Walking through midtown on a frigid winter day in Manhattan can stress anyone out; you’re battling the elements as well as hundreds of hurried New Yorkers. So imagine my relief when I entered Chill Spa on 33rd street and felt instantaneously whisked away to another world. The proof is in the name, “Chill”, and the interior reflects this with a hand-painted cloud-motif on the ceiling, a lush velvet seating area complete with a tea set (or a decanter of red wine if you prefer), a make-up station for resident make-up artist Christopher Drummond (he offers one of the first and only lines of all organic and vegan mineral make-up, it’s amazing), and my personal favorite touch, a tiki-hut, which actually houses the spa’s manicure center.

CFO Howard Kohlenberg and his wife, and spa President, Christine are seasoned veterans in the spa world having run Le Petite Spa on 34th St. and have upgraded to this new larger space. It’s a family affair, and with the help of two college buddies, a gut renovation, and their great reputations, Howard and Christine had Chill Spa up and running within a months time. I was escorted through the spa, and was immediately struck by how cozy and warm the rooms were, a refreshing alternative to the usual run-of-the-mill minimalist décor that can leave you with that antiseptic feeling. The pedicure station has a old-Hollywood meets Europe vibe, each red velvet chair has it’s own chandelier overhead, private curtain, and blue glass bowl sinks that are adjustable for each spa-goer’s pampered feet.

Follow the gorgeous and cushy Italian carpeting and you’ll find a variety of themed rooms, all lending themselves to the escapist theme. Amazon Rooms One and Two are waxing rooms, where Chill claims to do one of the best pain-free Brazilians in the city. They use an Australian organic peel off wax, usually found in only a handful of New York City’s most exclusive spas. Each room is decorated with a great attention to detail: Atlantis takes you underwater with sapphire walls and a dolphin theme, Falling Water houses a four-head vertical Vichy shower as well as a stunning waterfall mural, while Island Paradise is like stepping into a spa in the Bahamas.

I chose Chill’s exclusive 24 karat facial in the Bamboo room, and was instantly soothed by the incense and candles that lit the Bamboo covered walls.

My specialist, Sinead, described the 24 karat facial as one that utilizes massage technique, as well as gold infused products from French company, Fleurs, to regenerate the skin. This facial is the only offered on the west coast, and Chill is the first spa to introduce it to New York. The facial and massage lasted a luxurious hour and a half where my face, neck and arms, were massaged, steamed, exfoliated, and topped off by hot stones that were placed under my shoulders. My skin was left with a slight gold shimmer, a far cry from the pasty look I was wearing when I came in. Not only was it one of the more relaxing facials I’ve received, I am still reaping the benefits of the treatment a week later, my skin still feels clean and renewed. Chill stands out in many ways, but one of the best things about it that it offers clients affordable luxury.

Howard and Christine wanted to offer top quality services at lower prices, so that busy New Yorkers could indulge in the occasional massage or facial, guilt-free, and incorporate these services into their monthly routine. The 24 karat facial is $210 and would easily be double the price at any other upscale spa. In other words, hurry and book yourself in time for Valentine’s Day before the word gets out.