Not too sure what I was looking for, but open to the possibilities, I paid a visit to Park Avenue Nutrition and Spa. I’m a tireless seeker of health and happiness. Although I won’t turn down a vitamin rich massage, it was time for me to face reality. I knew it was time to meet face to face with a nutritionist

My visit to Park Avenue Nutrition and Spa came in two exciting parts. First, nutritionist Lisa Cohn, sat down with me to explore my diet and any grievances. After taking a good look, it was clear I needed more than a bit of help from the inside out. I gladly committed to a personal plan, which Lisa stepped in to devise. She had given me more to go on that I could have hoped for.

While that was that for my long-term commitment, how about some fast acting relief here and now? Lisa introduced me to reflexologist Kay. It was my first time giving reflexology a try. I didn’t know much about it except it was a practice as old as the stars and moon. Well, figuratively. As I soon find out, reflexology is a practice that is best explained hands-on, and it was a very enjoyable lesson.

Not the typical foot massage. I was laid out on the bed with only my feet bare, oddly feeling more self-conscious than normal.  Maybe first thing’s first, and that’s to take away that nervousness. Kay in as few words as possible explained to me the different pressure points in the feet that would help release the tension I had stored up in my mind. That was all the explanation that was needed. My response was automatic when Kay began applying pressure to my feet. For a half an hour I was so far from daily stresses, external and internal. I felt a head rush when it was over, a sign to me that my body quite enjoyed the experience.

In sum, I’d say Park Avenue Nutrition and Spa is a place to care for your body and living style. Before I left, Lisa handed me her recent article on the health benefits of chocolate (recently published on MSNBC.com), along with what other than a piece of organic chocolate. I thank Lisa for this guilty indulgence turned healthy indulgence.

Park Avenue Nutrition and Spa

1108 Park Avenue (89th - 90th Street) New York, NY 10028

212-831-7900

Jackson Heights is a destination for exotic beauty. Going to the Allediana Skin Care Center marked my first visit to this neck of the woods. Out and about in this neighborhood, I became a wide-eyed foreigner, relishing the outflow of Latin music from thriving mom and pop stores that lined each street.

Everywhere I turned there was a beauty salon. I looked around, and then down at the address I held in my hand. None of the storefronts caught my eye until I arrived in front of Serenity Beauty Salon. The address checked out, the name didn’t – I had not expected that. I walked inside to ask a stylist at work if unknowingly I was indeed at Allediana’s Skin Care Center, or if not, where I would find it. He directed me pass an assemblage of multi-cultured clutter, behind which I found a staircase. I thanked him and followed a cascading decorative rug down the stairs.

At the bottom of the steps I was greeted by Iana of Allediana’s. She’s a woman with an envious figure and full golden hair. Her voice is highlighted by a gentle-flowing Eastern European accent. Iana invited me to sit and chat with her. I glanced around, noting the compact space. I wondered why I had all this time kept the basement of my house a storage area when behind the doors here were havens from the outside insanity. I told her I was made aware of her spa by word of mouth, laughing when I told her my friend received his first facial from her.

For a moment, I was disappointed there weren’t many luxuries offered at this spa, given the more upscale spas I have been to. Then it occurred to me how ridiculous that was because without denial I’m a laid back kind of person who lives to dress down as soon as her foot steps through the door. The spa was offering a touch of home and a cove-like calm.

The main treatment room has large two beds, perfect as a couple’s room. The mirror that adorned the wall reflected ambience from candlelight. I laid down on one of the beds, relaxing the muscles in my face. Soft Jazz was diffusing in the room when at some point Iana massaged the kinks out of my neck and shoulders. She applied cleansers on my face, explaining to me upon my request what she was doing as she went along. The application process went by quickly. Before I knew it my mask was on. That’s when time began to slow down. When Iana left the room for my mask dries, I began slipping into a light sleep. Going in for a European facial ended up feeling like 2 hours of rest.

There will be more to offer from Allediana’s. I write this wondering what’s becoming of the body treatment plans she had spoke to me about. When we last spoke she was soon-to-be on her way to sunny Florida for that very reason, while I was looking an escape in New York.

Allediana Skin Care is at 79-15 37th Ave, Jackson Heights NY 11372. (718) 651-0805.

Summer is here, but anytime is a great time to enjoy the pampering given to you at Supple Spa. I arrived at Supple Spa, and there was a sign outside saying how it is the most romantic spa featured on MTV. I chose to judge for myself, as I brought along my partner in crime (my girlfriend), to fully experience their most coveted treatment: The Royal Bath. The Royal Bath ($150 for one $300 for a couple), is prized for being romantic and private, so that you and a significant other can truly enjoy each other as you are treated to a unique experience. The thought of the Royal Bath, was conceived by co-owner Jason Wong nearly three years ago. He truly wishes to bring happiness to people, as well as results (skin wise and romantically) to perpetuate his ever growing love for his spa business.

The lobby of the day spa, had something I have never seen before. I have not seen another spa with it, yet it seemed so simple. They had massage chairs for their customers as the waited for their treatment. These chairs did not just buzz on certain body parts (like some other massage chairs), it kneaded, rubbed, and soothed the body feeling like human hands are touching you. After getting a kick out of the fairly clever machines, my girlfriend and I started phase one of Operation Royal Bath.

We stripped down to a pair of disposable underpants given to us by the spa, and laid down on the massage tables next to each other. The room was lit by a deep amber color as well as all of their other rooms to set the mood. The massage tables were draped in rose petals, and the gauzy curtain separated both tables, still allowing eye contact. The women that massaged us, were the most professional I have seen in all my experience. They made the moment comfortable, instead of awkwardly not speaking for an hour. They were personable, and definitely helpful. We both agreed that they did not go through the motions, they tried to get rid of problem areas. As far as staff are concerned, they are one of the best you will experience.

Phase two consisted of a body scrub containing Dead Sea salt. It removed dry skin and overall made us very smooth. After being rubbed down to get the salt off of us, we headed into the most important part of our spa adventure.

Phase 3 was the Rose Petal bath. The two masseuses took us into the room and helped us in (because we were pretty slippery). The room was dimly lit, and the décor was nothing short of romantic. There was a rose and candles near us, as well as roses in the bath itself. The masseuses washed the salt off of us in the tub, and continued to massage us. The staff got us glasses of wine, and left us alone for a bit. We looked into each other’s eyes, and felt truly happy.

After all was said and done, we did not want to leave. The staff was completely generous, and the owner was as respectful as can be. I received a price list for everything that the offer, and they are also the most reasonably priced spa in the city. A 60 minute massage is only 65 dollars and a 60 minute facial is also 65 dollars. A special added perk was something I received from the owner after my treatment. He gave us a card with “flower seeds of love” to plant together. He said that our love would blossom, along with our plants. It is definitely a very unique gift and made our trip even more romantic I guess not everything on MTV is fake.

Supple Spa
55 West 19th Street 2 fl. NYC, 10011
212-929-5948
SuppleSpa.com

Firstly, don’t make the mistake of jotting down the wrong address because you may end up like me walking twenty streets uptown, getting my appointment at Madison Spa very late. I needed fresh air, so yes, I chose to walk over the subway and buses. The exhaustion of speedwalking up Madison Avenue was well worth the effort. This spa hit the spot just right and gave.

I was relieved that I finally reached 422 Madison. Incidentally, 422 is the same number as my home address. I got off the elevator nearly collapsed. I apologized to Margaret for being very lateness. She was the receptionist as well as my facialist and masseuse. She assured me it was no problem. Whew. Not that that’s any excuse to be late to your appointments of course. She led me to the facial room, and brought me a glass of water. Catching my breath and getting my bearings together, Margaret left me to undress. Now that time slowed down, I enjoyed looking around, getting to know my surroundings. The details that made the spa feel a lot like home was delightful. I put on a comfy navy blue robe, not a fancy white one. It was a simple, soft cotton robe in a color I’d pick for my home too. Also in the room, a tiger pattern fleece blanket at the end of the massage table, bumble bee pillow, and bright yellow and pink slippers.

Margaret came in and had me lie down on the table. She tucked me in with that, roar, blanket. The facial I was getting – golden, literally. The facial was so gentle and so relaxing I fell into a pleasant state of meditation. She used an ultrasonic instrument on my face that Margaret told me will painlessly take away layers of dead cells off your face and remove black heads, white heads. Exfoliation and extraction and this won’t hurt? I was skeptical. Now that I’ve tried it, ultrasonic blade is the gentler than anything I have ever felt. It was lighter than a feather’s touch. You can understand my amazement that this instrument performs it all. Margaret a formula with gold flake on my face as well. I wish I could have taken a picture of myself at that moment.

After my facial, Margaret led me to the lounge and what relaxation that was. I was comfy on the leather couch, still in the blue robe, indulging in biscuits, and then Margaret came in to pour me a cup of tea. What a place this is overlooking one of the busiest avenues in New York.

When I was ready, Margaret took me to the massage room for a sweet chocolate body treatment. I de-robed, climbed onto the bed, and wham, I was staring at the reflection of me naked in the mirror. I don’t care what your body type is, for some reason, this little surprise should make you feel like a million dollars. I was certainly feeling it. There were delicate eastern accents to the room. Margaret came back into the room with the chocolate caramel goodness for my body wrap. She didn’t use too much on my body, which let me enjoy more the human touch. She wrapped me up, put a thermal blanket over me, and let me melt away while my pores opened to absorb my chocolate body treatment. I smelled like a tootsie roll pop afterward. Yes, I smelled so good I would have licked me too.

When the treatment was over, Margaret led me to the shower, where I was delighted to be wrapped in chocolate/caramel color checker pattern towel.

Madison spa is a lovely spa to feel at home in. Not everything is interior designed and decorated to immaculate perfection. There are many touches to notice and appreciate here, much like being in my own place.

Madison Spa’s website is http://www.madison-spa.com/. They’re located at 422 Madison Avenue (4th Floorat 48th Street) New York, NY 10017. Call to make your reservation at (212) 758-3899.

Osaka Health Spa is something of a New York landmark. According to their promotional materials, they are the original Shiatsu and Acupressure center of the USA - having been in business since 1970 and served customers ranging from Ronald Reagan to Gwyneth Paltrow.  However, the location that I visited, at 50 W. 56th St., had the feeling of a 1970’s hotel that was once famous and has since gone in to disrepair, with the who’s who choosing newer and swankier businesses — and for good reason.

Osaka is certainly a serious, no- frills health center, devoted to traditional Shiatsu, including the hot-cold sauna to ice water cycle that one is supposed to do at least 3 times before the massage commences. A family-run business, the walls of the sauna and steam room are decorated with hand-written posters, with indecipherable instructions (”be desensitize,” “spill finding epileptic seizure,” “feed back brain” etc.) and my time in the sauna was interrupted by the paterfamilias - an MD from Korea, coming in to readjust me and give me pointers, all made more difficult by a significant language barrier

I have no problems with a spa focusing on serious treatment as opposed to luxury and comfort, but Osaka pays far to little attention to the aesthetic quality of the environment.  The sauna and steam room were both less than clean and neither of them reached a consistently satisfactory level of heat.  The general surroundings were cramped and cluttered, with a small changing room stocked with standard Duane-Reade cosmetic products.

Even though I had mentioned, when I arrived, that my time was limited I was made to wait at least 15 minutes in the dingy office/lobby before I was taken through, and was then shuttled back and forth from sauna to cold bath for the majority of my time there (I spent almost 2 hours at Osaka: 20 minutes waiting, an hour doing hot/cold and about 30 minutes on the massage table).  After the sauna I was brought to a small massage room and placed on a massage table.

The massage itself was quite good, including traditional acupressure, some joint manipulation and also the masseuse massaging me with her feet, walking on my back using beams in the ceiling. It was a very deep massage, and firm, but sadly rushed (as by that time I had been in the sauna/steam room for an hour!). This is, however, a very strong and intense treatment, and I would warn anyone who has physical issues or spots that need to be treated gently that the masseuse, though very good, was not at all responsive to my requests that she hold back on my injured shoulder.  All in all, I would not recommend Osaka as, although it offers a high-quality Shiatsu massage, the dull surroundings and unfamiliarity of the procedure are exacerbated by limited personal attention that results in one feeling distinctly lost.

Here it is, cabbie turn right when I tell you. Tucked away on Tribeca’s cobble stone streets is a non pretentious first rate Euro spa you cannot afford to miss.

Follow me under the threshold into Delluva Vinotherapy Day Spa and you have entered into the age of  miracles…. Whatever your true age on the outside, Delluva, meaning “of the grape”, reminds the world to stand still a moment so you can rush by gracefully on your way to one of their intriguing beauty rooms. Named after wine regions of the world - Sonoma, Bordeaux, Baden, these dimly lit contemporary spaces surrounded by stone bordered cork flooring and natural elements, instantly bring on mellow hypnotic suggestions. I sense something heavenly is about to happen here.

Delluva’s nurturing aestheticians assure you that of course, we are all the same age on the inside, and on the outside, well, that depends on where you spend your down time, and how important your diet and wellness plan is. So if you are a young beautiful woman (or man!) rejuvenate yourself as often as possible with a Euro spa visit right here in our city ….Glowing skin blossoms with care at all ages. So get to it …..and if you’re at midlife, it’s time for rebirth, now that you know what you didn’t know then. And what you didn’t know is that the vineyards of the world are on your side, producing body and skin lines rich in antioxidant healing properties. This first rate city day spa is the place to experience them fully. My suggestion is that you begin by making an appointment right away with Corina for a DELUXE ANTI AGING VINOTHERPY FACIAL –a 90 minute treatment of sheer bliss.

After completing a quick and thorough questionnaire on my skin, I am directed to a private dressing room and locker secure setting where slippers in my size and a warm cozy velvet robe awaited me. The candlelit BADEN room beckons me to enter and stay awhile in the cozy turned down bed. Throughout the facial steam cleansing, massage, a smooth vinotherapy mask and rich mosturizing treatment, Corina’s delicate hands dance across my face as if they are in sync with the atmospheric flute music. Layers of my thirsty skin drink in the rich grape infused emolients, serums and creams, as miracle enzymes awaken cellular rejeneration. As Corina calmly wafts about with first rate attention, I slip into a self induced intoxicated slumber without even one real sip to the lips. She then quietly snuck in a Cabernet slather on my toes and some divine reflexology. I utter a deep sigh. Where am I ? Perhaps Monti Carlo? or any first class world resort spa, far from the Gotham city grind.

Afterward, I am guided to a communal Relaxation Room, wrapped in a warm velvet blanket, and served a glass of Bordeaux, dried fruits and nuts. This serene setting contains a well stocked bar with healthful refreshing pick me ups. On a side table beneath stricking artwork a fresh bouquet of flowers and music are a perfect wind down to the perfect treatment.

I imagine that Marian Williamson, a savvy woman of today’s collective consciousness movement would feel right at home here with me, as we lounged alongside the Sommelier of Bouleys, discussing resveratrol benefits at skin ‘n soul levels. Prevalent in their Vinotherapy line, D’Vine and Davi (Mondavi ) products exclusive to the spa, the properties of the grape expound to include antioxidant healing, moisturizing and toning of the skin. Proven to be the joy food of the ancient Romans, Greeks and South Africans for more than one reason and they continue to surprise us. Sounds more than good to me and I’m sure you will want to spread the word. I know my friend Lynda would love it here. For this adventurous lounge chair travel on a Tuesday afternoon enlived my dermis into a velvety porcelaine wonder. Here, brush your hand against my cheek and you will no doubt agree!

As the years while away and we turn into a Vintage Cru, of course we all want to know the secret of getting 10 years younger. And well to be honest, it’s not about turning the clock back. It’s about being with each delicious moment you have now. So go ahead, you are in the right spot to relax. You can pop the cork, sip ‘n slather this vintage spa menu to suit your mood and skin regime. I know you don’t really want to leave yet, but don’t forget on your way out to visit the boutique for unique wellness gifts. Stocked on original barrel shelving are your favs from Riedle,Tea Forte, Archipelago, Cocoa Room and more aromatherapy vino fragrances for home and body. In addition, your purchases earn you Vinotherapy Rewards Points that can be used within the spa.

To paraphrase the goddess Marianne W. “The Age of Miracles (and Vinotherapy) are available to anyone at any moment when we bring the best of ourselves forward.” Take your cue from the brilliance of Diane Hanson, the spa’s owner and conceptualizer who thought of every fine detail to make this an upscale experience to remember. From community art events, to personalized treatments for the discerning man or woman the attentive staff, Stephanie and Fiona, set the scene and provide event planning bar none. They suggest not to miss out on their PAIRINGS Interactive Mud Spa treatments for couples this valentines day, Paraffin Dip for winterized skin, bachelor and bachelorette party celebrations, mother n’ daughter days, are all divinely welcomed. Stop by for some vinotherapy on the temples, on the nose and the toes. It’s your year to be ageless, Grand Cru Classe. I’ll toast to that!

Treatment DELUXE ANTI AGING FACIAL:

Featured Products: Theravine Cream Cleanser, Theravine Balancing toner, Nourishing and Firming Cream Theravine Pinotage Exfoliating Enzymes Moisturizing Mask, Anti Wrinkle Skin Booster, Anti wrinkle eye Serum, Time Care Eye Cream

Delluva Vinotherapy Day Spa
152 Franklin St.
New York, NY 10013
866-9-DELLUVA
212-937-7757
www.delluvaspa.com
info@delluvaspa.com

Water Front Spa has a flair that’s worthy of the East Village. When I approached the spa I was struck by its funky mural facet. Talk about hitting a brick wall. I literally had to stand there for a few minutes in awe, taking pictures of the vast assemblage of pictures – it’s that pretty. There’s a short set of stairs to get to the lobby of the spa. When you walk in there’s a desk on the right, before the stairs, where pamphlets and brochures are laid out. It takes the edge off walking into a new place, as you probably have to do when you see the mural, and having to get a treatment.

The second floor lobby is spacious and open. It has an elegant charm to its decoration although unfortunately the East Asian influence on the spa isn’t immediately apparent (obviously I think it would add to its character). I’m glad that at this spa, if there were products on displayed and for sale, I didn’t notice them. I decided to visit Water Front for a massage. I wasn’t sure what to get so instead I kind of got a sampling of all the massages there is to choose from. I figured I could use that kind of variety that day and it’d be cool to see what would work best for my body.

The massage started out the Swedish and Deep Tissue massages. Those two are the most popularly chosen of the selections but having gone through the sampling, I recommend you don’t miss out on the Thai and traditional back walk massages. Chances are you’ve never had it. When it came to that portion of my massage, I was quite surprised. A good surprise. It was unusual for me to have someone contort my body, even though I’m use to yoga poses. So was the back walk but the balanced and force of the weight worked out my kinks well. Don’t worry - the masseuses here are pretty light-weight. The whole massage loosened your muscles like nothing else. I’m glad I tried the varied approach.

There’s definitely a back-to-roots feel to the spa. The massage lasted an hour and it barely used any oil or products, making it a place I’d go to want to go to quite regularly as if I os vacationing on a beach in Thailand. After the massage, the spa offers you to tea, fruit, and traditional Chinese soup that’s made fresh every morning by the owner herself. Hmm. Tasty.

Now here is a spa!  Though located in the middle of frenetic Korea town, on the fifth floor of a building that looks more likely to hold an illegal sweat shop than a boutique luxury spa, Juvenex calms the mind, soothes the senses, and pampers the diva within.  As soon as I walked inside, I noticed the ambient noise of birds and crickets and felt as though I had stepped into a clean jungle oasis.  A friendly woman behind the desk greeted me and helped me into jelly slippers (they offer slippers in the half size).  I had a 7PM appointment, and as the spa is female only from 7AM-7PM, I had to wait for all the ladies to put their clothes on before I walked in.

When I did, I had the place virtually to myself: I noticed only two female patrons and several female employees.  The spa centers around one main open area that includes three soaking tubs (filled with sake, ginseng, and Kombu algea), a steam room, and a dry sauna.  The space is well designed, with lots of bamboo, flowers, stones, and candles.  One of the employees instructed me to rinse off in the shower and then enjoy the sauna.  The sauna looks like a large, medieval oven, with 20 tons of semiprecious stones.  A staff woman kindly brought me a cucumber infused water as I sat baking in the dry heat.  Next, I took a dip in the ginseng tub, filled with full lemons.  There were so many lemons bobbing around at the surface, I felt like a birthday boy in a ball pit.  It was at this point that I realized the service at Juvenex is outstanding.  There were always staff women around, cleaning or generally keeping order like good Umpa Lumpas, and they made me feel comforted that if I had any problems or questions someone was right there to help me.  But at the same time, they kept to themselves and allowed me perfect privacy as I played with the lemons, tossing them into one another and squeezing them in my hand like stress balls.  Eventually, the lemons got old.  Time for my steam!  The steam room was a glass room shaped like an igloo.  Inside the hot white cloud, the moist air smelled of sweet herbs.  I sat there sweating until I could bear the heat no more.  On to the full body exfoliation!

And this is when the treatment got really good.  In an area to the side, separated by curtains, a staff woman told me to undress.  I wasn’t sure if I correctly understood her broken English until she pointed at my bathing suit and yelled “Off!”  I followed instructions and lay on a slippery mattress.  She poured warm water on my body, which felt ancient and luxurious.  And then, with green mittens that felt just slightly more gentle than sandpaper, she started scrubbing.  She scrubbed my back, she scrubbed my legs, she scrubbed the bottoms of my feet.  I kept imagining that scene in “The Wizard Of Oz,” as the people of Emerald City Dorothy greet Dorothy and her friends with the royal treatment (”Rub rub here, rub rub there, whether you’re tin or brass, that’s how we pass the day away in the merry old land of Oz…”)  At times, the exfoliation almost hurt, but it also tickled, especially as she got in my armpits.  After a full scrub lying face up, face down, and on both sides, I thought we were through.  But no, it was time for the soap down and shampoo!  This felt particularly nice after all that exfoliation, and by the time I was supposed to rinse off in the shower, I was so light headed with happiness I walked right into a bamboo wall.  When I made it to the shower (using no soap or shampoo, as per instructions), I noticed that my skin had never felt so soft.  My body was like a peach whose skin was just peeled.

Finally, it was massage time.  The woman (whose named, I asked later, was Karen) led me to a small room adjoining the main space.  She massaged me for an hour with a forceful touch.  She really showed her strength here, and I wondered if Karen had a previous career as a women’s rugby coach.  Towards the end of the deep tissue massage, she applied a cucumber mask, which felt cool and rejuvenating, like my face was waking up from a long slumber.  Just when I thought I was all done, Karen offered me pineapple and honeydew, a perfect treat.

My experience at Juvenex felt like I was far, far away from New York (and at times, the planet Earth).  If I were female, I would definitely be intrigued by the female only hours, when nudity is allowed.  The staff attends to your every need and makes you feel completely comfortable.  For patrons looking for a more European model, this probably would not be the right spa for you, as it definitely indulged Asian sensibilities.  But I would recommend this spa to anyone who wants to get pampered with an amazing body treatment at a shockingly affordable price.  (The Basic Purification Package with Exfoliating Scrub and 60 minute massage costs only $195.)  I would also recommend the spa to anyone who wants to go at odd hours: Juvenex is open 24 hours a day.  Juvenex Spa is located at 25 W 32nd St, between 5th and 6th Avenues.

The orange oval sign for Euphoria Day Spa drew me in like a bee to a flower. I must have been really mesmerized by it because it didn’t occur to me until later that taking the elevator up to the spa was also an elevation in lifestyle. The spa is located downtown in Tribeca and it is in essence everything you would think of as New York luxury. What slipped my mind when I went to this spa was – I could not have expected anything less than the best there was to offer.

I let the experts decide the facial I would get. Judging from my skin type they chose for me the hydra fresh facial ($215 without crystal-free microderm and $275 with it). It’s an extrahydrating facial that works particularly well for people with sun-damaged or dry skin to improve overall condition and lessen the appearance of scars. I’ve been out in the sun too long and this seemed perfect but the facial is right and refreshing for people of all skin types too.

As my facialist Jennifer explained to me, the hydrafacial technology cleanses, exfoliates, and rehydrates my skin with the introduction of antioxidants. Jennifer made sure I was comfortable and warm enough throughout the treatment but I was already feeling completely snug and cozy. When it came to the crystal-free microderm, we both agreed my t-zone might be too sensitive for that exfoliation but we were comfortable trying it on other parts of my face. In spite of all my fretting about this part of the facial, as it would be my first time trying it, it’s actually a very gentle procedure that will yield the best results with repeated treatments.

I think the hydra fresh facial was a treat. I hopped onto the changing room bench to check myself out in the mirror on the wall and I was happy to notice the improvements in my skin. At any rate, delectable is the the best way to describe how I felt afterwards, like I had just splashed my face with water, threw my head back, and was enjoying a sweet orange. Already I anticipate a revisit to this luxurious spa for an organic facial.
Look at Euphoria Spa’s selections at http://www.euphoriaspanyc.com or give them a call at 212-925-5925. They’re located at 18 Harrison Street 2 nd Floor NY.

The Elemur Day Spa is located on the very distinct Third avenue, and the spa couldn’t be a better fit. On the outside, it is very hard to distinguish whether or not this is a real spa because there are no signs. It is a shame because the spa is definitely worth a peek. After finding the spa, I took the elevator up to the fifth floor, and my experience began.

The treatment I received was called the Detoxifying Seaweed Body Masque ($115). This involved the use of the radiant heat sauna (which I will get to soon), detox seaweed masque (or lipomarine seaweed masque, if you want to shed two pounds), a massage, and a facial. As I arrived in the lobby, I knew I was in good hands. Not only did I get the treatment that most people crave so often, I obtained one more important thing: knowledge. I felt I was back in science class.

The sauna that I was put in is not like any other in the city claims the owner, Natalia. She also claims that her spa was the “first middle class spa” in Manhattan, before spas like hers started popping up. In this revolutionary spa, the sauna is called Radiant Heat Sauna which does not use steam. The soft heat radiation is better than the steam because the moisture in the air can not allow for your body’s sweat to evaporate (since the air is saturated already), and will not allow detox to occur. Only one person can go in at a time and lay down in the cell like wooden box, and receive the treatment. I was approached by one of the workers with a binder full of information regarding the sauna treatment. As I read all the

information, I sat in the 180 degree oven and baked until I was drenched with sweat. Infrared rays help open up the pores, dilate the blood vessels, and make the heart beat faster. The sauna provides a low level aerobic exercise perfect for disabled individuals. Do you have a cold? The heat inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria or viruses as well as speeds up your metabolism. The one advantage of the sauna

over working out, is that the intense heat soothes muscles, while working out will leave a person with aching muscles for days. In addition to receiving a workout by sitting, it allows the body to rid of toxins, fluid retention, sodium, mercury, heavy metals, and assists in fat loss. The sauna also helps speed up the healing of sprains, strains, bursitis, peripheral vascular diseases, arthritis, and muscle pain. When I was done opening my pores, I went to the next room.

Natalia spread a seaweed masque over my body and wrapped me in a thermal blanket. She explained to me that she has experimented with the types of wraps in her 15 year spa experience, but she says the thermal blanket shows the best results. It allows the body to retain the heat, so the pores can be open and detoxifying can continue. The seaweed wrap is rich in potassium which helps rid the body of impurities. She also used a special cream for my face to give me a shiny glow to make me 10 years younger. As I was wrapped into the world’s biggest seaweed burrito, she explained to me the science of the detoxifying process. I asked her if she does this with all her patients, but she said no. She only does it to people who want to know. Natalia has her degree in nursing, physiology and anatomy so she knows how the body is affected and how to make a person feel good. She says that her methods are scientifically based so she is scientifically proven to satisfy the individuals need. When I was ready, I showered and rinsed off the seaweed masque and was ready for my massage.

Natalia definitely had strong hands but nothing can compare to the instrument she has for special massages. The GX-99 is a machine that has a brush that moves horizontally and vertically to eliminate tension, cellulite, and stress. Your whole body shakes as you feel the tension melt away thanks to her special instrument. The machine is very expensive and guarantees you feeling fresh and satisfied.

The people were friendly and experienced and the ambience was beautiful. The standout feature was definitely the relaxation lounge which can not be found anywhere in any spas. After my treatment, I sat down with Natalia as we drank coffee and looked at some scientific pictures. She explained to me that she specializes in bachelorette parties which can come with preset packages or an a la carte style. Nothing will make you feel better and less fatigued then a couple hours at a spa, especially this one. There is so much to offer at this place, that I have only hit the tip of the iceberg. There treatments seem to be so bountiful, I would have a hard time writing about it all in one article. It’s winter time and the cold damages the skin beyond belief – it’s about time for a seaweed wrap, so hurry up and book an appointment today!

If you are interested in more information

940 Third Avenue at 56th Street
Phone: 212-588-8895
www.mydayspa56.com