Beautyclub, an eight-year fixture in the western suburb of Escazú, is movin’ on up to the east side – Curridabat, that is. Their new facility on the main road to Cartago offers massage, hair and skin treatments, and just about any other type of pampering one can imagine.
The salon is an international operation through and through. U.S. citizen Wayne Winstead, who co-owns the new franchise along with Costa Rican Bibiana Echeverry, says he was a longtime customer of the Escazú Beautyclub, founded by Elaine Chalmers after she retired here from Canada. Winstead thought the east side of town could use some extra glamour of its own.
Though the owners are different, Chalmers says the new site is an “exact duplicate” of the Escazú staple – “like going from one McDonald’s to another.” The bilingual staff of the new salon includes experienced Beautyclub personnel such as Julissa Arias, a beautician who worked at the west-side salon since its founding.
The salon’s offerings include seven types of massage; European facials; clinical treatments such as collagen injections and microdermabrasion; waxing and bleaching; tanning, tinting and permanent makeup; a full range of hair treatments, from highlights to moisture therapy; manicures and pedicures; and beauty products from lines such as Wella and L’Oreal. Customers can choose from simple treatments such as a manicure for ¢5,000 ($9.60) or haircut and style for ¢11,000 to 14,000 ($21-$27) depending on length, or extravagant offerings such as “The Ultimate Experience,” with a chocolate facial, shiatsu massage, mani-pedi with paraffin, wash and style for ¢69,000 ($133).
The “Beauty Buddy” program allows customers to earn points for complimentary services with every purchase. Another perk: wi-fi is available throughout the salon for customers who want to work or catch up on e-mail while they’re beautified, and complimentary beverages are also on offer.
The salon’s hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or earlier or later by appointment), Monday through Saturday. The salon is also prepared to accommodate large groups for weddings or other events, with reservations. Located 50 meters east of Pops and across from Plaza Freses, the salon can be reached at 2281-3242.
