Frequently Asked
Questions

Welcome! When you arrive at our spa inside the Avant Saint James hotel in Bonamoussadi, our front desk team will greet you warmly, walk you through our services, and help you settle in. Every first visit begins with a brief consultation so we understand your preferences, any sensitivities, and your goals for the session. We want you to feel completely relaxed and well taken care of from the moment you step through our doors.

Absolutely! Ultimate Beauty Spa is designed for everyone. Our full service menu — from jacuzzi, hammam and body scrubs to massage, facials, haircuts, colour and nail care — is available to both men and women, and we cut children's hair too. Self-care has no gender, and our team is trained to deliver exceptional results for all clients.

There's no need for elaborate preparation — just arrive as you are! We recommend staying well hydrated, avoiding heavy meals right before a treatment, and arriving 10–15 minutes early so you can relax and fill out any consultation forms. For massage or wet spa sessions, wearing comfortable clothing you can easily change out of is helpful. We provide everything else you'll need.

We're open every day from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. While walk-ins are welcome, we strongly recommend booking in advance — especially for massage, facials, spa packages, and jacuzzi or hammam sessions — to guarantee your preferred time slot. You can book online through our website, call us at +237 697 113 339, or message us on WhatsApp.

We offer classic relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy massage, sportive/hot stone massage, and targeted back and leg sessions. If you're looking to unwind after a stressful week, our classic relaxation massage is perfect. For chronic pain or muscle tension, deep tissue is ideal. Our aromatherapy massage adds a sensory journey with premium essential oils, and the hot stone massage is our ultimate indulgence. During your consultation, your therapist will recommend the best option based on your needs.

Our massage sessions range from 30 minutes (targeted back/leg massage) to 90 minutes (full-body deep tissue or hot stone). For general wellness and stress relief, we recommend a 60-minute session every 2 to 4 weeks. If you're dealing with chronic tension, sports recovery, or specific pain, your therapist may suggest more frequent visits initially. The key is consistency — regular massage yields the best long-term benefits for both body and mind.

Massage is safe for most people, but we advise caution if you have a fever, contagious skin condition, recent surgery, an acute injury, or severe inflammation. Pregnant women should inform us so we can adapt the treatment accordingly. If you have high blood pressure, heart conditions, or are on blood-thinning medication, please mention this during your consultation. Our therapists are trained to modify techniques or suggest alternatives to ensure your safety and comfort.

Your comfort is our top priority, and you should never feel forced to endure pain during a massage. Some techniques, especially deep tissue work, may produce a "good hurt" sensation on tight muscles, but it should always remain within your comfort zone. Please communicate openly with your therapist at any point — they'll happily adjust the pressure, speed, or focus area. This is your time, and we want every moment to feel right for you.

Of course! Every facial at Ultimate Beauty Spa begins with a skin analysis by our trained estheticians. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, we'll recommend the ideal treatment. For congested or oily skin, our Deep Cleansing Facial works wonders. If your skin feels dull or dehydrated, try our Hydrating Oxygen Facial. For uneven tone, the Brightening Glow Facial with microdermabrasion and LED light therapy delivers beautiful results. We tailor everything to your unique needs.

For optimal skin health, we recommend a professional facial every 4 to 6 weeks, which aligns with your skin's natural renewal cycle. You'll notice an immediate glow and smoother texture after your very first session, but the most dramatic improvements — in tone, clarity, and firmness — build over a series of treatments. Consistency is key! Between visits, following a good home skincare routine with quality products will help maintain and extend your results.

Great question! While our Anti-Aging Lifting Facial with radio frequency and EMS is especially popular with clients looking to firm and tighten skin, it's never too early to invest in prevention. Clients in their late 20s and 30s often choose this treatment as a proactive step to maintain elasticity and stimulate collagen production. Think of it as a gym workout for your skin — it benefits everyone, regardless of age. Your esthetician will customize the intensity based on your skin's needs.

Every haircut at Ultimate Beauty Spa starts with a one-on-one consultation with your stylist. We look at your face shape, hair texture, lifestyle, and personal preferences before picking up the scissors. Whether you want a clean classic cut, a sharp fade, a textured crop, or a complete transformation — your stylist will guide you with honest, expert advice. We also welcome inspiration photos, so feel free to bring images of styles you love!

We understand this concern and take hair health very seriously. Our color specialists use professional ammonia-free and low-damage formulas that protect hair integrity while delivering vibrant, long-lasting color. Every coloring session includes a detailed consultation, a strand test when needed, and a post-color treatment to lock in color, moisture, and shine. Alongside colour we offer a dedicated hair treatment that conditions and repairs hair that has been under strain, which we often recommend before or after a colour service.

Black colour is a fixed price because the product and the process are the same on every head. Any other shade is not — it depends on your hair length and density, on how much lightening the target shade needs, and therefore on how much product the work consumes. That is why the menu shows XAF 10,000 – 15,000 for adults and XAF 5,000 – 10,000 for children. Your stylist looks at your hair at the start of the appointment and gives you the exact figure before any product is mixed, so you always agree the price before the work begins.

Yes, and yes. Children have their own line on the menu: a simple cut is XAF 1,000, a fade is XAF 2,000, black colour is XAF 2,500, and any other shade is XAF 5,000 – 10,000. The lower price reflects the shorter time in the chair, not a lesser standard of work. Our stylists are used to restless first-timers, so bring your child at a calm point in their day, and we will go at whatever pace they need.

It is a difference in the work, not in the welcome. A full body scrub on a woman typically covers a larger treated surface and takes longer, and it consumes more product — so the classic and sugar or salt scrubs are XAF 20,000 for men and XAF 25,000 for women, and the Moroccan coffee scrub is XAF 25,000 and XAF 30,000. Everything else is identical: same therapists, same room, same products.

The classic full body scrub is the everyday choice — it lifts dead skin and leaves you smooth, and it suits almost everyone. The Moroccan coffee scrub is the one to pick when you want the skin to feel firmer and more awake; the caffeine and the grain are coarser and more stimulating. The sugar or salt based scrub gives the deepest polish and is the best answer to rough patches on elbows, knees and feet. If none of those is quite right, the signature scrub is built around your skin, and its price is agreed with you at consultation rather than fixed on the menu.

It is the better way to do it. The steam of the hammam softens the skin and opens the pores first, so the exfoliation works with your skin instead of dragging against it — the result is both more comfortable and more thorough. Our scrubs are performed in the hammam room for exactly that reason. If you want the pairing as a single booking, our Peaceful Retreat package (XAF 55,000) combines a hot stone massage, a body scrub, a pedicure and the hammam.

They are three depths of the same care. The dry manicure (XAF 3,000) is the quick tidy-up — shaping, cuticle work and a clean finish, with no soak. The classic manicure (XAF 6,000) adds the soak, a scrub and polish, and is what most clients book. The ultimate manicure (XAF 12,000) is the full ritual: soak, exfoliation, extended cuticle work, a mask, a hand massage and the finish. Pedicures follow the same logic — simple at XAF 3,000, classic at XAF 12,000, ultimate at XAF 15,000. Our technicians will tell you honestly which level your nails actually need.

For hands, every two to three weeks keeps nails in good shape — fingernails grow fast enough that the cuticle line starts to look untidy around then. Feet can go longer: four to six weeks is usually right, and a little more in cool weather when your feet spend less time exposed. If you are between visits and the polish has chipped but the shape is still good, a dry manicure is the cheap, quick way to reset it rather than booking the full classic again.

Yes! Nail care isn't just for women. More and more men are discovering the benefits of a professional manicure and pedicure — clean, well-groomed nails make a strong impression in both personal and professional settings. Our dry and classic manicure and pedicure services are popular with male clients and include nail trimming, cuticle care, buffing, and a relaxing hand or foot massage. No polish required unless you want it!

Our jacuzzi bath uses warm, bubbling water to ease sore muscles, improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. The hammam (traditional steam bath) opens pores, detoxifies the skin, relieves respiratory congestion, and leaves you feeling deeply cleansed and renewed. Both are ideal for anyone looking to decompress, relieve muscle tension, or simply indulge in a wellness ritual. They're a wonderful complement before a massage or facial for enhanced results.

Our sleep therapy is a deeply calming experience designed to reset your body and mind. Combining a tranquil environment, soft lighting, soothing sounds, and gentle aromatherapy techniques, this treatment guides you into a state of profound rest — similar to a meditative deep sleep. It's ideal for people dealing with stress, insomnia, or mental fatigue. Many clients describe it as one of the most restorative experiences they've ever had. Sessions are available in 60 or 90-minute durations.

While hydrotherapy is beneficial for most people, we advise caution for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart conditions, epilepsy, open wounds, or skin infections. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using the jacuzzi or hammam. If you've recently had surgery or have a chronic medical condition, please discuss it with our team during your consultation. We'll always recommend the safest and most enjoyable treatment option for you.

We recommend booking at least 24 to 48 hours in advance, especially for popular services like massage, facials, body scrubs, and jacuzzi or hammam sessions. For a spa package — which combines several treatments into one visit — or for group bookings, booking 3 to 5 days ahead is ideal to ensure availability. That said, we always do our best to accommodate same-day requests, so don't hesitate to call — you might get lucky!

We kindly ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer the time slot to another client. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a cancellation fee. We completely understand that life happens, so please contact us as soon as possible if your plans change — our team is always happy to help you find a new time that works.

Yes! We love hosting group celebrations. Whether it's a bridal party, birthday spa day, corporate team outing, or a fun day with friends, we can create a customized group experience with multiple services happening simultaneously. Group bookings are available on request — simply contact us with your group size, preferred services, and date, and we'll put together a special package for you.

A spa experience makes one of the best gifts! We offer gift vouchers that can be redeemed for any of our services or products. They're perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or just to show someone you care. Contact us in person at the spa or by phone to purchase a gift voucher in any amount you choose.

Transparency is important to us. All our prices are listed clearly on our website and in the spa, in XAF (Central African CFA Franc). There are no hidden fees — the price you see is the price you pay. Prices start from XAF 1,000 for a child's haircut and go up to XAF 55,000 for our Peaceful Retreat package, which combines a hot stone massage, a body scrub, a pedicure and the hammam. Our team will always confirm the cost of your chosen service before beginning, so there are never surprises at checkout.

We accept cash, Orange Money, MTN Mobile Money, and other major payment methods for your convenience. All prices are listed in XAF. Whether you prefer traditional cash or the ease of mobile money, we've got you covered. Our team will be happy to assist with payment at the end of your visit.

Hygiene is non-negotiable at Ultimate Beauty Spa. All metal tools (scissors, clippers, nail instruments) are sterilized between every client using hospital-grade sterilization methods. Disposable items like files and buffers are single-use. Our treatment rooms, jacuzzi, and hammam are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between sessions. Fresh linens, towels, and capes are provided for each client. We follow strict hygiene protocols so you can relax with complete peace of mind.

Yes, please! We ask all clients to share any allergies, skin conditions, health concerns, or medications during the pre-treatment consultation. This helps us select the safest products and techniques for you. Whether it's a sensitivity to certain essential oils, a latex allergy, eczema, psoriasis, or any other concern — the more we know, the better we can care for you. Your safety and comfort are always our first priority.

Absolutely. We've carefully selected our product range to work beautifully across all skin tones and types, including melanin-rich skin. Our facial treatments, for instance, use professional-grade formulations that are effective yet gentle, and our estheticians are trained in techniques appropriate for darker skin tones — including how to address hyperpigmentation, keloid-prone skin, and specific textural concerns. During your consultation, we'll create a protocol tailored precisely to your skin.