Best Feet Forward for 2017

[UPDATE: The Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio at The Oriental Spa, Hong Kong is the first to feature BGA InSoles, tailor made to slot inside your shoes. Studio manager Albin Brion will custom make the insoles to fit your feet and address your specific needs after assessing  your posture and weight distribution. Turns out the ballerinas by a very famous designer that Chopstix has been wearing religiously have been terrible for our feet as they provide no support whatsoever.

The insoles are designed for flats rather than heels and we suggest taking a pair that are one size bigger than your usual shoe size – luckily we had pair of Common Projects leather sneakers in our usual size but which tend to fit a size too large. Following the 30 mins consultation your unique insoles will be made in an hour. Wearing them, Bastien says, will result in improved comfort and stability. We certainly found them immediately comfortable and after a month a chronic foot pain has improved.]

The Oriental Spa at the Landmark Mandarin hotel is Chopstix’s favourite spa in Hong Kong. As well as the spacious, gorgeously designed heat and water rooms there’s another reason to love it: Bastien Gonzalez who tends to the talons of celebrities and supermodels has a mani pedi studio here.

The Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Hong Kong

Opting for the famous pedicure (there’s also a manicure available as part of the two therapist, Bastien Duo) I arrive at the serene reception on the fifth floor of the hotel and am given some paperwork. Questions about foot or posture pains are the first clue that this is no ordinary beauty treatment.

Albin Brion, an immaculately turned out and charming Frenchman, leads me to the treatment room. Although Gonzalez is not working in Hong Kong, he has a specially trained team in place and he clearly chooses people as personable as himself (watch out for Chopstix’s Singapore review, coming soon).

Albin Brion at the Bastien Gonzalez Studio at The Oriental Spa, Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

A very comfortable reclining chair and a plate of peeled and sliced fruit makes this the usual luxurious Oriental Spa experience but then I notice an alarming array of tools set out – not unlike those at the dentist. Following my gaze Albin reassures me that the pedicure won’t hurt.

Like all Gonzalez’s staff, Albin is a podiatrist so his priority is the health of the feet and nails rather painting them the latest cult colour. He sets to work with what look like scalpels and drills using the lightest of touches to remove hard skin but not the cuticles which he says are essential to nail health.

Albin Brion at the Bastien Gonzalez studio Hong Kong

Then he buffs the nails to a shine so they look a natural, pretty pink. A signature of the Bastien pedicure is not using nail varnish as its healthier for the nail. And polish is one of the factors that lead to them yellowing. But Albin says one day off a week to let the nails breathe will suffice if you can’t kick the colour habit.

After a firm but not painful massage with a deliciously scented cream my lower legs and feet feel lighter and a niggling pain in my big toe has disappeared. My toe nails look gleamingly healthy and since I always opt for a neutral pink laquer, there’s little difference in the colour though Albin does offer varnish for those who prefer. I’ll be voting with my feet and heading back next month. http://www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark

[This piece was originally published in 2012]