Caudalíe Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza
Caudalíe Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza
The Plaza hotel is in a league of its own and its spa is no different. This landmark property houses the first and currently only Caudalíe Spa in the United States. With the opening of this spa, Caudalíe brings the vineyard experience to an urban setting. After all, how many spas can boast an 800-square-foot wine lounge with its own on-site sommelier? The sommelier is available to host wine tastings between treatments.
The wines are rotated on a consistent basis from the French and Spanish vineyards where Caudalíe Spas are located. The wine can be paired with regional tasting plates. Of course you don't need to eat or drink to get the vineyard feel, you can simply relax in the lounge--like I did--which has the feeling of a wine cellar with rich, deep wood and stone touches as well as vine sculptures. I felt like I was in Europe instead of fast-paced New York.
As you might expect, all the treatments have a grape theme. I had the signature facial-- Pulpe Vitaminee Treatment--which was a wonderful facial, plus a hand and foot massage. Other treatment options include the Honey & Wine Wrap, Red Vine Barrel Bath, Crushed Cabernet Scrub, Fresh Grape Massage and Grape Manicure and Pedicure.
For wine lovers, or simply those who want to be transported to an elegant relaxing place, this spa is truly a unique experience. See also: Best Vinotherapy Spas in Europe
Caudalíe Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza
1 West 58th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 265-3182
The Spa at the Westin New York
Update: This spa has closed. Located in the heart of Times Square, steps away from Broadway theaters and connected to the E-Walk entertainment/retail complex, The Spa at the Westin New York operates high above the street level--on the 23rd floor--and is a great respite from the hustle and bustle outside. The no-frills spa is cozy and the focus is on the treatments, which range from a variety of massages--Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Swedish, Reflexology and Sports--to exfoliating body treatments, manicures and pedicures, and botanical and clinical facials for men and women.
I enjoyed my Deep Tissue massage and sampled the dry heat sauna post treatment; there's a sauna in both the men's and women's changing rooms.
If you're staying at the hotel, you can book one of the spa-inspired guestrooms located on the 23rd floor. These rooms feature an electronic Shiatsu massage chair, aromatherapy bath amenities, a mini bar with healthy snacks and drinks, health and fitness magazines and a remote-controlled iPod docking station. You can even get in-room pampering--massages, manicures, pedicures and other treatments can be arranged.
270 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 201-4679
Sense Spa at the The Carlyle
If a spa could win a prize for peppiest and most helpful receptionist, it would be hard to beat the Sense Spa. I arrived at 8:30 am for my 9 o'clock hot stone massage. I was a bit blurry eyed and sleepy. The receptionist immediately asked if I'd like a cup of coffee--something most spas don't even carry (it's normally just teas and water). They even had my skim milk. After downing two (she was nice enough to check in on me when I was in the lounge to see if I needed a refill), I was finding my happy place.
I was curious to see what the hot stone treatment would be like. I hadn't had one in years because I found them to be so inconsistent (depending on the training of the therapist). Fortunately, this one was great. The therapist used equal time with and without the stones, giving me a deep massage interspersed with the heated therapy of the stones.
The spa, located on the third floor of the upscale Carlyle property, sits on the tony Upper East Side of Manhattan and attracts both hotel guests and the local community. Like many upscale hotel spas, this one was small--with five treatment rooms--but it had all the essentials. I enjoyed relaxing in the super comfy chairs and ottomans found in the inviting relaxation lounge--where nuts, fruit, teas and cucumber/lemon water as well as strawberry/mint water could be found. The room was dimly lit and warmly designed in brown hues making it the perfect respite post-treatment. The ladies changing room was a crisp white--which I liked--and had its own steam room.
The overall feel of the spa was warm and inviting--the tone set the moment I walked in and was greeted by that receptionist.
Sense Spa at the The Carlyle
35 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 744-1600
Spa Merge at West 57th Street by Hilton Club
The clean, crisp outside exterior of Spa Merge is a welcoming site for those walking along Manhattan's busy 57th street. Once inside, the noise and stress of Midtown Manhattan melts away. After being greeted by the receptionist, I was taken to the bright and cheerfully-decorated lounge. Teas, lemon water, nuts, fruits and yummy cookies beckoned (and I indulged). Like many new spas in Manhattan, the focus is moving away from the communal changing room (there isn't one here) and instead I was taken to my spa suite to change and get ready for my treatment.
I was excited to try the latest addition to the spa's in-depth treatment menu: the Eco-Fin Quench Massage. Unlike standard oils used in a massage treatment, the Eco-Fin mixture went on like a cream and left my skin feeling very moisturized and hydrated without feeling oily. In fact, I almost always shower after a treatment because I feel a bit greasy, but I loved the silky smooth feel of the Eco-Fin on my skin and skipped my normal bathing ritual. The massage itself was also unique. It was a combination of Swedish and Deep Tissue with heat packs interspersed throughout the treatment. I love anything with heat packs, so this massage was a winner in my book.
The spa has nine treatment rooms, including two aqua therapy rooms for body treatments and bathing rituals. Guests can enter the spa directly from the sidewalk without having to go through the Hilton, as the two properties are adjacent to each other with separate entrances.
Spa Merge
102 W 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
(646) 484-4104
West 57th Street by Hilton Club
102-108 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 379-0103
Spa@Eventi, Eventi, A Kimpton Hotel
Located in Manhattan's Chelsea District, Spa@Eventi is located on the fifth floor of the chic Eventi hotel. The spa is cozy with three treatment rooms, a relaxation area, and changing room with a steam shower (it literally steams while you take a shower--a nice touch, I found). The spa uses organic facial, bath and body oils from Kerstin Florian in addition to organic linens and bathrobes made from bamboo fiber.
The spa, like the hotel, has a sleek, trendy urban feel. I had one of their signature treatments--the Urban Therapy Massage. The organic aromatherapy essential oils were combined with mists of neroli water creating a unique treatment. The best part was when my feet were wrapped in hot towels then massaged extensively--one of the longest foot massages I've had at a spa outside a reflexology treatment. My feet were in heaven. The therapist also used menthol for my lower back and shoulders so I felt like my muscles were getting a deep, warm penetrating treatment even when she moved on to other parts of my body.
After the treatment, be sure to check out the wonderful outdoor terrace on the fifth floor that has amazing views overlooking Chelsea. The terrace is quite large and has a variety of chairs and couches. I'd suggest grabbing a glass of herbal tea (or wine) and relaxing outside post-treatment. It's a great way to soak up the city environment while still luxuriating in your post-treatment bliss.
Spa@Eventi
851 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10001
(212) 904-1855
bliss49 at W New York
Located in Midtown East, this is the first bliss spa to open at a W Hotel. Measuring in at over 20,000 square feet this spa has a large retail area and manicure-pedicure station on the street level. What makes it really unique is the a sterilized nail tool transporting conveyer belt and four "movie-while-you-mani" nail stations complete with head sets and flat-screen TVs and DVDS.
The rest of the spa is located on the fourth floor, where I enjoyed the aromatherapy-infused steam room.
Next I headed to the spacious lounge which had yummy brownies, and a nice selection of cheese, crackers, dried fruit and teas. I could easily have spent a few hours just relaxing there. The spa was very busy and with 16 treatment rooms and an extensive spa menu; it's no wonder they pack in so many appointments in a day. I had the signature 75 bliss massage, one of the most requested treatments.
For serious spa goers there are four oversized spa suites, each a combination of a hotel-treatment room with an oversize Jacuzzi. Men will enjoy the Shaving Station, a nice touch for a spa that services a large male clientele.
bliss49
541 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 219-8970
InkSpa at Ink48, a Kimpton Hotel
InkSpa sits on the outskirts of Manhattan on 11th Avenue and 48th Street in the very hip and chic Ink48 hotel. This is about as far west as you can go before hitting the river. This boutique spa is a quiet little sanctuary in an urban environment. For a small spa--there are three treatment rooms--it offers a nice selection of treatments including the signature lavender reflection body scrub. For extra pampering, be sure to book the couple's suite which features a walk-in Swiss shower with 12 shower heads.
The organic and eco-friendly products from Kerstin Florian are a nice touch and I especially liked the outside Zen garden. I also appreciated the fact that the photography decorating the walls are done by a local artist.
The hotel itself is one of the first upscale accommodations in Manhattan's Hell's kitchen neighborhood and it offers panoramic views of the Hudson River.
InkSpa
653 11th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
(646) 572-7440
The Spa at the Jumeirah Essex House
Located in a highly desirable location on Central Park South, this warm and cozy spa offers a large selection of treatments including scrubs, rubs, facials and body wraps. There are four treatment rooms, plus the men's and women's lounge which includes a steam room, sauna and relaxation room. For those who like to spa in their private space, book the suite which not only has a private shower, steam room and sauna, but also has an oversize soaking tub that looks more than a little inviting.
I had the Sodashi Thermal Infusion Facial as well as the Essex House Signature massage. The Sodashi line is 100% natural and I was curious to see how my sensitive skin would react to the products (very well, it turned out). What I found really interesting was the fact that the same therapist performed both of my treatments. It's rare to find someone who specializes in massages and facials, so I was skeptical, but pleasantly surprised to find both treatments performed at a high level. Plus, it was really enjoyable to have the continuity of having the same therapist as opposed to finishing the massage, putting on my robe, going back to the lounge and waiting to be called for my facial. The back-to-back treatments in the hands of a skilled therapist proved so relaxing, I even fell asleep during part of the session.
The Spa at Jumeirah Essex House
160 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
(212) 484-5195
Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel
Located in Robert De Niro's trendy Greenwich Hotel, the Shibui Spa is truly unique. Take for instance the beautiful indoor pool adjacent to the spa. It's actually lantern-lit and resides under the roof of a 250-year-old wood and bamboo farmhouse that was reconstructed in the hotel by Japanese craftsman. This is a wonderful place to relax before and after a treatment and I did just that, sipping my herbal tea.
The spa itself has four treatment rooms including a shiatsu room; a traditional Japanese bathing room with an oversized tub; a wet room used for wraps and scrubs; and a treatment room used for massages and facials. My therapist had me remove my slippers before entering the room and her gentle voice and demeanor set the tone for my soothing massage.
I had the Drunken Lotus, a signature treatment that included hot sake-soaked towels. The spa products are plant-based and organic. The overall experience was calming and I felt like I was being transported to Asia, at least for an afternoon.
Shibui Spa
377 Greenwich Street
New York NY 10013
(212) 941-8900
The Jiva Spa at the Pierre
This cozy spa--there are three treatment rooms--is located on the 14th floor of the glitzy Ritz-Carlton. This waterfront hotel boasts views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the New York harbor. It is steps away from Wall Street and the historic landmarks found there.
The spa features Carita Paris treatments including massages, skin treatments, and salon services. For body treatments, they offer a variety of massages including the mommy-to-be, hot stone, deep tissue, Swedish, couples and reflexology.
They also offer in-room massage therapies. Additionally, facials, nail care and waxing options are available. For a small spa, they offer a nice treatment menu. Since they have a lot of weddings at the hotel, they also offer a bride-to-be package. This two-and-a-half hour treatment includes a 60-minute Swedish massage and an 80-minute manicure & pedicure by Carita Paris.
For my treatment, I experienced a 90-minute massage. My therapist did a combination of stretching, pressure points and long strokes. Going in I was a ball of knots, but I left feeling very relaxed and refreshed.
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park
Two West Street
New York, NY 10004
(917) 790-2660
The Guerlain Spa at The Waldorf=Astoria New York
At the time of my visit, the Jiva Spa at the Pierre was undergoing a transformation. In 2012, Jiva will expand into a new space on The Pierre's 4th floor. I had an in-room treatment and wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to see candles lit, lights dimmed, music playing and the scene set. My treatment--a 90-minute Indian deep tissue massage--started with a foot bath. My therapist delicately washed my feet with rose petals, essential oils and warm water.
I wanted this part of the treatment to last the full 90 minutes, it was so wonderful. The therapist was specially trained by a visiting Jiva master therapist. Each treatment has its own blend of oils so a deep tissue would use something different than a relaxing massage.
The Jiva treatment menu at The Pierre includes: Sammardan Indian Deep Tissue Massage; Vishram Relaxation Massage; Padamardana Indian Foot Massage; Prishta Mardana Back Treatment; Champi Indian Head Massage; Indian Aroma Therapy Treatment and Anana Lepa Facial.
Located on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, The Pierre is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
Jiva Spa at the Pierre
2 East 61st Street
New York, NY 10065
(800) 743-7734
When it comes to tony addresses, it's hard to beat The Waldorf=Astoria New York, located on Park Avenue in Midtown. The newly revamped Guerlain Spa is located on the 19th floor, with great views of the city. One of the features I especially liked is that each therapy room has its own private bathroom, so there's no running to the locker room after an especially long treatment. The private loo is especially important for some of the hotel's VIP clients, of which there are many.
The spa is spacious at 14,000 square feet and there are 16 treatment rooms. Thirteen are dry rooms and three can be used for hydrotherapy and Vichy showers. The spa is known for their facials, and there are no fewer than nine different treatment options in this area, targeting both men and women.
I was more in need of a massage and my 50-minute treatment did the trick. As I relaxed afterward, I browsed the new food menu which offered a nice variety of light spa fare. Complimentary chilled cucumber and citrus water, as well as dried fruit and nuts, were available in the marble-white, very-relaxing lounge. The soft colors and hanging crystals give a luxurious, yet serene vibe. The Waldorf=Astoria hotel was designated a New York City landmark in 1993, but it's been a New York staple for more than 100 years.
The Guerlain Spa
301 Park Avenue, Floor 19
New York, NY 10022-6897
(212) 872-7200
Want more? See Top NYC Hotel Spas.
The Plaza hotel is in a league of its own and its spa is no different. This landmark property houses the first and currently only Caudalíe Spa in the United States. With the opening of this spa, Caudalíe brings the vineyard experience to an urban setting. After all, how many spas can boast an 800-square-foot wine lounge with its own on-site sommelier? The sommelier is available to host wine tastings between treatments.
The wines are rotated on a consistent basis from the French and Spanish vineyards where Caudalíe Spas are located. The wine can be paired with regional tasting plates. Of course you don't need to eat or drink to get the vineyard feel, you can simply relax in the lounge--like I did--which has the feeling of a wine cellar with rich, deep wood and stone touches as well as vine sculptures. I felt like I was in Europe instead of fast-paced New York.
As you might expect, all the treatments have a grape theme. I had the signature facial-- Pulpe Vitaminee Treatment--which was a wonderful facial, plus a hand and foot massage. Other treatment options include the Honey & Wine Wrap, Red Vine Barrel Bath, Crushed Cabernet Scrub, Fresh Grape Massage and Grape Manicure and Pedicure.
For wine lovers, or simply those who want to be transported to an elegant relaxing place, this spa is truly a unique experience. See also: Best Vinotherapy Spas in Europe
Caudalíe Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza
1 West 58th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 265-3182
The Spa at the Westin New York
Update: This spa has closed. Located in the heart of Times Square, steps away from Broadway theaters and connected to the E-Walk entertainment/retail complex, The Spa at the Westin New York operates high above the street level--on the 23rd floor--and is a great respite from the hustle and bustle outside. The no-frills spa is cozy and the focus is on the treatments, which range from a variety of massages--Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Swedish, Reflexology and Sports--to exfoliating body treatments, manicures and pedicures, and botanical and clinical facials for men and women.
I enjoyed my Deep Tissue massage and sampled the dry heat sauna post treatment; there's a sauna in both the men's and women's changing rooms.
If you're staying at the hotel, you can book one of the spa-inspired guestrooms located on the 23rd floor. These rooms feature an electronic Shiatsu massage chair, aromatherapy bath amenities, a mini bar with healthy snacks and drinks, health and fitness magazines and a remote-controlled iPod docking station. You can even get in-room pampering--massages, manicures, pedicures and other treatments can be arranged.
270 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 201-4679
Sense Spa at the The Carlyle
If a spa could win a prize for peppiest and most helpful receptionist, it would be hard to beat the Sense Spa. I arrived at 8:30 am for my 9 o'clock hot stone massage. I was a bit blurry eyed and sleepy. The receptionist immediately asked if I'd like a cup of coffee--something most spas don't even carry (it's normally just teas and water). They even had my skim milk. After downing two (she was nice enough to check in on me when I was in the lounge to see if I needed a refill), I was finding my happy place.
I was curious to see what the hot stone treatment would be like. I hadn't had one in years because I found them to be so inconsistent (depending on the training of the therapist). Fortunately, this one was great. The therapist used equal time with and without the stones, giving me a deep massage interspersed with the heated therapy of the stones.
The spa, located on the third floor of the upscale Carlyle property, sits on the tony Upper East Side of Manhattan and attracts both hotel guests and the local community. Like many upscale hotel spas, this one was small--with five treatment rooms--but it had all the essentials. I enjoyed relaxing in the super comfy chairs and ottomans found in the inviting relaxation lounge--where nuts, fruit, teas and cucumber/lemon water as well as strawberry/mint water could be found. The room was dimly lit and warmly designed in brown hues making it the perfect respite post-treatment. The ladies changing room was a crisp white--which I liked--and had its own steam room.
The overall feel of the spa was warm and inviting--the tone set the moment I walked in and was greeted by that receptionist.
Sense Spa at the The Carlyle
35 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 744-1600
Spa Merge at West 57th Street by Hilton Club
The clean, crisp outside exterior of Spa Merge is a welcoming site for those walking along Manhattan's busy 57th street. Once inside, the noise and stress of Midtown Manhattan melts away. After being greeted by the receptionist, I was taken to the bright and cheerfully-decorated lounge. Teas, lemon water, nuts, fruits and yummy cookies beckoned (and I indulged). Like many new spas in Manhattan, the focus is moving away from the communal changing room (there isn't one here) and instead I was taken to my spa suite to change and get ready for my treatment.
I was excited to try the latest addition to the spa's in-depth treatment menu: the Eco-Fin Quench Massage. Unlike standard oils used in a massage treatment, the Eco-Fin mixture went on like a cream and left my skin feeling very moisturized and hydrated without feeling oily. In fact, I almost always shower after a treatment because I feel a bit greasy, but I loved the silky smooth feel of the Eco-Fin on my skin and skipped my normal bathing ritual. The massage itself was also unique. It was a combination of Swedish and Deep Tissue with heat packs interspersed throughout the treatment. I love anything with heat packs, so this massage was a winner in my book.
The spa has nine treatment rooms, including two aqua therapy rooms for body treatments and bathing rituals. Guests can enter the spa directly from the sidewalk without having to go through the Hilton, as the two properties are adjacent to each other with separate entrances.
Spa Merge
102 W 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
(646) 484-4104
West 57th Street by Hilton Club
102-108 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 379-0103
Spa@Eventi, Eventi, A Kimpton Hotel
Located in Manhattan's Chelsea District, Spa@Eventi is located on the fifth floor of the chic Eventi hotel. The spa is cozy with three treatment rooms, a relaxation area, and changing room with a steam shower (it literally steams while you take a shower--a nice touch, I found). The spa uses organic facial, bath and body oils from Kerstin Florian in addition to organic linens and bathrobes made from bamboo fiber.
The spa, like the hotel, has a sleek, trendy urban feel. I had one of their signature treatments--the Urban Therapy Massage. The organic aromatherapy essential oils were combined with mists of neroli water creating a unique treatment. The best part was when my feet were wrapped in hot towels then massaged extensively--one of the longest foot massages I've had at a spa outside a reflexology treatment. My feet were in heaven. The therapist also used menthol for my lower back and shoulders so I felt like my muscles were getting a deep, warm penetrating treatment even when she moved on to other parts of my body.
After the treatment, be sure to check out the wonderful outdoor terrace on the fifth floor that has amazing views overlooking Chelsea. The terrace is quite large and has a variety of chairs and couches. I'd suggest grabbing a glass of herbal tea (or wine) and relaxing outside post-treatment. It's a great way to soak up the city environment while still luxuriating in your post-treatment bliss.
Spa@Eventi
851 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10001
(212) 904-1855
bliss49 at W New York
Located in Midtown East, this is the first bliss spa to open at a W Hotel. Measuring in at over 20,000 square feet this spa has a large retail area and manicure-pedicure station on the street level. What makes it really unique is the a sterilized nail tool transporting conveyer belt and four "movie-while-you-mani" nail stations complete with head sets and flat-screen TVs and DVDS.
The rest of the spa is located on the fourth floor, where I enjoyed the aromatherapy-infused steam room.
Next I headed to the spacious lounge which had yummy brownies, and a nice selection of cheese, crackers, dried fruit and teas. I could easily have spent a few hours just relaxing there. The spa was very busy and with 16 treatment rooms and an extensive spa menu; it's no wonder they pack in so many appointments in a day. I had the signature 75 bliss massage, one of the most requested treatments.
For serious spa goers there are four oversized spa suites, each a combination of a hotel-treatment room with an oversize Jacuzzi. Men will enjoy the Shaving Station, a nice touch for a spa that services a large male clientele.
bliss49
541 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 219-8970
InkSpa at Ink48, a Kimpton Hotel
InkSpa sits on the outskirts of Manhattan on 11th Avenue and 48th Street in the very hip and chic Ink48 hotel. This is about as far west as you can go before hitting the river. This boutique spa is a quiet little sanctuary in an urban environment. For a small spa--there are three treatment rooms--it offers a nice selection of treatments including the signature lavender reflection body scrub. For extra pampering, be sure to book the couple's suite which features a walk-in Swiss shower with 12 shower heads.
The organic and eco-friendly products from Kerstin Florian are a nice touch and I especially liked the outside Zen garden. I also appreciated the fact that the photography decorating the walls are done by a local artist.
The hotel itself is one of the first upscale accommodations in Manhattan's Hell's kitchen neighborhood and it offers panoramic views of the Hudson River.
InkSpa
653 11th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
(646) 572-7440
The Spa at the Jumeirah Essex House
Located in a highly desirable location on Central Park South, this warm and cozy spa offers a large selection of treatments including scrubs, rubs, facials and body wraps. There are four treatment rooms, plus the men's and women's lounge which includes a steam room, sauna and relaxation room. For those who like to spa in their private space, book the suite which not only has a private shower, steam room and sauna, but also has an oversize soaking tub that looks more than a little inviting.
I had the Sodashi Thermal Infusion Facial as well as the Essex House Signature massage. The Sodashi line is 100% natural and I was curious to see how my sensitive skin would react to the products (very well, it turned out). What I found really interesting was the fact that the same therapist performed both of my treatments. It's rare to find someone who specializes in massages and facials, so I was skeptical, but pleasantly surprised to find both treatments performed at a high level. Plus, it was really enjoyable to have the continuity of having the same therapist as opposed to finishing the massage, putting on my robe, going back to the lounge and waiting to be called for my facial. The back-to-back treatments in the hands of a skilled therapist proved so relaxing, I even fell asleep during part of the session.
The Spa at Jumeirah Essex House
160 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
(212) 484-5195
Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel
Located in Robert De Niro's trendy Greenwich Hotel, the Shibui Spa is truly unique. Take for instance the beautiful indoor pool adjacent to the spa. It's actually lantern-lit and resides under the roof of a 250-year-old wood and bamboo farmhouse that was reconstructed in the hotel by Japanese craftsman. This is a wonderful place to relax before and after a treatment and I did just that, sipping my herbal tea.
The spa itself has four treatment rooms including a shiatsu room; a traditional Japanese bathing room with an oversized tub; a wet room used for wraps and scrubs; and a treatment room used for massages and facials. My therapist had me remove my slippers before entering the room and her gentle voice and demeanor set the tone for my soothing massage.
I had the Drunken Lotus, a signature treatment that included hot sake-soaked towels. The spa products are plant-based and organic. The overall experience was calming and I felt like I was being transported to Asia, at least for an afternoon.
Shibui Spa
377 Greenwich Street
New York NY 10013
(212) 941-8900
The Jiva Spa at the Pierre
This cozy spa--there are three treatment rooms--is located on the 14th floor of the glitzy Ritz-Carlton. This waterfront hotel boasts views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the New York harbor. It is steps away from Wall Street and the historic landmarks found there.
The spa features Carita Paris treatments including massages, skin treatments, and salon services. For body treatments, they offer a variety of massages including the mommy-to-be, hot stone, deep tissue, Swedish, couples and reflexology.
They also offer in-room massage therapies. Additionally, facials, nail care and waxing options are available. For a small spa, they offer a nice treatment menu. Since they have a lot of weddings at the hotel, they also offer a bride-to-be package. This two-and-a-half hour treatment includes a 60-minute Swedish massage and an 80-minute manicure & pedicure by Carita Paris.
For my treatment, I experienced a 90-minute massage. My therapist did a combination of stretching, pressure points and long strokes. Going in I was a ball of knots, but I left feeling very relaxed and refreshed.
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park
Two West Street
New York, NY 10004
(917) 790-2660
The Guerlain Spa at The Waldorf=Astoria New York
At the time of my visit, the Jiva Spa at the Pierre was undergoing a transformation. In 2012, Jiva will expand into a new space on The Pierre's 4th floor. I had an in-room treatment and wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to see candles lit, lights dimmed, music playing and the scene set. My treatment--a 90-minute Indian deep tissue massage--started with a foot bath. My therapist delicately washed my feet with rose petals, essential oils and warm water.
I wanted this part of the treatment to last the full 90 minutes, it was so wonderful. The therapist was specially trained by a visiting Jiva master therapist. Each treatment has its own blend of oils so a deep tissue would use something different than a relaxing massage.
The Jiva treatment menu at The Pierre includes: Sammardan Indian Deep Tissue Massage; Vishram Relaxation Massage; Padamardana Indian Foot Massage; Prishta Mardana Back Treatment; Champi Indian Head Massage; Indian Aroma Therapy Treatment and Anana Lepa Facial.
Located on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, The Pierre is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
Jiva Spa at the Pierre
2 East 61st Street
New York, NY 10065
(800) 743-7734
When it comes to tony addresses, it's hard to beat The Waldorf=Astoria New York, located on Park Avenue in Midtown. The newly revamped Guerlain Spa is located on the 19th floor, with great views of the city. One of the features I especially liked is that each therapy room has its own private bathroom, so there's no running to the locker room after an especially long treatment. The private loo is especially important for some of the hotel's VIP clients, of which there are many.
The spa is spacious at 14,000 square feet and there are 16 treatment rooms. Thirteen are dry rooms and three can be used for hydrotherapy and Vichy showers. The spa is known for their facials, and there are no fewer than nine different treatment options in this area, targeting both men and women.
I was more in need of a massage and my 50-minute treatment did the trick. As I relaxed afterward, I browsed the new food menu which offered a nice variety of light spa fare. Complimentary chilled cucumber and citrus water, as well as dried fruit and nuts, were available in the marble-white, very-relaxing lounge. The soft colors and hanging crystals give a luxurious, yet serene vibe. The Waldorf=Astoria hotel was designated a New York City landmark in 1993, but it's been a New York staple for more than 100 years.
The Guerlain Spa
301 Park Avenue, Floor 19
New York, NY 10022-6897
(212) 872-7200
Want more? See Top NYC Hotel Spas.
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