the creativity and uniqueness of the treatments make for a
fun experience.
What we didn't...
Being located in Umm Suqeim means you'd need to hail a cab or drive to get there. Their quirky manicures and pedicures are definitely fun, but probably not something you would go in for every month.