| New York Spas: Get Blissed Out | |
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There’s a good reason why Bliss Spa was given that name. It’s a perfect description of the state of mind (and body) you’ll find yourself in when they kick you out. Believe me, you won’t want to leave. It’s that good.
With two Manhattan locations, (19 E. 57th St. and in Soho at 568 Broadway) and one in London, Bliss is on the lips of many city girls here and across the pond. Yes, some men have been known to indulge, but spa-going still remains a mostly female avocation.
How do I love Bliss? Let me count the ways…First, the 57th Street location will knock your socks off when you finally find the place. It’s sandwiched in that famously busy New York block and the number is a tad hard to spot, but it’s certainly worth the effort. Once you hit the third floor suite, you’ll forget about your stress-filled day and/or yucky weather. At least, that’s what happened to me on a recent stress-filled, rainy grey afternoon.
Once the elevator door opens and you’re deposited into the (artificially) light-drenched reception area, your mood will lighten, too. (Yes, I’m talking about my experience again.) You won’t even have to think about dealing with the weather because there are no windows! The cheerful staff will say something nice to you, like “You look so dewy today!” Which is nicer to hear than, “You look like a drenched cat,” which was more apt of my bedraggled appearance.
Even the locker room is a sensory delight — the scent of cedar greets you as you open your ample storage space. Why cedar? “It keeps your clothes smelling fresh,” explained another cheerful attendant. And a smart little touch has been added to each locker—a little “drawer” on the inside door to hold your whatnot. I usually store my whatnot (jewelry and the like) in my wallet, then forget to put it back on when done. This way, it’s harder to forget your stuff, because it greets you when you open the door.
You’ll find a little plastic bag, too with some goodies inside: a little bliss gloss sample, a “try size” of frigifeet, a “swell minty foot gel,” a sample of peppermint Altoids (just in case you forgot to brush) and a bottle of Bliss water. There’s a sauna and showers in the immaculate bathroom adjoining the locker area, with a playful ottoman decked out in a kicky fake fur fabric. The lounge is so comfortable, I didn’t want to leave. Fresh flowers, taupe suede banquettes (with the same material running up the walls) and bright turquoise tables decorate the spacious room. Current magazines and food—what more could you ask? Cucumber slices, Jarlsberg cheese, fancy crackers, munchy granola concoctions, tea, water and even wine (red AND white!) is available.
I almost forgot I was there for a massage, I was so busy taking advantage of all the accoutrements. Who needs a treatment with all this pampering? It’s impossible to have a bad mood in here and you’re liable to make some friends, too—people are that friendly.
When they finally pried me away from the cheese, I was led into a beautiful little room and relaxed into my— BLISSage—not a MASSage (okay, the wordplay is a little cutesy, but who cares?). It was a wonderful 75 minute experience ($110), the only problem is, it was so relaxing, I can’t remember exactly what it entailed. It felt good, that’s all I can recall….
Next time I’m going for the “Nerve Whacker” (75 min., $125)---described on the website as a perfect blissage to “…track down and whack down tension, nerves and related mood swerves.” I told you it was a little cutesy.
The East Side location has 9 total treatment rooms, with 2 wet rooms and a sauna. The Soho location is bigger (not necessarily better) with 20 treatment rooms, 3 of which are outfitted for water treatments, a sauna and a steam bath.
Photos courtesy of Bliss
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