Garra Rufa fish pedicures at Aqua Sheko, Kensington, London

The ultimate pedicure has arrived with London’s first ever fish therapy concept spa, Aqua Sheko, based in Kensington, London.

A popular beauty treatment in Asia, fish therapy is a relaxing way to remove dead skin from your feet.

It might sound a bit unnerving but it’s easy on the feet. The tiny Garra Rufa fish is a form of carp, and has no teeth.

They use a sucking motion to painlessly lift away dead skin without damaging the new health cells underneath. The sensation is a pleasant one, akin to a light massage.

Fish therapy might be new to London but these miniature pedicurists have been perfecting the feet of bathers for centuries.

Found naturally in hot springs near Kangal, Turkey, it is believed that Garra Rufa fish secrete an enzyme – diathanol – that improves skin regeneration.

Fish therapy has also been used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and is suitable for anyone suffering from dry skin.

Ms Ho was inspired to bring fish therapy to London after receiving the treatment whilst on holiday in Macau.

She said, “Fish therapy was so effective it was like a mask had been removed from my feet; the results were instant.”

The sleek, oriental-inspired décor of Aqua Sheko creates a restful, tranquil retreat where you can escape the chaos of city life.

Visit with friends or for a mini pamper session during your lunch break; you do not need to remove any clothing – except for shoes, of course – to enjoy the benefits of fish therapy.

One 45 minute treatment is £35 and includes:
• Washing/cleaning of feet prior to treatment
• Thirty minutes of fish therapy
• Relaxing massage after treatment

After the first three sessions booked, you get one free session.

Aqua Sheko has eight pools, allowing one client per pool. Each pool is filtered and fed by a constant oxygen supply to ensure clean water and a healthy environment for the fish. In addition, the pools are sterilized using ultra-violet lights.

Aqua Sheko is based at 14 Holland Street, High Street Kensington, London W8 4LT.

To indulge your feet in fish therapy, email reservations@aquasheko.co.uk.