Family-run Sahara Sands, in Bitterne, unusually boasts a small coffee shop alongside both lay down and stand up sunbeds and a range of tanning products. 

The salon, which opened in Litchfield Road in the summer, is the brainchild of sister-in-laws Katie and Katrina Field, who both have a background in the beauty industry.

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They wanted a warm and welcoming studio space and, when presented with the opportunity to open their own place earlier this year, felt it was too good an opportunity to turn down, getting to work to bring in premium equipment as soon as possible.

Katie told the Daily Echo: "At the start of this year we both were in positions where we wanted a change. I was working long hours within my current job and Katrina was due to go back into full time employment as her children were now a little older, so once this opportunity arose, and having discussed with family the pros and cons, it seemed like a no brainer. 

"We love it here, the feedback from customers has been really pleasing.

"We were so excited to be able to open up this salon, it felt like forever whilst it was being refurbished - then waiting on electrics etc felt like a life time. Now that we are finally fully trading we couldn't ask for anything better."

Staff are fully trained in accordance with the Sunbed Association and say that, as well as giving you a gorgeous summer glow, the benefits of using their equipment and products are: help in psoriasis or eczema recovery, a decrease in joint pain, reducing inflammation, increasing metabolic rate, providing your body with Vitamin D and elevating your mood. 

Coffee is supplied by The Nest, another independent local business which has coffee houses in London Road and Portswood. 

Customers can enjoy their coffee and cake on limited seating indoors or, when the weather allows, on the patio outside. 

The salon, which has late night opening on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as some weekend hours, has several offers available in the run up to Christmas plus gift vouchers.