Villy’s Nail Salon

What: Manicure and pedicure

Where: 123 Wulumuqi Bei Lu, near Yuyuan Lu. Tel: 3255 8131

Why: Your nails have never looked this good for this long

How Much: Mani RMB 80, Pedi RMB 110

Mani-pedi joints are a dime a dozen around town, and they all seem to boast OPI polish. Adding one more into the mix doesn’t seem like it should make that big of an impression, right? Wrong. Villy’s is out to prove this city’s French-tipped cynics wrong.

There are two things that make a mani-pedi experience special. The first, and most important, is the chair. The second is how long the polish lasts. Villy’s sets itself apart from its competitors by excelling at both points. Too often stools leave those looking for a little finger glam slouching and slumping in their seats. Not true at Villy’s – the eponymous owner invested in some of the most comfortable lazyboy recliners we’ve come across in Shanghai. Lounging in one of those bad boys is reason enough to book a seat.

Now let me let you in on a little secret. After two trips to Villy’s, I’ve yet to chip a nail. I don’t know what type of magical base coat they have going on there, but I’m a seasoned manicure destroyer. After three weeks with a Villy’s manicure, I only have to go back in because my nails have grown out.

Did we mention services include complimentary wine and tea? And if you book in advance over lunch, you get a complimentary sandwich? Yeah, we’re sold.