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

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.