New Thai Massage Suite at Mandarin Oriental

The other day I got a chance to peek at the new Thai Massage Suite at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York City, one of two spas in the country rated five-stars by Mobil. The walls glow with real gold leafing, riverstones surround a green slate soaking tub, and the massage takes place on a rich, dark teak platform that overlooks a spectacular Hudson River cityscape. It cost nearly $300,000 and took a year and a half. "We’re trying to stay one step ahead of the game, says Denise Vitiello, spa director. "Every year you have to do something to keep it fresh and interesting, not just for your client but for your staff."

The Mandarin Oriental NYC's Thai Yoga Massage has been adapted to benefit Western bodies, which tend to need more attention on the shoulder and neck area. A more traditional Thai massage focuses on the legs and lower body. It is a grounding treatment that helps increase flexibility, improve posture, and provides the recipient with a profound sense of well-being. The Thai massage is performed in loose-fitting clothes and costs $305 for an 80 minute massage or $430 for a one hour and fifty minute treatment, which could include a soak in the luxurious tub.