New York City Spa

Review: Aura Wellness Spa in New York City

June 17, 2012

I was recently invited to have a complementary facial at Aura Wellness Spa on West 33rd Street in New York City. If you’re familiar with the midtown west area you know just how busy and congested that part of the city is. So it was a nice surprise to find this spa hidden away in the midst of stores, buildings and restaurants. It’s truly a hidden gem in more ways than one.

I’ve been to many spas over the years and liked many and loved few, Aura Wellness Spa falls into the latter category. Not only is this huge 12,000 square feet space aesthetically beautiful but the services, customer service and the products are top of the line.

When I arrived at the spa I handled the usual spa pleasantries of filling out forms, sipping water and waiting for my esthetician. Once she arrived and led us toward the upper level where I was able to get a better view of the spa. There were these pods where you can have a water-jet massage with aromatherapy. I’ve never tried it before and it looks pretty interesting to have my entire body submerged in jet-propelled water with just my head sticking out. So I’ll have to try that on my next visit.

Anyway, once I arrived at the locker room I received a key, a robe and slippers to change into. The locker room was equipped with beautiful glass door showers, ice water, sinks, benches and of course a locker. Connecting to the locker room are the grottoes. If you book any one hour service or longer, you’re in for a treat. You can enjoy some down time in spas’ therapeutic grottoes. The one that caught my eye was covered in crystal and jade stones.

Our Therapeutic Grottoes are constructed of yellow loess soil, which contains numerous micro-organisms and minerals that dissolve, filter and eliminate toxins from the body. They also feature bioceramic stones which serve as another source for removing toxins and as a source for softening the skin, and bioceramic stones which emit infrared rays to improve blood circulation, boost metabolism and provide quick yet lasting relief from muscle and arthritis pain.

Unfortunately I was running short on time I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the grottoes but they were quite lovely. I arrived in my treatment room my esthetician took a brief assessment of my skin and began the treatment, an Aura Signature Facial. The Aura Signature Facial is a deep pore cleansing facial with exfoliation, extraction and a facial massage. I enjoyed the facial massage quite a bit because the esthetician spent a good amount of time gently massaging my puffy under eye area and my under eye bags looked so much better afterwards. After my facial my skin felt soft, pampered and greatful to have some much needed deep cleaning.

The spa also offers full body massages, reflexology, acupuncture, Asian herbal treatments, , Oriental body scrubs, and holistic health consultations. And if you’re in the mood to treat your sweetheart to something special, Aura Wellness also has four private suites for couple’s therapy with private saunas and showers. The space is quite lovely, serene and romantic, in my opinion a great spa for couples.

Overall I received a great facial and I really enjoyed the beautiful zen-like aesthetic of the facility. Aura Wellness provides a relaxing environment for holistic health treatments in the midst of busy Midtown Manhattan and I can’t wait to go back. Have you visited Aura Wellness spa?

A Day at the Spa: Exhale Spa in New York City

April 28, 2012

Regular spa treatments should be a part of every girl’s beauty regimen. It’s so relaxing and necessary to get regular facials, massages and body treatments. That’s why I booked a Smart Peel and the luxurious Exhale Spa in New York City.

There are 17 Exhale locations in total but Exhale Upper East Side is the original Exhale, and that is the location where I booked my facial at. It’s a huge 10,000 square feet space with 15 treatment rooms, and three exercise studios. The location is bustling with people going in and out to take Exhale’s signature Core Fusion classes. But once you get beyond the reception area the location begins to feel more like a spa than a fitness center.

While waiting for my esthetician I was offered a plush robe and I sat in the cozy lounge area. The lounge area had a sampling of teas as well as spa water. The staff was polite and professional as I expected and my esthetician picked me up from the lounge within minutes.

As I mentioned I booked the Smart Peel which was part of the Spa Week promotion. Here is what Exhale says about the Smart Peel:

Smart Peel

Enliven your complexion with one of three Smart Peel options, selected just for your skin type. Technology-driven and botanically-based, these peels naturally lift dull skin while infusing nourishing, cell-stimulating botanicals below – all with little-to no-discomfort or residual redness. Gentle yet thorough extractions follow peel application, as does a luxurious facial massage. Relax into glowing skin.

The treatment room was comfortable but pretty standard, no fancy decor inside. My esthetician was great and did a nice job of asking a lot of questions about my skin, the products that I used, my skin care routine and what I used for sun protection. She also asked if I had any allergic reactions to any ingredients or products which is very important since I was getting a peel. She walked me through each step of the treatment and explained what each product would do and what it would feel like. I really liked that.

After my facial I always check out the products that the spa carries and Exhale Spa uses iS Clinical, Sircuit Skincare and 302 Professional Skincare. For my facial my esthetician used quite a few products from Sircuit Skincare.

Overall it was a great spa experience, the staff was great, the facility was modern and relaxing and most of all my esthetician did a great job. The Smart Peel included a thorough cleansing and a pumpkin enzyme mask to gently activate skin cell renewal, the mask tingled a bit but didn’t burn or irritate. During my treatment the ethetician explained that the Smart Peel is great for acne scars and that a few treatments are beneficial for maximum results. I loved the Circuit Skincare products that were used they felt and even smelled divine. They were so impressive that I even bought one after my facial. The Smart Peel left my skin looking radiant and most of all polished – I was really long overdue for a facial! I really loved my experience at Exhale Spa, I will be back for sure to get another Smart Peel and maybe even a massage!

A day at Spa Castle in New York City!

March 12, 2012

Since it was my birthday I wanted to take a trip to the spa but I also wanted to spend time with my family. With a couple of clicks on Google I located Spa Castle in College Point. Spa Castle is a five-story and 100,000 square foot facility that is a combination of an Asian sauna and a European day spa; there are also locations in Texas and in the Poconos, PA.

The facility has several wet and dry saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, a lounge area with televisions, kiddie pools, waterfalls, foot and body massage pools, a Hinoki bath, a full service spa and several other amenities. The facility is also open year round, even on holidays and is family friendly. I was pretty excited that I could enjoy a day at the spa with my family and to try some of their many saunas.

I started with the Ice Land cold sauna room which is said to improve blood circulation and the strengthen the immune system. I’m a Summer lover so I only stayed in this room for about two minutes before I had to leave. It was way too cold! Cool concept though.

Ice Land Spa at Spa Castle — Ice Land Cold Sauna

The Jade Sauna is was particularly intriguing to me because it’s covered in crystals and gemstones, which I love because I collect and work with crystals myself. Jade contains calcium and magnesium which emit infrared healing rays known to do wonders for your whole body in including self-healing and releasing toxins.

The facility also has an L.E.D sauna room that uses color therapy to promote well-being; a gold sauna room to help balance your mind, body and soul; a Himalayan Salt sauna room where the benefits of this natural mineral are said to regulate blood pressure and water throughout your body, reducing signs of aging and promoting optimum blood sugar level and a Loess Soil sauna room with natural herbs to promote relaxation.

Red L.E.D. Light Therapy — Red L.E.D Light Therapy

The facility is lovely, there are a lot of sauna options, pool options and several facilities to eat at. I was a bit surprised at how crowded the spa was for a Sunday. It’s not really a zen-like facility, it’s literally buzzing with energy and lots of families with children of all ages. So if you visit this facility just be aware that there is a lot of activity going on all the time. A day at this spa costs $45 per person, including children over the age of two and there are lots of add-ons; for example flotation devices for children are $4 to use for the day, food is a bit pricy considering the neighborhood – a personal pan pizza for two and a side of fries cost $26. The facility does have a bar if you really want to relax but I elected not to since I was with my little one.

My son loved the facility more than me and I think most kids would. It’s like a water play land with lot of pool areas and what kid doesn’t love splashing around in the water for a few hours?

Jacob at Spa Castle — My youngest son Jacob

I feel that Spa Castle is a great choice for families with children but I wouldn’t really recommend it for couples looking for a romantic time. Yes, I’m a mom and I love kids but screaming toddlers really do not make for a romantic experience. Overall it was a really fun time and I’d highly recommend visiting this facility especially in the summer; it was a little too cool for me to enjoy the outdoor pool. And make sure that you arrive early because the spa can get super crowded in the afternoon.

Have you visited Spa Castle?

Getting Personal: A day at Equinox Spa in New York City

December 28, 2011

The holidays were so amazing this year, I honestly could not have asked for anything more. On New Year’s Eve I celebrated Noche Buena with my family and then Christmas Day with my in-laws. And while I’m not at all a religious person, I do enjoy most holidays because they bring everyone closer and people are generally in better moods. The season is beautiful but hectic, especially when you’re entertaining at home. For the past week I’ve been running around picking up gifts, mailing cards and picking up items for dinner and I’m such a procrastinator and almost always wait until the last-minute. But this holiday season it wasn’t all about the gifts, just really great times with my loved ones.

For the past eight Christmas holidays my wife and I have spoiled one another with gifts and of course birthdays, valentines days, anniversaries and the like are filled with sparkly baubles, weekend getaways and lots of wine. And after eight years with the same person how many more material things can you give each other? So my wife and I decided that we would get one another one gift and that we would focus the holiday on our boys. Well my wife, Jay, totally had me fooled. She surprised me on Christmas morning with spa gift card for Equinox Spa. You see she remembered that I said “the best facial that I ever had been at Equinox” and that was so special that she listened to what I had to say-instead of just staring at my boobs. 🙂

Jay knows how much I love Equinox not only because it’s my gym but also because I consider it my Temple of Well-being. There is such a dedication to customer service, the facilities are always impeccably clean and the staff is great. Plus I’m in love with their eucalyptus steam rooms! I wanted to relax a bit before my spa appointment so I made sure to arrive thirty minutes before my appointment. The lounge is very zen and there is nothing like sipping on some herbal tea, listening to ambient music and relaxing with the latest Gotham Mag before getting a massage.

I enjoyed a facial and a Swedish massage and I even let the masseuse massage my feet. I hate my feet being touched. Yes, weird but true, my feet are ticklish and I’m not a fan of getting pedicures. In this case I made an exception, relaxed and enjoyed the masseuse working all of the kinks out of my back. My facial was even more enjoyable, especially the fact that my face was steamed for most of the facial. Using steam helps to free dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria. It also helps to moisturize the skin and allow the skin to better absorb the products used; plus it feels really good. Spending time at the spa was a welcome distraction after all of the holiday madness. How did you unwind after the holidays?

Getting Personal: My Day at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa

December 11, 2011

There is just something about New York City that is pulsating with energy and yet that same city energy can be draining. Many New Yorkers spend their lunch eating at their desks, running from meeting to meeting and sometimes running from work to school. All of these many responsibilities can leave you exhausted and even feeling a little bit neglected, especially in the skin care area. We all have deadlines to meet and items to check off of our checklists. But how often do we add our own needs to that checklist? I know that I’m sometimes guilty that. I always of make sure that my family is taken care of before I am, I can’t help it, it’s just who I am! So when I get a little overwhelmed I take a little spa break. Not only do we have to deal with the stress of life but the pollution in the city is terrible for your skin. A girl just needs to detox and rejuvenate herself from time to time.

Since I was long overdue for a spa trip, a facial to be specific, I booked some time at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in Manhattan. Getting regular facials is great for those with problem skin; for me it keeps my pores clear which helps to prevent breakouts and blackheads. But a professional facial also allows you to consult with a skin care specialist who can analyze and recommend treatments that are best for your skin. So really a facial is not just a little luxury but rather a beauty necessity.

The spa is located in Midtown Manhattan but even in the midst of this bustling city, this multi-floor spa is transports you away from the chaos. The spa is modern with minimal decor with bare walls and strategically placed lighting. The usual spa amenities are offered such as an assortment of chilled herbals teas and fruit infused spa water; which are placed on a cart in the waiting area. While at other spas; like Yelo Spa in NYC; I was offered a warm towel for my hands, someone took my coat etc. There wasn’t any of that here. The staff is courteous and professionally pleasant but I wouldn’t exactly say that they were very warm. When checking it at the front desk there was very little eye contact from the receptionist but she wasn’t rude, just not very energetic or overly friendly.

This was my first time getting a facial at the Red Door Spa so I chose the Essential Facial which is a standard customized facial designed to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate. My esthetician was very warm and pleasant; took the time to explain each step and suggest alternate treatments but didn’t try to upsell me. The entire facial, with the exception of the extractions was very relaxing; the facial included a shoulder and hand massage. The entire facial took about an hour and my skin looked so radiant, it’s amazing how clear your skin looks post-facial! There was only a little redness from the extractions but it disappeared within twenty-four hours.

Overall I was very happy with the quality of the service that I received and I would return again. While I didn’t receive five-star service, the service was quite good and the I was happy with the results. Have you visited any of the Red Door Spas?