NYC'S TOP SPAS: Face the truth
Submitted by Miguel on Sun, 08/14/2011 - 16:27
Having visited different spas around the globe for almost 20 years now, I have become a "Spa-fanatic". By now I can tell whether a Spa director and her/his staff are pulling my legs and whether they are just squeezing out the dineros from my Hermes wallet. I have a favorite Spa for every season in every city I visit. I have my own address book of Spas---->worldwide!
In New York, there are wannabe Spa centers and real Spa centers. Each one offers their "signature services/treatments". Some cater to the "results oriented" clients, some to the "experience oriented" clients. For me, it depends. Sometimes, I need a fast results-oriented treatment for those red carpert events and an experience-oriented treatment for the post-red carpet events to relax and detox me from head to toe.
In the height of the heatwave in NYC early August I went to different Spa centers (12 to be exact---> I just checked my credit card bill! OMG! *faints*) to see which are the best and the worst in the Big Apple. Most of the Spa centers did not know that I was reviewing them. My aim was to check the authentic service they would offer for a first-time client.
Let me discus first the TOP 5 BEST SPAS in NYC:
102-108 West 57th Street
I made sure to book for "The Ultimate Merge Facial" (90mins, U$250.00);it starts with a 2-layer intense exfoliation process followed by an orbital dermabrassion. Then there is an electric current lifting procedure to stimulate and strengthen facial muscles. Add to that, an anti-aging red LED light therapy combined with micro current stimulation that plumps the skin. Finally specialized rollers infuse a pure collagen mask to provide the deeper product penetration.
Afterwards I had a Detox "Bathing Ritual". A high intensity water and air jets ,strategically placed in seven different body zones of the bath creates a ritualistic communion of water and aroma therapy. I was in the bath for 30 mins. U$30/15 mins.
Last but not least, I was back at my own treatment room for a DETOX WRAP (75 mins/ U$165). A soothing Lemongrass Mimosa body scrub removed all my dead skin cells followed by a seaweed wrap. I was then wrapped in a warm creamy elixir of Juniper, Mandarin and Bergamot. Few minutes later, my body felt rejuvenated! AMEN!
I must say, there treatment WORKS WONDERS! To Margaret and her amazing staff : 2 THUMBS UP!! ---BRAVO!!
THE SPA at THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
80 Columbus Circle 60th Street
Every city I visit, I try to see if there is a Mandarin Oriental in the area. May it be in Singapore, Manila, DC or NYC, I always treat myself with their bespoke treatment, the "TIME RITUAL" (2 hours/ U$450). First, there is a 15mins consultation with a specialist in Traditional Chinese Medicine and aroma therapist to see what has to be done to my dehydrated body from the heatwave. Since I already know what I want (based from my previous visits with them and my current condition), I requested a combination of Swedish and Aromatherapy massage followed by a Vitamin Infusion Facial. The facial is my favorite part. The treatment includes the "usual suspects" : Collagen Mask, Cold Stone facial massage etc etc. Due to the heatwave and strong rays of the sun, they used a patented formula of vitamins with polypetides to help treat my sun-damaged skin ( Confession, even if there was a heatwave in NYC, I went to the tanning salon!, lol). Generally, the Time Ritual includes some kind of exfoliation, a massage and a gentle facial cleanse. Once you are on your comfortable treatment bed, the treatment begins and ends with the ringing of Tibetan tingsha cymbals ---> i donno why, but I am always laughing when I hear this.
1294 3rd Ave (at 74th Street)
I also booked a treatment at Ajune. My second time with them, but they did not recognize moi (que horror! *pout*). The aesthetician recommended their signature treatment, AJUNE DIAMOND (90 mins. /U$280). The treatment combines the success of Natura Bisse's renowned Diamond Line and Ajune's expertise. My skin was exfoliated by using a glycol peel (the aesthetician though did not explain why she opted this instead of microdermabrassion). It was followed by a sensory massage and they finished with a cryo-firming mask. I must say, I noticed a clear positive result from the facial. However, I wish their aesthetician would explain the procedure specially for first timers (for the treatment obviously). I did ask, but I felt she was kinda not in her talking mood then. Or maybe I was just talking too much (what's new? lol).
77th 8th Avenue
This Spa caters ONLY for the über-gentlemen out there, like moi! This was my first time to visit the spa. Once I called them to book for a facial, massage, mani & pedi, I was surprised when the male receptionist said: "Miguel Sarmiento, as in Miguel Sarmiento of PRETENTIOUS? OMG! " I was surprised myself when he asked me that question. So instead being incognito , I said: "YES that’s moi!" Surprisingly , I got the date & time I asked for (usually it takes weeks to book in advance, I got mine the day after I called). As soon as I entered, I was greeted by their team. I really hate it when they know I am from the media. After the consultation, they recommended: "Destress Muscle Release" massage, followed by "Super Moisturizing Facial" then finished off with deluxe manicure & pedicure.
The "Destress Muscle Release" (60 mins/U$115) massage is a combination of Swedish and cross muscle fiber massage. This treatment was so good after a long day of walking across NYC and after a strenuous gym session at The Pen. The massage helps the proper circulation of the blood to every muscle I suppose to have ( as if, lol!). Furthermore, the black pepper, rosemary and ginger concoction warms the muscles to help disperse the build-up of lactic acid ( I have so much of it in my legs..OUCH!!) that causes stiffness and pain. As the massage was in process, I told my (GQ-type *grin*) masseur to explain every step of the session. He explained it very well without the BS of PR. My whole body felt so relaxed after the massage. Then, the "Super Moisturizing" (60mins/U$115) facial followed. Once again, the aesthetician noticed my skin was dry (does marathon shopping during a heatwave have an effect on the skin?, lol). Thus, he used a hydrating serum while he gently massages my face. He also concentrated in my eye bag zone since (he said) the exposure to the sun and heavy partying (how did he know!,lol) made it look haggard. He applied a combination of Nickel's "LIFT & LIGHTEN" eye cream and "GREEN BOOST EYE ENERGIZER". Then he finished with a moisturizing mask.
The deluxe mani (45 mins/U$30) and pedi(45mins/ U$40) was also great but it took forever! Tip: just go for 30 mins for each treatment.
For a first-timer, I am happy with the results I got. Though they know I am using a different skincare product they still somehow "pushed" their product for me to buy. And that's the only downside.
120 East 56th Street
This is again a "gentlemen only" grooming/spa centre. Again this was my first time to visit and to try their treatments. For the "conservative men" out there, this is your place. While sipping a complimentary beer, one of their staff "interviews" me for what treatment I need and skin type I have. Though I needed a haircut, I only opted for a massage and facial. Thus, she recommended a combination of Sports and Deep tissue massage(60 mins/U$110) and their Signature facial (75mins/U$140)l . I entered a very clean and calming treatment cabin totally isolated and dimly-lit. The massage was amazing! The masseuse explained every step of the massage. It was immediately followed by a facial. Aside from the usual facial treatment, the aesthetician took time exfoliating all my white and black heads (some of the aestheticians skip or just rush this process which I find very appalling) . The treatment ended with a soothing algae mask.
After visiting 12 Spas in NYC, I can say that the 5 I mentioned above are the best. They only recommend the treatments you need or you want. They don't BS you with all those SPA terms that would make you dizzy like La Lohan. They carefully explain the treatments and the products they use on you. They are very cautious on what they recommend (specially if you have allergies) . In every treatment I got, it felt so personalized. I never felt being rushed nor "just one of their many many clients". They made me feel special (before, during and after the treatment).
The interior decorations, the expensive machines and the signature products do not make sense if a Spa doesn't make their treatments personalized and if the staff doesn't inform you about what they are doing to you.
Special mention to SPA MERGE, for they have consistently proven their track record: RESULTS ORIENTED! Every time I visit them, I get positive results . No BS, No PR stuff, just VERY GOOD VISIBLE RESULTS! Money well spent. Plus they make me feel am a "valuable friend" not a client (even though I only visit them every 2 months, now I have one good reason to fly to NYC every month!).
I don't mind spending so much money to try and test the different Spas in NYC or anywhere else, I just want to know where will I go back for my next visit and which Spas I will ask my lawyers to sue. *evil grin*
Stay tuned for the TOP 5 WORST SPA in NYC.
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