Having worked as a beauty writer for nearly two decades, I was equally nervous and excited when I moved to Amsterdam from London. Besides settling into a brand new city, one pressing issue at the back of my mind was how I’d replace my much-loved beauty services – we all know how hard it is to find a hairdresser you both love and trust. However, I explored the city with an inquisitive and discerning eye. Four years later, I have racked up a little black book of wellness and beauty destinations that I happily recommend to friends and even rival my favorites back in London.
The joy of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is that it’s a city with a village vibe; pretty much everything is a 15-minute bike ride away (and trust me, everyone bikes, there are genuinely more bicycles than people). Moreover, the village feel, and slower pace of life, equates to a beauty and wellness culture that isn’t necessarily as cutting edge with trends as London or New York might be. Instead, there’s a strong focus on quality – they do things meticulously well here, and that’s down to the clientele. Dutch people are rather no-nonsense, they like results and good value for money (“kortings” or sales are always a cause for excitement), so when a salon, clinic, or workout is good, everyone knows about it. In the Netherlands, luxury isn’t necessarily ostentatious; instead, it’s seamlessly combined with a low-key, easy-going atmosphere.
These are the best beauty and wellness destinations that I trust and are worth a visit the next time you travel to Amsterdam.
Bert Visser, Museum District
Inside the Conservatorium Hotel, close to the iconic Rijksmuseum, is the Bert Visser Hair Salon. A seriously chic space, there are just four chairs and a private room for VIPs. As soon as you descend the stairs to the entrance, which can be found in the busy Skins Cosmetics beauty store above, you feel a calm wash over you. The salon is quiet and small, with white walls adorned with photographs of Bert’s work. You’re welcomed in the reception by large dark shelves, artfully curated with Oribe products, Mason & Pearson brushes, and objet d’art.
Bert is the go-to hairdresser for celebrities and influencers, and while he keeps quiet about his A-list clientele, his work has graced the catwalks of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent. Clients trust him because he takes a less-is-more approach; his balayage skills are the best in town, and he really listens to what you want. With Bert, you’re in safe and talented hands – he’ll never get scissor happy.
Must buy: Oribe Hair Alchemy Strengthening Masque, €76. Intensely hydrating and strengthening, this treatment product is Bert’s go-to for clients who desire stronger, longer, healthier-looking hair.
Address: Conservatorium Hotel, Van Baerlestraat 27, 1071 AN Amsterdam
Na Thai, Jordaan
A secret hidden gem near the center of the city, Na Thai offers good value massages from Thai and Swedish to deep tissue and sport. Whilst it’s a pleasant place to visit, it’s not super luxurious – the beds are separated by curtains so there can be some noise – but the team is friendly, and the massages are always incredible. A deep tissue massage here will relieve any knots and tension, leaving you feeling like a walking pillow afterwards, while the hot stone massage feels like a true treat, especially on a cold winter’s day. Afterwards, you’re offered water or tea, and you can sit in the reception on comfy chairs to help you acclimatize back to the real world. Therefore, if you’re traveling here long-haul and want a post-flight pick-me-up or want a great-value massage, this is the place to add to your itinerary. It’s both functional and brilliant.
Must buy: The Hot Stone massage, €90, is the perfect balance of pressure and heat, relieving knots and tension while also being truly relaxing.
Address: Leidsegracht 104, 1016 CT, Amsterdam
Sauna Deco, Herengracht Canal
From the outside, Sauna Deco looks pretty unremarkable, despite being on one of the most beautiful canal streets in the city. Step inside, however, and you’re transported to a lavish Art Deco wonderland – all in service of helping you sweat, steam, and relax. The interior was once part of the Parisian department store Au Bon Marché, but during a major renovation in the 1970s, the original furnishings were saved and transported to Sauna Deco where they found a new home.
Besides the beautiful interior, you will find a Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, plunge pool, steam bath, and patio area to relax in. The spa is the right combination of function and luxury, the changing rooms have everything you need – lockers, large mirrors, and hairdryers and there are a few different areas to rest, nap or read, and a small cafe selling homemade soups, fresh juices, and salads. The spa is mixed-gender and does not allow swimwear (which is typically Dutch), so all you can take with you is your towel, dressing gown, and flip-flops – when you’re not in the relaxation rooms, you’re naked, which can take some getting used to.
Must buy: Entrance costs €27.50, €22 if you’re a student, allowing you to use all the facilities; massages cost extra (from €40). It stays open until 10pm most evenings, and the weekdays and nights tend to be quiet, but even when it’s busy, there is enough space and different areas that never feel crowded.
Address: Herengracht 115, 1015 BE
Nurian Brow Experts, Oud Zuid
Good brows can truly frame, shape, and enliven the face and Nina Nurian is the go-to brow groomer in Amsterdam. Nina, and her salon, are known for their brow lamination – a treatment where the brow hairs are straightened to appear fuller and thicker. They offer many treatments, from threading, tinting, and waxing to lash lifts and facial threading.
Must buy: The combo Brow Lamination, Shaping + Tinting, €92 – shaping (and tinting if your brows are fair) ensure you get the best results from your lamination.
Address: Willemsparkweg 160, 1071 HS Amsterdam
Ascend, Stadionbuurt/Oud-West
The newest workout in town, Ascend, is a 40-minute high-intensity cardio class on a Versa Climber – a full-body, zero-impact piece of climbing kit. Each Versa Climber is an angled pole with two pedals and two handles. Once your feet are strapped into the pedals, you grab the handles and, moving your arms and legs, you ‘climb’. It opened in late 2022 in Oud Zuid, and due to popularity, in early 2023, they opened a second studio in Oud-West.
Every class takes you through a series of full-body moves, and by changing the resistance, pace, and rhythm, you get an intense full-body workout quickly. What’s unique about Ascend is the class takes place in a room flooded with collagen-boosting infrared light, enhancing your workout experience. After 40 minutes, you leave with your endorphins rushing and a true sense of accomplishment; it’s seriously addictive, and they cater for all levels, empowering you to go at your own pace.
Must buy: A single session is €25 (but there are usually offers). Ascend is also available on ClassPass.
Address: Stadionweg 269,1076 NZ and Bilderdijkstraat 136,1053 LA
Renessence, Zuidas
Renessence is an incredibly chic wellness emporium in the concrete jungle of the financial district. Step through the door, and you will find yourself inside a large space with floor-to-ceiling windows, a huge round velvet sofa, plants, and soft beige concrete walls. You’ll be greeted by the friendly staff who are there to check you in and explain the treatments.
Everything from ice baths, cryotherapy, and infrared saunas to traditional massages and reflexology is available. Also on the schedule are hot and yin yoga classes in a softly lit studio, with evening sessions held by candlelight. For complete relaxation, book a package and spend a few hours in the aesthetically-pleasing surroundings.
Must buy: The Recharge Package, €110, gets you three must-try treatments: Oxygen Hydroxy Therapy, a sauna session, and a float.
Address: George Gershwinlaan 520, 1082 MT Amsterdam
Lakwerk, Oud Zuid
Lakwerk is the hottest nail salon in Amsterdam. Founded by TV presenter and actor Saar Koningsberger and fashion manicurist Jessica Scholten, who has worked on countless catwalk shows, this salon is known for its vibrant nail art. The space is super cool with dark sparkly walls, collages of nail images, and large jars of Haribo and Chupa Chups at reception. Most days, the salon has a real buzz to it, but Sundays and weeknights tend to be a little calmer.
Must buy: Dadi’Oil, from €7.50, is a magic oil that nourishes cuticles, strengthens nails, and keeps your manicure looking its best.
Address: Willemsparkweg 166, 1071 HT Amsterdam
Dany Diop, Oud Zuid
Looking for the ultimate facial in Amsterdam? Those in the know head to Dany Diop, who was trained by renowned experts in aesthetic treatments. Dany takes a holistic approach to treatments, looking at the skin and lifestyle factors that could be affecting the complexion. Each treatment starts with an in-depth skin analysis before Dany creates a bespoke treatment tailored to your needs.
Must buy: A bespoke facial with Dany costs €280 for two hours. Dany also recommends the Osmosis Rescue Serum, €130, which addresses various skin concerns while protecting against blue light.
Address: Jacob Obrechtstraat 14, 1071 KL Amsterdam
Uma Institute & Clinic, Noordse Bos
Uma’s founder Dr. Jani van Loghem, is a thought leader in aesthetics. His team is expertly trained, focusing on providing the right injectables like Botox and filler. The clinic offers everything from micro-needling to Ultherapy for skin tightening, ensuring each client receives a tailored consultation before any treatment. The minimal reception area reflects the seriousness of their practice.
Must buy: SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF50, €43; it’s wise to invest in sun protection when undergoing aesthetic treatments.
Address: Falckstraat 51, 1017 VV Amsterdam
House of Rituals, Centrum
House of Rituals is a one-stop beauty and well-being emporium complete with a Gault&Millau-approved restaurant, Rouhi, offering a thoughtfully crafted menu. As Rituals is a Dutch brand founded in Amsterdam, its flagship store is located in the city’s heart. If you’ve got a spare afternoon, head over to the two shopping floors packed with Rituals products, a body spa, and the world’s first Mind Oasis on the top floor.
Must buy: The Brain Massage costs from €29.90 for 30 minutes. And the Hydromassage is €15 for 20 minutes. Enhance your relaxation experience at home with The Ritual of Jing scented candle, €22.90.
Address: Spui 10, 1012 PP Amsterdam
