Beauty & Spas in San Carlos

Rêve SpaSalon, an Aveda spa, is defined not only by its natural and sustainable products, but also by the conviction and vision of owner Mostafa Karim. Under his leadership, the spa has blossomed into what Karim describes as the largest Aveda spa into northern California. The reason for this expansion isn't rooted in mere business savvy or walls made with stacks of Stretch Armstrongs. Karim has partnered with Aveda for 25 years because of their mission to give back to the community, the example they set for environmental leadership, and the relaxing benefits unique to Aveda services.

Clients can sip complimentary tea or browse the spa's expansive Aveda products boutique as they wait for their services. Each treatment is preceded both by a questionnaire and consultation with the aesthetician to customize treatments to individual needs and desires.

Inside Euro Nail Spa, touches of antiquity—Doric columns, a tiered fountain, and hanging European scenes—blend with the modern mainstays of television and WiFi. The pedicure chairs are sleek and contemporary, yet guests submerge their feet in a separate bowl of water and flowers in a way that evokes an ancient royal pampering. Steam and hot towels coax pores into relaxation during skincare services, many of which pair a traditional cleansing facial with an aromatic mask—such as strawberry, mint, or green tea—and a shoulder massage. Additional massages sap tension from the feet and scalp with focused kneads. At the hairstyling stations, modernity reemerges in the form of abstract art and simple black furniture. The staff trims, colors, and texturizes strands as clients sip on one of the spa's complimentary beverages: coffee, tea, or soda.

As seen in press outlets including the San Mateo County Times, Peninsula Beauty stocks its stores with professional beauty supplies and salon products culled from a sprawling 10,000-square-foot warehouse. An eclectic array of brands, from American Crew to OPI, helps men and women transform hair and nails into polished works of aesthetic art. Cosmetics and lotions stand ready to adorn epidermises, and an arsenal of flat- and curling irons allows for more believable quick-changes during impromptu performances of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.