Forest & Trees

Tucked in a back alley, behind chi-chi boutiques like Quintessential and Eclecticism, it’s no wonder Forest & Trees hasn’t had the airtime it deserves. It’s also very easy to miss: the glass storefront is camoflauged by swirling tree sprigs that form a peephole into this ‘enchanted forest’. It’s a beautiful sight and one that salon owner Adeq Salleh says took two days to construct by hand. Nestle into the dedicated pedicure chair – a comfortable retro wood piece – and get ready for one of  the most fastidious nail-cleaning sessions we’ve ever experienced. When Salleh painstakingly filed down our nails, we barely even looked up from our magazines – she’s that good. A classic pedicure starts at $35 and a spa pedicure package (five sessions) costs only $200. 
#03-32 Mandarin Gallery (6333 6516, www.forestntrees.com). Mon-Sat noon-8pm, Sun noon-6pm. Somerset.

ManiPedi Nail Café

The last session here is 8.30pm so if  you’re working in the CBD area, it makes for the perfect place to park your feet and wind down after a long day at the office. The linen-lined chairs let you lean back – you’re almost lying down – and stretch out your feet so that when your manicure is done you won’t have to shift positions to start on your pedicure. And instead of  filling your brain with gossip-magazine drivel, you have the option of  browsing through a collection of  art catalogues to admire paintings and sculptures from Moni Art Gallery. Incidentally, the artworks are for sale, should an item happen to catch your eye. The classic manicure is $23, while the spa manicure is $48. 
Level 3, 4 Lorong Telok (6536 7786). Mon-Fri 11.30am-9pm, Sat 11.30am-7pm.   Raffles Place.

Secrets at Eleven

Bringing your pet with you while you get your nails done was unheard of  until Secrets at Eleven came along. Located on the second storey of  a shophouse, this nail parlour lets you park Fido in its breezy backroom premises instead of  outside on the street. They don’t even mind you smoking while you get your nails done, provided the other customers don’t mind either. Word of  advice: don’t pet the pet during and after your manicure. Lacquered nails and dog fur is not a good look. 
11A Maju Ave, Serangoon Gardens Estate (6285 7757, www.secretsateleven. com). Mon, Wed & Fri noon-8pm; Sat & Sun 11am-7pm.

Shanghai Dreams

To get here, you’ll first have to brave the  manic crossing at Bugis Junction and climb four flights of  stairs. But trust us, it’s worth it. Shanghai Dreams is a quaint Chinese-themed manicure salon that owner Charmaine Lee set up 18 months ago. The décor isn’t tacky but rather an elegant chinoiserie style with a divine selection of  Shanghainese diva tunes (yes, they do play more than the relentlessly overspun ‘Ye Shanghai’). The five burly leather armchairs are a dream to lounge on, and if  you need to be distracted, Fei Fei and Pang Pang – two large goldfish – swim about in a tubular tank in the centre of  the room for your amusement. Pick a nail polish shade – they only use OPI colours –  from their bamboo ‘tong’, like the sort you find in Chinese temples, and sit back and enjoy the impeccable service. A classic manicure starts at $20 while spa manicures are $40 upwards. 
233B Victoria St, Bugis Village (63339565, www.shanghaidreams. com.sg). Mon-Sat noon-9pm. Bugis.