Spa Review: We Tried the Virtual Reality Manicure and Pedicure at Bellacures

Bellacures Beverly Hills has introduced the first-ever Virtual Reality Mani Pedi, an immersive experience that transports customers to the destination of their choice.

Getting a manicure or a pedicure is always a nice treat (especially the massage aspect!), but my least favorite part about getting my nails done is that waiting period after the top coat is applied, where you just have to sit there until you’re confident that your nails are dry—which is never easy. Sure, salons have mini fans and even those LED lamps, but have you ever wished that there was a way to help pass the time when you’re sitting in the chair? One that doesn’t involve using your hands?

Bellacures Beverly Hills, the premier nail salon brand, has introduced the first-ever Virtual Reality Mani Pedi to its menu of services, offering clients an immersive experience that transports them to a beautiful destination for a “mini vacation” while having their nails done in the chair. Having purchased the Oculus Quest gaming system for my husband last year as a birthday gift, I’ve dabbled in VR a little bit, but the concept of a virtual reality manicure was entirely new to me—and so exciting!

I enjoyed my service in one of these super comfortable mani pedi thrones.

Recently, I visited Bellacures Beverly Hills to try out their new offering. After picking out my nail polish color, I sat down in one of the ultra-comfy sofa chairs, where I was offered my choice of three virtual destinations for my session. The options were:

• Hanalei Point, Hawaii

• Allegheny State Park, New York

• Skogafoss Waterfall, Iceland

Being a beach girl and lover of warm island destinations, I opted for Hawaii. Each virtual location features a personalized treatment with corresponding themed scents and textured products that awaken the senses and help bring the chosen destination to life.

Bellacures’ menu offers a wide variety of services and extras, including waxing, scrubs, masks, and more.

After making my selection, I was handed the virtual reality headset to put on, followed by a pair of headphones. Within moments, I found myself on a sandy beach on the North Shore of Kauai. As I turned my head in different directions, I saw miles of pristine beach and ocean. There was a beautiful sunset in the distance accompanied by crashing waves—it felt as if I had been magically teleported to a heavenly paradise!

As I sat there mesmerized by my new surroundings, my services began. I could feel the two ladies working on my hands and feet, but they felt far away and almost surreal, while the Hawaiian beach I was sitting on felt more like reality.

My favorite part of the service was the coffee scrub exfoliation and massage with coconut-scented lotion. Not only did it feel and smell amazing, but it further enhanced the experience. As she was rinsing the scrub off my legs and feet, my nail tech used quick, small motions with cool water, mimicking the waves that were washing up on the shore and making it feel as if the waves were splashing against my legs!

My color choice of the day from Dazzle Dry.

Now I have a confession to make: I fell asleep. I don’t remember exactly at what point during the service that I dozed off and I have no idea for how long. Before opening my eyes, all I heard was the sound of waves, so naturally I thought I had fallen asleep at the beach (which I always do during the summer).

I quickly collected myself and sat up, slowly removing the headphones. My service had been over for some time and I had just been sitting there lightly snoring, fully immersed in my virtual world. I felt super refreshed after my little nap, and the best part? My nails were done—no more waiting!

The Virtual Reality Mani Pedi experience is paired with the customized sensory service, sights, sounds, and refreshing aromas that make the virtual destination come alive. [Image courtesy of Bellacures]

The Virtual Reality Mani Pedi at Bellacures was a really fun and enjoyable experience for me. It helped me to relax and escape from the stresses of daily life. How I wish I could have this experience at home—that’d be a nice thing to look forward to at the end of the day!

I highly recommend trying this out for yourself. It’s great for when you want to take self-care to the next level or just indulge a little bit more when you go to the nail salon. The one piece of advice that I will offer, however, is to set an alarm, or if you go with a friend, make sure that they check on you at some point during your service—especially if you have to be somewhere right after. The service lasts about an hour if you get both the manicure and pedicure.

While you may not fall asleep like I did, you’re definitely going to feel more relaxed afterwards and you’ll be in a much better mood. Plus, it’s nice to know that even if you don’t have the time or money to buy a plane ticket to Hawaii (or wherever else you choose), you can always head over to Bellacures Beverly Hills for a quick mini escape. I can’t wait to come back for another Virtual Reality Mani Pedi—next time, I’m going to Iceland!

Each virtual location features a personalized treatment with corresponding themed scents and textured products that awaken all of the senses.

Cost: Virtual Reality Manicure ($55), Pedicure ($60). Both services are available exclusively at Bellacures Beverly Hills.

For more information and to book a treatment, visit their website. Follow them on Instagram: @bellacures

[Images by Kamala Kirk]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk