Beauty by the Beasts

The Bait Shop

Bait? Bread? Breakfast? That’s what you’ll be calling your feet if you check them in for a pedicure at the newly opened Bambooo Tree – All Day Spaa in Bandra. If you can get past the numerology-influenced sign board and the “women’s only” pamphlet, this tiny spa has a lot to offer. The best is the controversial Doctor Fish pedicure (Rs 550 for 45 minutes). Here, a shoal of toothless Garra Rufa fish imported all the way from Turkey nibble dead skin off your feet, making them shiny and new. Though many around the world swear by this treatment, several countries have given it the boot owing to hygiene and heath issues.

The two spa rooms are not plush but yet enticing, and house masseuses that can cater to your every knead. You’ll find a range of different treatments including Exotic Candle, Holistic Bamboo and Power Yoga massages, which at Rs 2,000 and up, are a little pricey. Hair, skin and nail treatments are also available.

Getting there: 752 Merchant House, in the lane opposite Bagel Shop, New Kantwadi Road, Bandra (W), call 32221861 / 9930142067.

Other Fish to Fry

For guys (or girls with an aversion to feet-feasting beasts), Toni and Guy has just opened its second Mumbai outpost – this one’s in Colaba – complete with unisex hair, skin and beauty treatments (they plan to get their pedicure booths up and running by next week). Stop by for a pruning by head stylist Rupal Thakkar, who’s been wielding her magic scissors for over 15 years.

Getting there: Shop No. 1, Saideep Building, 17 Cuffe Parade, call 22154464.