It’s always a pleasure to find a little place to stop off when we’re doing the many tasks that need to be got through every day and spoil yourself.
Photo: Find lovely gifts at La Maison
Two of my favourites are La Maison in Durban North, where you can drop in, sit and have a delicious coffee and home-made muffin, chat to friends, do a little bit of shopping from their tasteful range of bags and bijoux, scrapbook if that is your thing, or visit the beautician at the back. The tables in the front are surrounded by sofas and comfort is the order of the day. It’s a bit like popping home for half an hour, and the service is always cheerful. Visit for a light lunch, and watch the afternoon melt away.
If you find yourself in Morningside, my new find is Spruce. This little beauty salon is tucked away in a cottage at the back of a beautiful home at 15 Hazel Road. It reminds me of the Librisa spa at the back of the Mount Nelson Hotel, and again, feels like dropping into “La Maison”, but with the added bonus of calm, some music playing gently, a glass of lemon water, and the most wonderful therapists ready and waiting to give you a massage, facial, shellac nails, or whatever bit of pampering you are in need of. Owner Katy Jennings brings her own calming brand of beauty therapy to the place, the products are wonderful and you come out feeling fabulous and clutching whatever treat they’ve made that day. I would go for the brownies alone.
La Maison: 9 Ennisdale Drive, Durban North. Tel: 031 564 8494
Spruce: 15 Hazel Road, Morningside. Tel: 031 316 5020
Story by Elizabeth Moore