Dubai: A Dubai-based beauty chain has added another feather in the emirate’s embellished cap by setting up the biggest day spa in the world.
Located on Shaikh Zayed Road, the Beauty Connection Spa (BCS) covers 30,000 square feet and its factory format and industrial ambience are like nothing the UAE has ever seen before.
Visiting BCS is like “discovering a Willy Wonka meets London tube map of beauty salons”. Inspired by the idea of an industrial factory with express service, the spa doesn’t require appointments. You can just walk in and you are assured of immediate attention. No surprises by now, as the spa has over 260 chairs/beds across six districts where over 300 staff are vying to be at your service.
Colour-coding
The biggest district Red Nail Avenue has 106 chairs with VIP rooms and cubicles for gel and manicure/pedicure services. Similarly, the i-Brows section has 49 chairs and Hair-a-Cut and Wash 48 chairs. There are 22 rooms with 22 beds in the Wax District, nine beds in the Facial rooms and two Moroccan baths and steam rooms in the Hammam section.
Each of the six sections is colour-coded and can be reached by following a corresponding colour pipe on the ceiling right from the entrance. Another unique feature of the spa is that all departments have automated vending machines which provide sterilised and disposable kits to customers. “This facility ensures the highest standards of hygiene are maintained. Customers also have the option of taking the kits home,” said a marketing official.
The rates, available on digital menus, depend on the service and start from as little as Dh10 for an eyebrow cut or upper lip waxing,
As you follow the pipes to a particular section, you are greeted by graffiti and spray-paint art along the walls. They include inspiring messages from Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Harry Winston and others. Miss H, the signature Abaya-adorned BCS animated lady, also pops up at every corner.
The theme of beauty and empowerment runs deeper at BCS. The staff, 98 per cent of whom are women, say their lives have gained new meaning after joining BCS. The brainchild of Emirati entrepreneur Kawthar Makahlah Al Shamsi, BCS employs many women from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them a sense of purpose and direction. The concept is said to be based on the women’s empowerment movement of the Second World War when the Rosie the Riveter campaign exhorted American women to take up factory jobs to support the war effort.
“Our story and our journey are unique. We represent a number of differences, our languages, our countries, our personalities; not one of us is the same, yet together at BCS we are united and precious. This is our strength and this is our truth,” said Kawthar.
