A fishy tale…
Some weeks start well, others not so. Never has my week begun with me immersing my feet in a tank of skin-nibbling fish. Now I will wish all weeks did!
Aqua Sheko is the brainchild of Karen Ho, and her charming husband To Chan, who have longed to bring the idea to London, having experienced this pedicure themselves in Macau.
For any animal activists, do not fret, the fish actually enjoy their work (obviously as bright as their goldfish cousins!) and are supremely well looked after. There is a breeding tank so there is a constant supply for the eight tanks, and other than having to look at human feet, the rest of the view is gorgeous. The salon is monochrome and tasteful, in a secluded Holland St just off of Kensington Church St.
The treatment, which costs £35, starts with a foot wash, beautifully executed by one of the lovely therapists, Karen or Jodie. Then you are taken to a seat above the tank and advised to slowly immerse one foot, to get used to the feeling, quickly followed by the other. So how does it feel? Well, once you come to terms with the fact that live creatures are nibbling at your flesh, it is actually quite lovely. A cross between a tickle, light pinch and slight electric shock. Stimulating and relaxing in equal measures. Sometimes a little tickly- in a good way. After 30 mins, you have another foot wash and then a beautiful foot massage.
The end result: those fish could teach some of the beauty therapists I have encountered, a thing or two. They are super ef-fish-ient at what they do, and my feet were supersmooth soft. Heels, balls, back of ankles quite ready to be exposed to the world.
The plan is to add other treatments – polishes, manicures, and also to expand on the refreshment list, which at the moment only consists of a putrid, if very good for you, green tea (think the fish make it!)
This is a great treatment, and would make a lovely gift for somebody who likes things a bit different. stacia prince
Aqua Sheko, 14 Holland St, High Street Kensington, W8 4LT 020 3489 8336
www.aquasheko.co.uk