A new nail and beauty spa has been described as “an oasis in the city of Hamilton”.

Tucked away in the peaceful surroundings of Victoria Place’s courtyard level, at 31 Victoria Street, it’s easy to see why Ani’s Nail and Beauty Lounge has attracted such a description.

On Friday the business will celebrate its official opening, with guest of honour Premier Michael Dunkley.

Ani’s had a soft opening last April, and has been steadily building its business, expanding to a staff of three.

Beauty therapist Anna Burns is the owner. She worked at The Reefs Spa for ten years before branching out with her own business

“She has so many years of experience and a huge clientele base,” said Sue Pell, manager at Court House Squash and Wellness, which oversees Ani’s and the neighbouring Sessions Wellness Solutions training studio.

“Ani’s is a nice addition to the wellness business we are in,” said Ms Pell.

“They are really focused on service. They want people to come in and relax and feel special.”

She explained that the interior of the beauty lounge features the blues and turquoise of Bermuda’s ocean waters, but also a Mediterranean feel to reflect owner Ms Burns’ Armenian origins.

The lounge has impressive pedicure chairs, which Ms Pell described as the “Mercedes Benz of pedicure chairs”.

“Since opening it has gone extremely well and there is a range of treatments on offer including facials, skin care, manicures, pedicures, massage, waxing and tinting,” she said.

Ani’s also caters for men, offering a number of treatments.

In August a second beauty therapist joined the team, American Charlotte Myers, while LaKae Tavares is the guest coordinator.

The nail and beauty lounge is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, making it convenient for clients who prefer to visit during weekends or later in the day, after they have finished work.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette last year, Ms Burns said: “I pay attention to the little things. When I work on people, this is what is very important — I feel that I am working on myself, and I feel very satisfied.”

Ani’s, which is named after Ms Burns’ daughter, is seen as a good fit with Court House and Sessions, which both promote health and wellness.

Court House opened in 2009, at a time when the Island began to feel the early effects of the depression that hit the global economy. Although not immune to the downturn, it survived and built its business. Ani’s has shown similar resilience, having opened at a time when the economy was still at a relatively low point.

“Money is tight. Everybody has felt the recession,” said Ms Pell.

“People need an outlet. The Island has seen an increase in diabetes and heart disease. Fitness, wellness and massage are all a part of improving people’s health. Ani’s is a nice addition to our family of companies.”

Ms Pell added: “Ani’s shows that in this economy there are businesses opening that are doing well. It shows people there are opportunities out there.”