I arrived at Haven on a blisteringly cold day, ten minutes late because the 6 train had backed up at Astor Place. All the more reason to be thankful that I was paired up with Vladimir, Haven’s fantastic masseuse.

Walking into Haven, you descend a flight of stairs into an attractive if slightly medical-looking reception room. I found a few different employees milling about, and each was very friendly, although sometimes the appearance of *so much* staff got me a little nervous. Anyway, the reception also stocks an impressive amount of products, including a line especially made by Haven. There were a half-dozen creams and products I would certainly like to have tried, and then a good half-dozen that looked out of place at a spa. (Like, for instance, a stuffed animal.) No matter! I was soon moved into waiting room #1. Walking down the hallway towards the spa and treatment rooms, I was initially disappointed. The first half-dozen rooms—the waiting room included—were very brightly lit, antiseptic, and cold. Not the mood I wanted to get in. Luckily, I soon learned that this was just for manis, peddis and waxing. If you walk further down the hallway, the lights dim, the couches become more comfortable, and you enter into the truly tranquil area of the spa.

I was invited into the co-ed locker room—small, but perfectly adequate—and then, once robed, was led to the second waiting room. This was much more relaxing, with flickering lights, orange-infused water, and two couches fluffy enough to sink into. I closed my eyes for two minutes, or ten, and was then woken by Vladimir, who led me into one of the massage rooms.

Nothing I’ve written so far seems out of the ordinary for spas in New York, so it’s worth saying very clearly that Vladimir was exceptional. He comes from Russia, where he worked as a doctor and a trainer for many years. He doesn’t have credentials to work as a doctor in America, so he’s turned to massage therapy, where he takes a holistic, customized and medical approach. Vladimir explained that a good massage isn’t about style or treatment; it’s about touch. The most important quality in a masseuse, he argued, was the ability to learn the client’s body immediately, and to adjust his practice to the client’s needs. Occasionally, and if need be, he will reset the client’s back. He stresses he’s not a chiropractor, but can apply his knowledge about alignment in certain cases. Mine was one of those cases.  Vladimir noted the extra tension I hold in my upper back and adjusted his full-body treatment to concentrate there. At one point he told me to breathe in and out deeply, then he pushed hard and my spine cracked like wood. It was unbelievable.

Vladimir was deeply knowledgeable and always ready to discuss stretches I could do after leaving, but he also knew when to stay quiet and keep the experience restful. After the treatment was over, he spoke candidly about the benefits about returning for regular appointments, and I got the sense he was being very honest and genuine about it. Then I went back to the relaxation room, had some chips and water, and then showered in the locker room. Walking back through the mani/pedi corridor was a bit of a bummer, and then I was out in the cold, raining New York night.

Haven Spa is located at 150 Mercer Street in SoHo.