The Babor Spa at Takashimaya is not your average spa. As an offshoot of the elegant fifth avenue store known for its superb taste and unique sensibility, it is only a small section of a greater institution. But don’t be fooled: the spa lives up to the store’s formidable reputation.

The Barbor Day Spa at Takashimaya specializes in facials and offers a wide range of treatments that range from traditional to exotic. The Champagne Facial, for example, uses a rare yeast used in the production of champagne to renew skin. The SeaCreation Facial includes elements from the sea to boost cell energy and revitalize the face.

I was recommended the classic European Facial. For only $100, this treatment offers a surprisingly extensive package. The process involves a facial mask, a steam, skin extractions, a facial massage, a nourishing mask, a light moisturizing mask, and a hand and arm massage.

When I walked into Takashimaya, I entered a bustling store with exquisite decorations and gift items from Eastern and Western cultures. Towards the back of the store, I found the makeup center, and behind the makeup center, I found the small but calming spa room. As I tucked myself under the clean sheets of the soft bed, I was nervous that the busy atmosphere of the store would prevent me from full relaxation. But as soon as the lights dimmed and soothing music came on, the atmosphere become utterly soothing — far away from the hubbub outside.Irina, my facial specialist, as well as all the other women gave were accommodating and kind. Irina asked me questions about her skin before she started working on my face and made me feel like she genuinely cared about my needs. Her face massage was divine: she ran her fingers along my forehead and cheeks in smooth wavelike motions that made me imagine ice skater gliding along a rink. My forehead and jaw relaxed, and I released tension I did not even realize I was carrying.

I particularly enjoyed the Babor sensational eye cream that Irina put under my eye lids. When she applied the sweet cream, I felt instantly soothed, like I had just sipped from a cup of hot chocolate on an cold, grey afternoon. But my favorite part of all turned out to be hand and arm massage. Irina used a Babor foam that was slightly chilly, but completely refreshing, touch. (See video.) She lathered my arms and hands until even my fingernails felt relaxed.

In terms of drawbacks, if you are looking for a spa where you can relax for the afternoon and kick back by a pool, sauna, or other facilities, this is not your place. And if you’re looking for massage work, Takashimaya offers only the “ScenTao Head to Toe Treatment,” which they describe as a “holistic approach to stimulate the energy flow and relax the mind and body.” The treatment sounds appealing, but if you are a real massage connoisseur you may want to find a spa with more offerings.

As an institution, Takashimaya has unquestionably refined, elegant style with a strong Japanese influence. The Eastern culture did not come through in my “European Facial,” but I most certainly felt cradled in the hands of high culture and good taste.

The Babor Day Spa at Takashimaya is located at 693 Fifth Ave, New York NY 10022. Phone 212-350-0118 Fax 212-350-0192.

If like me you’re not afraid to admit your workaholic lifestyle, walking into a spa may be the best thing you can do for yourself now. Chances are you have neglected yourself amid holiday frenzies. This I hadn’t realized until after walking into Finesse Day Spa. Get yourself to this spa quickly and hand your slumping self over to a spa that truly pays attention to caring for your body.

I was recommended a Mango/Ginger Brown Sugar scrub, an exfoliation treatment chosen from an impressive, all-tempting range of selections. Leaving the reception area for the main corridor is an experience in and of itself, where the ambient music and soft illumination will be the driving forces behind your energy; the tenser you feel after long work hours the more you will find the lightness to your step here. By the time I was ready for my treatment, I had abandoned myself along with my clothes.

Relaxation is the essence of this spa. Plan your visit with this given in mind, because you soon realize as I did that the technicians here are keen on your complete well-being without ever putting you in a patient’s chair. My exfoliation treatment was the ideal rejuvenation for my skin in winter, albeit my senses told me I was experiencing summer. This exfoliation infused with sweet oils was followed by a warm rinse from a Vichy Shower - the therapeutic shower is one of much European integration and fine touches that make this spa exceptional.

I like the idea of starting the New Year with an exfoliation, but you can find out about more treatments at Finesse Day Spa including their highly effective Microdermabrasion skin care treatment at http://www.finessedayspa.com. Telephone them at 212.352.3434. The spa is located at 133 West 25^th Street, 2^nd floor East, New York, NY 10001.