As soon as you step through the door, it’s clear that sundays nail studio is impeccably named. From its muted peachy pink décor to the small stacks of self-help books—the whole space channels the calm of a laid back Sunday afternoon. This is not your average New York manicure spot.
Founder Amy Ling Lin opened the first sundays location in NoMad in February of 2017, and followed it with a pop-up at Saks Fifth Avenue’s health-focused new floor, the Wellery. Her ambition is to make beauty—which is so often counterintuitive to wellness—synonymous with it, starting with her own vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic nail polish formulas.
Nail products are among the most toxic substances women regularly put on their bodies, and an investigation by the New York Times in 2015 found that nail salon workers are at increased risk of cancer, lung disease and miscarriage, among other nasty ailments. Amazingly, sundays’ colored lacquers were developed without the nine most commonly used chemicals, and you can instantly smell the difference. There’s no trace of the usual abrasive odor, and happily the colors are no less vibrant or glossy.
While waiting for my chosen shade to dry (number 13—a bold Cherry Orange that’s perfect with a summer tan) I’m given a pair of headphones and an iPhone with a guided meditation audio, ready to play. Ling Lin has teamed up with meditation app Inscape, amplifying the self-care experience and giving clients the opportunity to use their time at the nail studio more mindfully.
As a dulcet female voice introduces breath-focused meditation, my nail technician, Vivaldi, massages my neck and shoulders. It’s one of those instances when the stress that was present in your body becomes evident in contrast to how relaxed it suddenly feels.
By the time the app instructs me to slowly open my eyes, I’m ready to face the city with shiny red nails and unshakable serenity.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.