Spas in New York City

On arriving in New York City every expat soon realizes that there are a number of essential New York activities that make-up the small, but important, luxuries necessary to survive in the manic metropolis of Manhattan. A weekend brunch of pancakes and maple syrup, pre dinner cocktails, summer days spent in The Hamptons or Fire Island, and of course, the obligatory spa visit.

As expats happily adopt the New York lifestyle these luxuries soon become a matter of routine and it becomes more and more convenient to squeeze a bi monthly mani/pedi into a full schedule and maybe even a regular “maintenance” facial. With spas and nail bars making regular appearances up and down avenues, these havens are far more accessible than in London and certainly more affordable.

If you are short on time keep in mind there is nothing more decadent then sitting back in a spa chair while one beautician works their magic on your feet, and another on your hands. It only takes an hour, and in a place like New York City, that’s impressive time management.

A holistic approach is being adopted as more spas are offering a full service experience to clients demanding a one stop shop. Not only are the treatment menus extensive, but many spas feature a juice bar, a hair salon and even studio classes.

With so many nail bars and day spas in New York it’s always best to know what’s been tried and tested, and can therefore be recommended.

Recommended spas in New York City

Juvenex
25 W32 St
www.juvenexspa.com
Juvenex describes themselves as the jewel of NY spas, and their rejuvenation remedies hail from all corners of the world. The main buzz surrounding this option isn’t so much their jade igloo spa, designed with tons of precious stones, but the fact they are on hand 24/7 to pamper you. Feeling like a midnight massage – be their guest.

Exhale
68-70 Spring St
150 Central Park South
980 Madison Ave
www.exhalespa.com
Described as a holistic spa for mind and body alike, Exhale doesn’t only provide spa facilities but yoga and “core fusion” classes to build your inner core strength. One of these classes followed by a facial will leave your body healed inside and out.

Bliss
541 Lexington Av (W Hotel)
569 Broadway
www.blissworld.com
Bliss is the original NY day spa, with the SoHo location being their flagship.
Aside from offering a vast array of treatments, their retail space offers an extensive selection of “tongue in cheek” named, home grooming products.

J Sisters
656 Avenue of Americas
35 W57th St
jsisters.com
These Brazilian sisters are the pioneers of Brazilian waxing in New York, if not in the US. They honed their talents in a family run spa in Brazil and now have celebrities and regular New Yorkers alike flocking to both of their Manhattan spas for a meticulous manicure/pedicure – services which they are equally as famous for.

Boom Boom Brow Bar
35 7th Av
www.boomboombrowbar.com
Famed for their “no double dipping” policy Boom Boom has a comprehensive waxing menu with descriptions to make you smile through the pain. “Skinny Dipper”, “Landing Strip”, “Bermuda Triangle” are just a few examples. There is no place they won’t wax.

Aveda
233 Spring St
www.avedainstituteny.com/guest_information.html
Although they are all students, the stylists will only be let loose to groom you once they have qualified to a certain level. For a fraction of the going NY rate you can receive a cut, colour, facial, wax, and numerous therapy treatments.

Whitemore House
45 Grove St
www.whittemorehousesalon.com
Hidden in the basement of one of the oldest West Village townhouses, this spa and hair salon has relaxed and organic aesthetics which you feel the moment you enter. When they wax they never double dip, need we say more, and if you go for a blow out, you'd best be going somewhere special to show it off.

Great Jones Spa
29 Great Jones St
www.greatjonesspa.com
This is a holistic experience. Under the same roof you not only receive a regular mani/pedi and wax but an array of additional treatments to choose from. The water lounge (oh yes!) overlooks a plunge pool and hot tub which is acoustically and aesthetically calming, with “restorative powers”, we are told. Head to the juice bar for refreshment or to the hair salon for a re-style and blowout. Like we said; holistic.

Blow Dry Bar
342 W14th St
www.blowny.com
Although they will perform the usual cut and colour, Blow Dry Bar’s signature service is a fabulous blow out with styling. If you are looking for a slice of luxury or just find it difficult to recreate your salon look at home, then these guys will perform the honours and make you look fabulous.

Sweet Lily Nails
220 W Broadway
www.sweetlilyspa.com
This space is sweet and tranquil, and on entering, with a quick glance, we imagine it should smell of roses, or maybe lilies. You will pay that little bit extra to avoid the production line feel of most popular day spas but it is worth every extra cent.

Valley Nails
198 Elizabeth St
www.valleynyc.com
This is Nail Art. Not just a manicure or a lick of nail polish. Think of your nails as a canvas and the Valley Spa girls as the artists. The work of art they produce will get you and your fingers noticed, we promise.

Bunya
474 W Broadway
www.bunyacitispa.com
If you are serious about relaxation this is where we suggest you head. The throb of New York will become a distant hum before fading into silence as you drift into a state of Zen and feel your “stress evaporate” by way of ancient rituals rooted in Asian customs. This is pure indulgence. Check out the website and book in advance.