Arte Nova: Beauty and Wellness Rooms at Noosa

In this challenging world, we all need the occasional indulgence and one of my favourites is hands-on beauty or massage therapy. So, when I was invited to try out recently opened Arte Nova Beauty, I was delighted to accept.

Here in Barnet we have some excellent beauticians and therapists and now we’re moving on from the pandemic, it’s good to see them fully back in business. Arte Nova is downstairs from Noosa hairdressers in St Albans Road and offers a range of treatments from owner Lauren Roberts.

North-London based Lauren previously worked in a salon in Highgate and, looking for her own premises, feels she has found the ideal setting. Her basement rooms are soothing and intimate, stylishly decorated with vintage items and a calming pink and grey colour-scheme. Her relaxing playlist also reflects her personal choice – on my visit interesting acoustic cover versions of songs, rather than the usual ethereal “spa music”. However, that’s also available if you prefer.

After a couple of weeks away in the sun, I had a moisturising “Glow Facial”: a double cleanse, exfoliate, hot towel, massage, mask and moisturise. This included Neal’s Yard products which Lauren makes a feature of in the salon. I do love an extended facial massage with its stimulating and rejuvenating (yet relaxing) effects and Lauren’s technique was particularly good. She has a precise, confident, yet tender touch and a warm, friendly presence.

After the treatment we had an interesting chat about the importance of this kind of physical therapy and its psychological benefits. Lauren really enjoys building relationships with her clients and helping them relax and unwind, while making them feel their best.

Arte Nova Beauty is a gem of a salon and the treatments are priced competitively with facials from £49, full-body massage £49 (1 hour), Indian head massage (40 minutes) from £33 and manicures from £23 (including hand and arm massage). Hair removal includes hot and strip wax and tinting is also available (see website for range of prices and Facebook page and Instagram for current offers).

Opening hours
Monday: closed
Tuesday: 10am to 6pm
Wednesday: 10am to 8pm
Thursday: 10am to 6pm
Friday: 10am to 7pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: closed