Feet first

Mystery Guest

Our gimlet-eyed reporter is massaged into submission at a new reflexology spa in Mumbai.

The poster reads "Ssshhh... Feet at rest". But it isn't just your feet you can rest at My Foot Reflexology, an Asian chain of reflexology spas that's just arrived in Mumbai with its quick-fix de-stressers. Their service menu includes services from hot stone therapies to crystal mud soaks for the upper body, hands and head, using massage techniques that involve a combination of pressing, squeezing and pulling.

You could easily forget you weren't in Yiu Wa street in Hong Kong while you're there. The atmosphere is mellow and dimly lit with distinctively Far Eastern elevator music streaming in, the massage chairs professional and the staff trained to talk in polite whispers. Even hygiene levels are impressive, complete with Asian traditions of removing footwear as soon as you enter.

So how was the actual massage? I chose the 15-minute hand therapy priced at Rs 375; the recommended 30-minute foot reflexology would have set me back by Rs 700. Do leave all your self-consciousness at the door, though. You will be required to sit in a chair that makes you look like a pigeon-toed grasshopper (believe me, I sneaked a quick peek in the mirror) and stuff your face into a cushioned hole. And when your arms are shaken about vigorously, you'll wish you didn't sport so much adipose.

As for the actual massage, it's oil-free and really very relaxing, not even uncomfortable when they're pressing down hard. The masseurs seem to have the routine down pat, having been trained by colleagues from the Singapore branch, and I could have sworn they graciously added a few extra minutes to my massage. What was also really welcome was the professional manner with which the staff conducted themselves.

The chain is in a lot of the major airports in Asia, and swift expansion across India is on the anvil. Looking around me it seemed like most of their customers were corporate types. I think this really is quite perfect for an after-office pick-me-up.

So will I return? Definitely, but the high pricing means that it won't be for another two months.

Score: 7/10. We do wish we could afford this more often.