The Retreat Beauty Rooms & Nail Bar at Jarrolds (1512 reviews)

Comment

I understood The Retreat in Jarrolds was a whole separate beauty dept, however when I arrived at reception and went through to the new area, sat down and chose my nail colour was advised we would be downstairs which I was surprised to hear. I was then having my nails done in the middle of the busy shop, it wasn't the relaxing experience I had hope for unfortunately. The staff were very friendly and I had no issue with the nails which were done very well.

Comment

Signature nail appointment took an hour which was a lot longer than expected considering my nails are short and I was only getting regular varnish. My friend had the same treatment and was finished in half an hour. I wouldn't have minded the time except the varnish was very gingerly applied, leaving gaps on a couple of nails and gaps at the nail beds. I thought cuticles would also be treated as part of the more expensive package but they weren't. The experience was fine but not great.

Comment

I chose Jarolds because of their reputation for high quality, so I was quite disappointed when I noticed the poor quality of my treatment in different lighting after my appointment (see picture 1). I went back to explain my concerns, and I really appreciate how quickly they found a solution and managed their time to make sure I left as a satisfied client (see picture 2). A special thanks to Ashley, who immediately understood what I meant and redid my nails beautifully. That being said, I’d like to point out a few things that I believe are important for maintaining high-quality and hygiene standards: 1. None of the staff were wearing gloves. I don’t know if this is standard practice in the UK, but in every other salon I’ve visited, gloves are always used. It would feel much more hygienic and professional if this was adopted here. 2. Two employees had visibly chipped and poorly maintained nails, including the person who first did my treatment. It felt quite unhygienic and unpleasant to have someone with damaged nails—without gloves—removing polish from mine. Overall, I’m grateful for the correction and Ashley’s excellent work, but I believe more attention to hygiene and presentation would make the salon experience far more professional and reassuring for clients.

Comment

Lovely massage area in Jarrolds. The space looked clean and well-looked after. I paid for the escape package - 30 minute-massage and 30-minute facial. The therapist I had was clear in the instructions she gave and was professional in the overall treatment I received. However, the all experience felt rushed and "cold" in the way that it lacked friendliness and made me slightly uncomfortable. By the time I arrived and had to fill in the initial form to the moment I dressed back up at the end, I noticed that it took an hour total. I saw on my appointed slot that the whole experience should have finished 10 minutes later but didn't, cutting off time on the massages themselves. It's a shame as I am paying for a full hour and there is clearly a 15-minute window extra on the time we book for paperwork and other details such as dressing down and up. I think value for money is good but if we pay for an hour-long service we should get this hour in full. I'll try other services for sure but will think twice about booking another package.