All for soft skin and shiny hair

The F-Chisel experience is good but the catch, as always, is the cost.

Now expensive doesn’t always mean good, and some of us have learnt that the hard way. At first glance, the treatments offered at the recently-opened F-Chisel in the capital — a one-stop shop for fitness, spa and salon — are aplenty, both for men and women. This is the second venture between Fashion TV and Chisel Fitness Centre, after the first at Bangalore. In Delhi, it is situated in a spacious multi-storied space in the once crowded South Extension Part II. As I skim the list of treatments at the spa/salon, there is a wide range to pick from: body therapies, scrubs, luxury hydro packs, jet lag massage... But the Swiss anti-stress treatment and Javanese traditional practices are slightly perplexing because they come with strange names, no details and eyebrow-raising prices. Rather preposterous, too — a spa package for kids? A g5 slimming wrap?

I decide to try one of the Thalgo treatments. Thalgo is a French brand that makes marine-based skincare products. I check with the spa consultant on what would work best for my skin. She ushers me into her office and hands me the same list, pointing first to the tariffs. I ask her to explain to me what exactly Thalgo entails. You would surely want to know if you’re paying Rs. 3,000 plus for a single treatment. On further probing, she simplistically recommends the hydra-moisture source facial for me, which would be best for my dry skin. Though of course, nothing can be guaranteed in one sitting, I’m told, and coaxed into taking a package for a string of sittings, which I politely decline.

That settled, I’m escorted to the spa on the next floor, an area lit dimly with aromatic candles. The space is warmly designed, dotted as it is — even if a tad too forcefully — with rose-petaled ceramicware and little Buddha statues, and of course the santoor strumming in the background. The staff is undeniably courteous, and every half hour they enquire if I need coffee/tea/juice. Thalgo products are undoubtedly expensive — a 50 ml bottle of moisturising marine collagen cream comes for close to Rs 3,000. So while the extravagant price I’m paying for this facial may not be completely unwarranted, something elaborate is what I imagine. The hour-long facial is relaxing, sure, but not exceptional by any standards. After we are done, it’s time for hair vitalisation, a “ceremony of renewal” for damaged hair.

The hairdresser settles me in comfortably, to first shampoo, rinse and then expertly mask my hair with deep conditioning to soothe it. The steamer, incidentally, refuses to work, and they make do with a hot towel. The process is a good 40 minutes, and my hair does feel good, it’s smooth and bouncy. He is careful not to blow-dry my hair much, because it defeats the purpose of the treatment. But at close to Rs 1,000 for it, will I be tempted to return? In times like these, maybe not, but to be fair, the experience was not regrettable.

Score: 7/10 for interesting options and a soothing ambience

Note: Mystery Guest is a reality consumer survey in which reporters analyse a service anonymously. We welcome company responses as feedback and will be happy to carry rejoinders to any piece featured here.