Beauty and wellness Caraïbes

Are your hands in need of a makeover or a new look? Come to the Manicuríssima nail salon and get your nails done. Whether unicolored, multicolored or patterned, the professionals at this company will find the style that suits you best. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to have a pedicure and extend this moment of relaxation in comfortable armchairs and in an authentic Dominican atmosphere. In short, nail art is at its best here, and you'll leave this nail bar with jewels at your fingertips.

This spa, founded by Virginia Dalmau, is said to be the first to open in the Dominican Republic. Since 1963, it has been offering treatments in a calm, professional and serene atmosphere. The program includes anti-stress and sports massages, essential oils, facial masks, seaweed and chocolate treatments, aromatherapy and hydromassage. Hair removal treatments for both men and women are also available. Blending tradition and innovation, this salon of excellence is the perfect place to redo your beauty.

Slip into one of six open-air sulphur pools, each with a different temperature. A cold-water pool is available for the more adventurous. For greater intimacy, you can privatize one of the two covered pools for US$20. Massages are also available on reservation. The site features shaded picnic tables, and a bar-restaurant service should be available this year. Relax under the stars, as the spa remains open after sunset.

Sophie Thezenas is a trained and certified practitioner of wellness massages, and also holds a diploma in sophrology. She knows all types of massages (wellness, sports, anti-stress, pregnant women) according to your needs. The aim is to erase tensions, to let go, to relax the body and the mind. Sophie also intervenes at offices during lunch breaks for clothed massage sessions on an ergonomic chair (15 minutes), to relax stress-damaged back and shoulders.

On the only street in the village of Dominicus, between souvenir stores, local craftsmen and tour operators, there are many more or less serious "massage" proposals. Samsara Spa is the most recommended for its cleanliness: 5 cabins are on offer, with laser or wax hair removal, facials, pedicures, manicures and, of course, several types of massage performed by qualified staff. Prices are obviously much lower than in some nearby hotels, for an equivalent service.

On the first floor of the Village Creole, in her small and cozy salon, Delphine offers all types of hand and foot care, from the simple application of traditional or semi-permanent nail polish to gel application or nail extensions with Chablon. She uses quality brands such as the unrivalled OPI or Shellac products. She makes it a point of honor to work with organic products such as keratin nail polish that allows damaged nails to grow back in less than 15 days. Furthermore, she is also very friendly.

Bringing back the sensations and memories associated with the smells of Barbados is the credo of owner Tamara, who has set up her aromatherapy-scented candle boutique. All products are made here, and the candles are made with coconut oil. Some evoke specific places (East Coast Road with its oceanic scent), others celebrations (Burn, Mr Harding, amber and musky) or smells found in Barbados (Barbados Rum and its molasses scent). You'll also find diffusers, soaps...

A wellness interlude dedicated exclusively to women and children! This is what Sabrina, a body therapist, offers at home or in a private institute in Bellefontaine. Specialized in Ayurvedic massages, she has concocted several 100% Peyi treatments inspired by her knowledge and that of her grandmothers to offer natural treatments based on local medicinal plants. Attentive to the needs of her clients, she will take you into a world that is conducive to relaxation. A delicious moment just for you ladies!

To help you relax and regenerate, Valérie Rousseau practices outdoors in a tropical garden. An immersion in the intense nature, in the heart of a tropical, lush and soothing flora to "Be closer to nature and enjoy its benefits". You benefit from a massage lulled by the lapping of the water and the singing of birds. After the massage, this moment of relaxation is extended with a private area for each client (resting/reading area, swimming pool, outdoor shower, drinks and gourmet sweets...).

The name of this cosy salon suits it perfectly! This boudoir is tucked away in a little alley in the Village de la Poterie, yet it's often fully booked. Nelly specializes in haircuts, hair care and chignons. If you're in the mood for a new look, you've come to the right place! But her boudoir is also an incredible concept-store , a veritable Ali Baba's cave of one-of-a-kind nuggets (objects, accessories, costume jewelry and stainless steel).

Have you always wanted to get a tattoo, but didn't dare take the plunge? Philip's seaside stand offers ephemeral tattoos that last for at least 10 to 15 days, to enhance your figure, celebrate a special occasion or simply indulge yourself. The tattoos are 100% natural. They are made from jagwa, a Caribbean fruit used by Amazonian Indians. The juice of the fruit turns dark blue or black when it comes into contact with the skin, giving a result quite similar to that of a permanent tattoo. Good deal: 2 bought = 1 free.

In the former Le Marin factory, Julie and Nathalie have created their temple to beauty, Juna, a contraction of their two first names. The two founders offer a range of facial and body treatments (wraps, scrubs, sculpting...), and work with renowned brands (Thalgo, Baïja, la Bastide des Arômes..., as well as Parfums des Îles). Other services include slimming cures, make-up, waxing, hand and foot manicures... In short, everything you need to be the most beautiful... or the most handsome (treatments for gentlemen too).