The Cove SPA

I had never heard of The Cove Spa before, but after being given a voucher for my birthday, I decided to book myself in for a luxury pedicure.
On entering the building, I was a little surprised. Most of the spas that I’ve been to in England have been bright, modern places that border on sterility, and the name makes me think of Maine or Cape Cod: nautical décor and seashells and lots of light and airy spaces. Instead, The Cove is a colourful, Indian-​inspired place that is reminiscent of somewhere you might visit in Goa or Kerala. Peaceful Eastern music plays throughout the building, Asian artefacts and colour schemes dominate, and the overall effect is tranquil, comforting and welcoming.
Rather than the reclining pedicure chairs with attached basins that I’m accustomed to, at The Cove you’re seated on a banquette piled with cushions while you soak your feet in a wooden tub. It’s very low-​key and natural-​feeling, unlike anything I’ve ever had done in England, and it made me feel sort of like I was on holiday. However, don’t mistake low-​key for low-​quality — staff are well-​trained and talented. Kayleigh, my pedicurist, described herself as «a perfectionist» and it shows in the job she did. My cuticles were perfectly trimmed, my nails were shaped well (or as well as they can be — years of ballet have left the toenails growing quite strangely), and everything was massaged, buffed and polished. The only bit we had some trouble with was the calluses on my heels — the combination of going barefoot year-​round, and neglecting my foot care for the last 18 months, has left me with extremely thick skin that will probably require chemical peels to treat. However, my heels were considerably softer and smoother after my visit here than they’ve been in months. Overall I would say it’s one of the best pedicures I’ve ever had.
In addition to doing superb work, Kayleigh was both friendly and professional. She was happy to talk when I felt like it, but wasn’t exceedingly chatty, which I appreciate more than I can state. As an introvert with a hectic lifestyle, I turn to spas and salons for relaxation. More often than not, I like peace and quiet when receiving a beauty treatment or massage, as it’s one of the few times I actually sit down and do nothing. Until about five years ago, this peace and quiet was easy to find, but in recent years beauty therapists seem to have become much chattier, and I find the constant small talk overwhelming. Happily, I didn’t have that issue at The Cove, and I left feeling chilled and rejuvenated.
Five days after my treatment, I have no noticeable chips or other damage to the polish, which I’m quite happy about.
Despite choosing to come here because I had a voucher, I actually forgot to use it, so I’ll probably come back soon for a back massage.
At £44, the luxury pedicure isn’t cheap (particularly to a half-​American girl used to US prices!), but it’s not considerably more than other salons in St Albans. In addition, each month the spa runs a different offer, and this month (June 2015) the offer was on pedicures — buy four get one free, or buy six get two free, which saves quite a lot of money if you get your nails done regularly.
Overall, I was very happy with my experience at The Cove Spa, and would absolutely return.
Updated 17/​12/​2015 — On my second trip here, I’m still very happy with everything. Patricia is wonderful, and I have another lovely pedicure. I really must come and try the other services!