Soothe Sayers: Open Wide and Say Spahhhhh

Soothe Sayers: Open Wide and Say Spahhhhh

Looking for a reason to visit a spa? Known as places of healing for thousands of years, royals, Roman soldiers, native peoples and paupers have all sought out spas to bathe in warm mineral springs known for their ability to alleviate pain and heal ailments. Today's spas incorporate a wondrous wealth of treatments from facials to massage to body treatments; Ayuveda, India’s ancient healing system, even offers a process wherein warm sesame oil is steadily dripped over the forehead. Colorfully named the “Third Eye Drip,” it’s not as scary as it sounds; I’ve had it and it was strangely pleasurable. This, as all of the treatments, offers relaxation, rejuvenation, and a sense of renewal. In fact, some studies indicate that various spa therapies can benefit the human body on a physiological level far beyond the pampering, feel-good sensations.

The word spa derives from the name of the town of Spa in Belgium, famous for its many natural mineral springs and the old Roman idea of medicinal bathing comes from the town of Bath, England where ancient healing springs were discovered. Now spas are the emerging trend and are one of the fastest growing industries today. The business of wellness is, well, a big business.

spa lounge

Typically spas offer treatments “a la carte,” focusing on relaxation, wellness and aromatherapy, a field moving in a brand new direction.  The power of scent is increasingly used for its strong therapeutic qualities. Playing a great role as a remedy for pain, as a mood enhancer, and as a sleep aid, aromatherapy consists of using only natural oils extracted from a wide array of plants.  Clients can receive customized treatments based on one’s particular needs. To achieve the client’s needs, the therapist can carefully select essential oils and techniques to offer healthful solutions.

In New York City, located in top 5-star hotels, are to be found some of the most plush and sumptuous spas in the world. Let me introduce you to a few:

The Spa at the Peninsula Hotel: This urban oasis is found high above the bustle of midtown with panoramic views from its ample terrace. In this Forbes Five-Star spa, you are cosseted in an intimate, indulgent environment featuring innovative treatments expertly performed. Upon arriving you'll unwind in the Asian tea lounge and imbibe an aromatic organic tea whose sole purpose is to soothe, calm and prepare you for the treatment. I found this pre-treatment relaxation period, snuggled under a down comforter and Frette linens, so restful that I hardly wanted to stir when my therapist came calling.

The Sattva Signature Journey sounded like a trip I was eager to take. I was told it took two hours. Did I have the time? What do you think...! My journey began with a mineral-rich aromatic foot ritual (read vigorous massage) followed by my body being fully (tip to toe) exfoliated with a pink Himalayan salt scrub. Next, I surrendered myself completely to the facial massage (told it was anti-aging) and finally, the piece de resistance, the Vedic Aromatherapy full-body massage to release muscle tension and induce a better sleep. Feeling as limp as the proverbial dishrag, and

already sleepy, there was no way I was going to quickly jump on a Fifth Ave bus to wend my way over to Grand Central and home.  Nooo, I had to acclimatize myself once more to the real world; I found that a spa cuisine lunch enjoyed on the Sun Terrace did the trick.

A few weeks later, my experience at the Mandarin Oriental Spa was equally delightful. The hotel enjoys a prime spot in the heart of our iconic city, overlooking the Hudson River, Central Park, and the skyline. Another tea lounge, this one meant to relax with an herbal infusion and wind me down in preparation for untold delights to come. I was eager to try the Calm Mind Retreat and my gal said that it would ease stress and balance my extreme yin and yang energies through a core body massage.  She began with scalp compression to stimulate and balance the left and right hemispheres of my brain and completed the treatment with a massage of the spine, shoulders, neck and face.  Rising from the table, I’m not sure if this was the desired effect but I definitely felt my mind had retreated to....somewhere out there...and there was nothing to do but take a quick plunge in the pool. Labeled the Vitality Pool, it featured hydrotherapy to increase my overall energy. It worked! Sanity restored, on course once more, and mind calm and cool as a cucumber.

spa reception

Most recently I paid a visit to the spa I was told was the Piece de  Resistance at The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Expectations high, I gotta say, this spa exceeded them.  In fact, this will be the spa I'll return too whenever I need to recharge, de-stress, renew and rejoin the human race.

Located mere steps from the vibrant streets of Downtown, this spa successfully blends high-tech treatments with luxurious natural products to indulge body, soul and mind. Influenced by science and world-wide cultures, here is a haven both understated and sophisticated. The spa has partnered with Dr. Burgener Switzerland, the Swiss expert in beauty and rejuvenation, and Omorovicza from Budapest to create customized experiences exclusive to this spa.

The menu offered a myriad of inviting treatments so I turned to Spa Director Tara Cruz for suggestions.  She said that one of her favorites is the Chakra Balancing Ritual with a chakra foot massage accompanied by a wondrous blend of aromatherapy oils.  There’s a detoxifying combo of salt exfoliates and dry brushing and a brief guided meditation is performed to set one’s intentions and bring balance to life. Warm rose quartz is applied to transport the client into deep relaxation and ignite a feeling of love and positivity. The conclusion is a facial with acupressure and a mineral scalp experience.  I was transported by Tara’s very eloquent explanation alone and, of course, I knew that this was the treatment for me. (Yes, it was all that – and more).

spa treatment room

Leaving the Spa and feeling like I was walking not on clouds but literally on air, I took a short five-minute walk from the hotel to the waterfront at Hudson River Park. This enlivening breath of fresh air was all I needed to get me on my way back home, the New Me feeling full of myself and renewed.  My husband's eyes-wide-open and amazed smile when I tripped, light-as-air, through the door, was an added bonus.

If You Go:

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
www.fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown

The Peninsula Hotel
www.newyork.peninsula.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel
www.mandarinoriental.com/NewYork