It was the faint scratching in bed that did it. Winter’s wrath was no more apparent than on the soles of my feet. Every time I slipped between the sheets, I could hear my rough, calloused soles bristling against my comforter. With spring officially here, there is no treatment more urgent than the pedicure. How fortunate for Calgarians, a new Urban Venus has opened in Britannia.
One of my former Sweetspot editors used to rave about Urban Venus, but I’d never had the pleasure of getting my tooties pampered at this boutique nail bar. Now with three locations across Calgary, I had no excuse not to whip those dogs into shape.
The Britannia shop is swish with funky chandeliers, quartz foot baths and comfy leather banquette seating. If you’re on tap for a pedicure (they also offer waxing and eyelash extensions), your first order of business is heading to the flavour station.
They’ve made over 30 delectable paraban-free lotion flavours themselves and all smell so scrumptious, it’s hard to choose. Though tempted by angel food cake, I opted for maraschino cherry. You can even buy a bottle to take home with you. For polish, choose between their own brand or OPI. Need some guidance with what’s hot this year? According to my pedicurist, blue is still all the rage on toes, while white is right on fingers.
With all pedicures, guests receive a proper foot and calf massage. From the buffers to the files, everything they use on your feet is disposable. Meaning: it’s super hygienic, as new products are used on each client. Do yourself a favour and go for the Spa Pedicure. It’s really something special, as your treatment is enhanced with a salt scrub (pineapple smells divine), plus a paraffin wax treatment to soften and hydrate your tired tootsies.
What makes Urban Venus so special are those little extras and attention to detail. Like being offered drinks, or a bag to bring your shoes home, or your pedicurist putting a towel between your feet and flip flops, so no polish strays. It’s a high end spa, but not pretentious and you’re in and out within an hour. The atmosphere is light and buzzy and if you want to make it more so, simply purchase a liquor license for the day and bring in your own bubbles.
Ladies, beware! You may not walk out empty handed. How cute is this spa kit in a paint can? Filled with two spa lotions and three bath bombs, it would make an ideal hostess gift.
Want to experience an Urban Venus treatment for yourself? They’re offering a complimentary spa manicure AND pedicure to one lucky Travels with Baggage reader. Simply share this post on social media or comment below and tell me…
Do you get regular pedicures throughout the year? I slack off a bit during the winter months, and I’m curious to know if I’m alone in this.
Thank you to Urban Venus for allowing me to share their spa experience with Travels with Baggage readers. You guys are the best!
I slack off too! I got one before our Hawaii vacation and one last week! Need to be better at it in the winter time. 🙂
When your husband’s soles are softer than yours, it’s time for a pedi. Sign me up!
Ha! Yes, that’s definitely a warning sign.
I was totally the summer / vacay pedi girl till became a yoga teacher. Good feet are a must now.
Sounds to me like you have a case to write-off your pedicures. I wonder if Revenue Canada would approve?
I try for every 6-8 weeks but, unless I’m going on vacation, winter months tend to be less often for me too.
Ugh I wish I did! I’m definitely need to start, with summer right around the corner, I’ll need pretty feet!
You and me both, sister!
I usually only get 1 or 2 pedi’s over the whole winter but more often in the summer.
Pedicures are usually a once-a-year treat for me, but they are so amazing. I should splurge more.
We should! We’re worth it.
I’ve been told to try Urban Venus as I’ve had bad experiences at the “other spas”.
I would love to try a pedicure there 🙂
It’s a great experience. All their technicians are top notch. I’ve had some bad experiences, too. Nothing like an ingrown toenail to initiate defecting salons! Thanks so much for checking out my site. Hope to see you back soon.
I definitely slack off during the winter, but am slightly obsessive come sandal season 🙂
As a new mom lets just say my hands and feet are MORE than neglected right now! Lol oh what I would do for a mani & pedi right now!
excited to try them out!
I’ve been building a house and lets just say I have totally neglected myself lately…