La Fenice

Hard to know where this place is located in Coconut Grove. It is next to a violin shop — how common is that? This small salon is very clean and efficiently run. The owner loves music! My polish looks perfect six days later. The manicurist hardly speaks but knows her stuff and does a quick and excellent job.

Groupon, LivingSocial, Dealtificate — I regard them with a skeptical, wary eye. (this usually looks something like a solitary brow arched practically above my hairline, with a pinkie raised delicately to my semi-​puckered lips.)
You know the deal: the too good to resist spa mani/​pedi combo at an upscale salon for a salacious $ 20. Only, when you call the salon and mention the certificate, you’re relegated to an appointment 5 years in the future and are granted third-​class citizen status when you arrive. («Oh, you want a glass of water? There’s a well five blocks away, go at it honey! And the nail tech-​in-​training is waiting to butcher your digits until they become bloody nubs. By the way, don’t forget to tip.»)
I’m so thankful to report, La Fenice is NONE of the above.
I called to book my appointment and acknowledged my Dealtificate up front (not always a wise maneuver, but alas, I’m a sucker for honesty). They were happy to accomodate me on the date I was available.
I arrived at the small-​ish, yet serenely pristine salon across from the Mayfair. It’s a vision of clean lines and stark whites. My nail tech took me in right away (note: there’s only one nail station) and offered to bring me something to drink (what…I don’t have to desalinate ocean water? Even though I came with a Dealtificate? Seriously??).
I was situated in one of those vibrating Sharper Image massage chairs (mhmm) as she set to work on my pedi. Efficient, clean and quick, I was incredibly happy with the service. Same goes for the mani.
There’s not an incredibly huge selection of nail colors, so you may be best served bringing in your favorite candy-​colored polish.
The salon manager was there as well, and he was incredibly polite and professional — even helping me take my keys and wallet in and out of my purse so I wouldn’t smudge my polish. And when I invariably did (It NEVER fails), the nail tech gladly touched up the damaged polish on my nail and I was sent on my way.
So, when my questionable cuticles start beggin’ for some lovin’, you can betcha’ bottom dollar that I’ll be back, Dealtificate or not.

I’ve finally found a stylist I trust and will never turn against! KAREN BAEZ is the BEST!!! If you’re looking for a great style, Karen knows her stuff! I hadn’t been to anyone in a long time and my hair was HORRIBLE. Karen knew exactly how to style my hair, what colors would compliment my facial features and eyes all with a great smile and wonderful service. Karen is your girl!!!

If you seek to indulge your salon experience on a level that elevates your mind, body & soul then you must treat yourself to the luxurious establishment, La Fenice Salon & Spa in Coconut Grove. The energy and warm atmosphere can be otherwise described as crisp, fresh feeling that I can only imagine, heaven can provide and can only be surpassed by the exquisite talents of the magnificent borderline magician, Karen Baez. La Fenice Salon & Spa should be on your list of «Must Check Out» … I conclude with sharing that I’m now a «walking piece of art.»
Thank you to the Hair Gods for sending me this way… Amen.

I don’t know about you but I am extremely PICKY when it comes to my hair and who I let touch it. But I have found Karen and have followed her all over town and she is now at La Fenice in Coconut Grove. Let me tell you, if you want pampering this is the place to go. They start offering you drinks, snacks and coffee the min you walk through their door and just make you feel so comfy you almost don’t want to leave. I guarantee you will not go anywhere else once you have experienced La Fenice.
Now let’s talk hair… I get shine treatments to hold me over in between highlights. My hair has been growing beautifully and healthy ever since she added her touch and famous «dusting» technique which you may know better as trimming. She won’t go scissor crazy like alot of beauticians and cut more than you desire. She is a genuine stylist through & through. I just can’t wait for my next appointment!