I began to hate my legs as they became progressively worse, all knobbly and unsightly. I stopped…read morewearing skirts. I didn't want to look at them myself, let alone have anyone else see them. Three days after the procedure with dr. Kyriakides, the bandages came off and I was so relieved to see only some bruising and that those horrible gnarled veins had gone. I can now wear what I want and I am actually quite proud of my legs.

To me, the clear message was that the job needed to be done properly. Mike has a great bedside…read moremanner and I basically a very decent professional surgeon. I have no hesitation in giving him a full endorsement to any bloke considering having this procedure. I now feel great, look great and above all, am even more keen to eat well and exercise regularly. This is one of the best things I have ever done.

I don't know how many times I've walked past and not actually gone in. In fact, I don't want to…read moreknow, because it would just make me seem like a complete fool now that I know how great this place is. I had some rare weekday time off and wanted to do something that actually counted as indulgent (well, beyond stuffing my face full of cake), so booked a facial via Treatwell (previously Wahanda). I booked on Tuesday evening for Thursday afternoon. Unsurprisingly (it happens with that site), it was a double booking. Thankfully, though, Kaldev emailed me on Wednesday morning about it and managed to find me a Wednesday afternoon slot at 4.15pm. I got such a warm welcome from him when I came in and was settled in to fill out my intake form. Kuldip (who happens to be his wife), was my therapist and brought me into the treatment room. She was very sweet and made sure that the temperature of the room was OK for me before leaving me to get ready. The facial was great - very relaxing, but felt like it actually made a difference to my skin too. She's clearly skilled, and the facial massage was just fabulous. She asks if you'd like her to chat or stay quiet and I chose chat, so left starving because I got a list of the best desserts in the area. Yum! Besides the facial being excellent and the welcome being so incredibly warm, I'll also be returning because it's their own business and they work incredibly hard to make it a success. It's worth rewarding that. And it's hardly a hardship for me to do it by having a pampering session from incredibly friendly people. Can't wait for the next time!

From the owner: Serenity the Beauty clinic first opened in Guildhall Buildings in Birmingham. Our senior therapist…read moreis highly skilled and has been with us since opening. In 2013 due to demand and services, we moved to Somerset House, 36 Temple street Birmingham. We had a great 3 years here and the building was bought by a new developer, so we moved temporarily to Regus and after 12 months found a new suitable location 8 Bennets Hill. During our temporary relocation the period we can't thank our clients enough for their support. We have operated in the City centre for nearly 20 Years, and provide a range of products and services (Environ, Guinot, Jan Marini, Orly, Nailtiques etc)

I booked an appointment for a luxury organic facial using Neal s yard products through Treatwell. I…read morehad a voucher for £10 off too so it only cost £25 for a 90 minute treatment (1 hr facial & 30 mins extraction). I managed to boom an appointment for a Saturday am with only 2 days notice, booked via email. I received clear instructions on how to find the venue. Crystal was welcoming & knowledgeable and really seemed to care about me, my skin and my health - giving me lots of top tips. I was talked through the whole facial process and felt relaxed. My skin was double cleansed, steamed, exfoliates then the extraction fun started on my black heads Crystal is an expert and thorough - it hurt but not too much! Then a facial oil was applied and I had a neck and shoulder massage - so lovely! A mask was applied & I was left to relax until Crystal returned to give me a scalp massage. The treatment ended with eye gel and moisturiser being applied. I received after care by email and I thoroughly intend to return for all my future beauty needs!

From the owner: Neal's Yard Organic Facial Extraction ( only with full…read morefacial ) Diamond Peel (Microdermabrasion) Eyelash Extensions Russian Volume Massage Hot Stone Massage Galvanic/ Deep Cleansing Facial High-Frequency Facial Acne Facial

Avoid this clinic at all cost! Dont try to believe most good reviews on google as those are coming…read morefrom himself Stuart Logan.Ridiculous person and he's trying to be aggressive and escalate the situation and calling his client a f**** idiot. Never been across a nurse who's appalling behaviour like this which is unacceptable swearing while on his duty. What a doughnut!

From the owner: Professional consultation and treatment service for Aesthetics and cosmetics…read more Specialising in cosmetic injections, skin care and medical aesthetics

I go to this place to see Jay who offers the usual beauty services or in my case, the dreaded…read morewaxing! I've been going here since I moved to Birmingham in 2009 and lived across the street. Even though in 2010 I moved further into the city, the fact that Jay is now 20 minutes walk for me and yet I still go to see her says everything you need to know. I occasionally have other treatments but as far as the regular wax goes, the time goes so quickly and pleasantly as Jay keeps me talking throughout. She remembers everything I talked about during my last treatment and asks how I'm getting on with all my projects. We also swap movie chat and she listens patiently as I tell her about by travels and my writing. Jay has never been late for me despite always being busy. They offer late appointments and only take cash but there is a cash point right outside.

Situated in Edgbaston near the top of Broad St, this salon is very convenient for anyone living or…read moreworking near by. The interior is a lot more inviting than the exterior would lead you to believe. It;s decorated with patterned wallpaper which gives it a modern feel. They have a good clientele base with many regular faces popping in throughout the week. There have both stand up and lay down sunbeds available which you can either pre book or just walk in if you're passing by. Before you go in the sunbed, don't forget to ask the girl behind the desk for some goggles. They also sell a range of tanning creams which will prolong your tan so definitely worth asking about these if you pop in.

Whilst I realise this is a review for a big chain, I really think this one needs to be shouted…read moreabout! Context: I am a fat girl. I don't want to be a fat girl any more. I have been a member of a number of gyms in the past, and for many many reasons hated it and quit. I was determined this time to find one that would work for me. Enter Bannatyne's Brindley Place: The bizarre decor immediately appealed. The pool is dimly lit, so I don't feel super self conscious about my bits being on show, and the gym itself is never rammed full of people so I never feel I'm being looked at. The muscly oiled men keep to themselves in a separate area with free weights which also helps me feel less anxious about visiting. But the real reason this place is awesome is because of two very specific people: 1) Steve Northam - he inducted me into the gym, he puts up with my whinging and my craziness over any kind of exertion, and at times he can be a little bit strange too (he does competitive fencing! Amazing, right?!) but above all he encourages me to keep at it. And it seems to be working. 2) Lee - a personal trainer who runs the spinning class on Thursday mornings and Sunday evenings. He warms us up to COUNTING CROWS (yes, I know, it shouldn't make sense but IT DOES!) and continues the sessions mixing Lady Gaga and Alanis Morrissette and Pearl Jam and Kings of Leon and on the rare occasion we manage to twist his arm to turn on the disco lights, it's like doing a bike ride at Snobs. And I've discovered I LOVE it. So. Indie / metal spinning, and crazy helpful instructors? On that note I'm IN. (ahhh cheesy ending, I know, but I couldn't resist :)

I booked this spa day through the wanada site which included use of all the health club facilities…read morea facial and a free take home product! A great way to spend a Saturday with a friend :-) Arriving at 10:30 I was determined to make use of all the facilities, and that's exactly what we did. My friend and I were shown around the health club - free water machine,changing rooms, swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi and sauna. We spent spent our time relaxing on the loungers reading magazines and generally just chillaxing using the jacuzzi and steam and sauna rooms. The changing room facilities are great complete with the usual showers, toliets, lockers (don't forget a £1 coin!) drier for swimming costumes and hairdryers. You can also bring in your own hair straighteners to plug in. We each had a facial in the spa whereby they used a range of Elemis products on our skin which resulted in super soft skin. The spa staff were friendly and professional and I must say I felt very relaxed after my treatment as it included a head massage too. I will defintely returning for another spa day.

I booked myself in to have the Java body wrap which provides firming and slimming results…read more When I got there, they measured my body taking note of my current body size. Then I had to put on some very attractive paper pants before the lady started to wrap me up using lots of bandages that had been soaked in what can only be described as a clay like substance. They were left on for around 60 minutes whilst I was left to lay on the bed and relax. Afterwards I was measured again and I had lost a combined total of 5 inches from different parts of my body. Very impressive.

Beth is the most amazing massage therapist. She has helped me with back, neck, and shoulder issues,…read morewhich are aggravated by my hours behind a computer. The spa itself has been refurbished, and there are now some amazing new treatments rooms (including a double room for couples/friends). This is a dry spa so there are no wet rooms/sauna etc. It is a restful, peaceful place to visit, and has a lovely team there. Worth signing up to their newsletter online so that you get sent a discount code for your first treatment.

So, the Cube hasn't been around for -very- long in Birmingham, but I hadn't had a chance to…read moreproperly check it out as yet. As I very rarely come to the Mailbox area of the City (this probably stems from being a student and not being able to afford to come here), when I saw an offer for Afternoon Tea; I thought it was about time to get down and properly have a nose. I was looking for an excuse to meet up with my friend (Lula Belle of http://www.glamourinthecounty.com/) for sparkly and chats, it was a good an excuse as any to book up and invite her down to join me. First thing of note, the renovations/work that is currently going on in the Mailbox has made it a darn confusing place to be. Rather than going in the main entrance, we had to walk around the side of the building and then travel the escalators to then go down the stairs to get to the Bridge for the Cube. This, however, was only the start of our incredible journey to find the Lounge in the Cube. Once we had got in the Cube, we went down to the ground floor (where the are is most visible) just to realise all the doors are closed off. There was signs on the doors advising us to go the level 6 though. "Great!" we thought and toddled off. Are there any signs telling you what floor you're on? No, No there aren't. After finding an exit had been closed off (for more work), we finally found a friendly security guard who advised how we could get to the Club and spa (up the escalators, around the building, along the bridge and down yet more stairs). Once we had finally got into the building, however, it was worth the trek. We were greeted at the smart reception (by a gigantic climbing wall, who knew that was there?) by a friendly member of staff who gave us directions to get through the warren like building to reach the cafe/bar. Once we had reached it, it was like a little breath of fresh air. Greeted by bright purples and yellows with fabulous design details and obvious cleanliness and care; we knew this was the right place to be. Once we had confirmed our reservation, we were asked whether we would prefer tea or coffee, if we had any allergies and whether we wanted sweet Prosecco (the answers were coffee, no and Of Course!). We found ourself some comfy high backed chairs towards the back of the venue and sat back to await our Afternoon Tea. First thing of note, I have never HAD afternoon tea before. As another hit in my "Festival of First's" activities, I thought this might be one I would really enjoy (spoiler alert: I wasn't disappointed). The coffee and Prosecco was delivered within a couple of minutes. The coffee was hot, strong and delicious. The staff (and the company) was wonderful throughout the whole experience. As soon as we had finished a pot of coffee, it was refilled and bought back promptly. The selection of finger sandwiches, cream scones (with fresh fruit and jam) and cakes were fresh and delicious (and we were given just the right amount). We were booked in for tea at 3pm. By 6pm, we were still sitting and enjoying the chilled out atmosphere (as well as the last of the coffee). Even though the venue closed at 6pm, we weren't once hurried out or asked to move on. The food, staff and overall experience was fantastic. As a note to the Cube though; better signage would be a good idea!

I managed to get a good deal for a day spa visit here for my mums birthday for the both of us. The…read morestaff were welcoming on arrival even though we did have to call twice to find out how to get there as neither of us had been there before! There is a good size changing room for women, with showers and hairdryers. The pool would seem to be too small for swimming lengths but good for relaxing, which I'm sure is the point of a spa. There are 2 jets which massage your back while your in the pool, though initially they can feel slightly harsh you do get used to it. There are showers by the pool to rinse off afterwards. There are also two saunas (at different temperatures) and a steamroom. Around the corner is a chill out area with pods which can fit in two persons. It is very relaxing. Our day visit included lunch but to get to it we had to walk back through the main reception, which was strange. It also felt rather weird to eat while in a dressing gown while others are fully clothed. People don't seem to walk by the fully glass walls that often but I did feel slightly uncomfortable being in a dressing gown. It was quiet which was nice and there were sofas so you could relax with a glass of wine. The wine cost more than I expected to pay but then I realised it was a spa in city centre Birmingham. We had facial included in the price and got a pedicure for extra. The staff were very knowledgeable when it came to the facial and they took care considering my nose job. The young lady talked me through the process beforehand and tailored the facial to suit my personal needs. It was very relaxing and my skin felt fabulous afterwards. The pedicure included a nice glass of champagne and a massage. It was worth it and the nail polish lasted ages! The day was perfect but did not last long enough but came out feeling very relaxed. It was the best way to end the week.

Vibro is the only gym I've ever stuck to. Results in a matter of weeks and a friendly place to work…read moreout. Massages are fantastic too.

Once in a while everyone needs a break, and at the end of a particularly stressful week of work i…read moretook Friday afternoon off for some me time. Having had Vibro suite recommended to me by a friend I decided to check out the spa and am very glad I did. They have a fantastic range of treatments and are able to accommodate you if you want a 30 minute lunch time treat or like me an entire afternoon of relaxation. In an attempt to relax I opted for a "Deep Tissue Massage" and a "Bespoke You Facial" both were 1 hour treatments. The welcome was fantastic and I immediately felt at ease and was offered a range of drinks, the initial massage was carried out very well and actually did work to release some of the tension I felt. This was followed by a 10 minute break where I was allowed to sit relax and offered another drink. The Facial consisted of a 15 minute consultation asking about my skin type and normal routine. This was followed by a full 1 hour facial which I think was done very well. Unlike many other spas I wasn't pressured into buying any products or booking a follow up, the staff were fantastic and both treatments were great value for money. I would definitely recommend Vibro Suite.