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Following my sojourn in Palm Springs filled with heavenly hot springs, massages, and even a mudbath, I decided that pampering need not only happen once a year, or just on the West Coast. Below are my favorite local staples for massages, impromptu spa days, skincare, and beyond all right here in our great City.
1. Soho Sanctuary - Massages
(119 Mercer Street, SOHO)
What: Hands down the best my favorite place for massages in the city, Soho Sanctuary offers a wide variety of massages (Shiatsu, Sports, Deep-Tissue, Aromatherapy, etc.) all in a really lovely atmosphere. Also, a really nice 60 minute massage (of any kind) will only run you about $150 - not a bad deal for such a great location in the heart of Soho.
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun/Mon 11am-8pm
2. Great Jones Spa - Day Spa, General Relaxation
(29 Great Jones Street, NOHO)
What: With its stunning three-story indoor waterfall and sleek, subterranean wet lounge, Great Jones Spa is one of the most enjoyable day spa experiences I've ever had in NYC. While they do offer massage and a full range of skin-care treatments, the real draw is the hidden oasis on the lower level. Free for spa visitors with tabs over $100 (and available for non-spa guests for only $50 for a day pass), the luxe setup boasts a plant-filled atrium with a hot tub, cold plunge pool, river-rock sauna, and chakra-light steam room
Hours: Open 9am-10pm Daily
3. Skin Laundry - Facials
(3 W. 16th Street - Flatiron)
What: My new personal addiction - skin laundry offers a laser light facial that leaves skin deep cleaned and toned without any visible after effects like redness or irritation. Regular Skin Laundry Treatments promise to "visibly improve skin’s smoothness, evenness, tone, texture, radiance, and clarity, while diminishing the appearance of pores, reducing the look of lines, wrinkles, and restoring firmer skin." Fingers crossed for now, but I'm on treatment 3 and so far I'm loving it. I even made my husband Bill a believer!
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 11-7pm
4. Fox & Jane - Haircuts & Color
(223 Grand Street - Soho/Little Italy)
I am that horrible curly haired New Yorker who refuses to allow most hair professionals to lay a hand on my locks however, I am forever loyal to this salon. Their cuts, color, and atmosphere are top notch, and for the swanky location and high level service, the prices aren't too steep either. Whether you're curly, wavy, straight, or some combination, I bet they have the right stylist for you.
Hours: By Appointment