New York Spas: Paul Labrecque Spa

A Spa Site Guest Article by Naomi Serviss, an award-winning travel/entertainment writer based in New York.

Photos Reception Desk Stairs in Reception Area Leading to Second Floor. Waterfall Beneath Stairs. Salon Second Floor Contact Information Paul Labrecque Spa Address: at the Reebok Sports Club at 160 Columbus Ave Phone:(212)595-0099 Address: Spa East at 171 E. 65th St. & 3rd Ave. at the Chatham.  Web site: www.paullabrecque.com More New York Spas • La Prairie at the Ritz-Carlton Spa  • Bliss • Soho Sanctuary • Four Seasons Spa at the Four Seasons New York • Sports Club/LA New York • The Greenhouse Day Spa Midtown Oasis • Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa • Faina's European Skin Care Center and Day Spa • Faina's European Skin • The Emerson Inn & Spa • Copperhood Inn and Spa • Day Spas in Manhattan - Downtown (Below 34th Street) • Day Spas in Manhattan - Midtown (between 34th and 59th streets) • Day Spas in Manhattan - Uptown (above 59th street) • More Day Spas in New York • Resort, Destination and Hotel Spas in New York About Naomi Serviss Email: naomiserviss@hotmail.com  More Articles by Naomi Serviss

Paul Labrecque has two spas with two distinct personalities. The Upper West Side location located in the famed Reebok Sports Club (160 Columbus Avenue near 67th St.) is as busy as Times Square at lunch. If you’re into people watching and enjoy overhearing conversations about television shows, celebrities and fashion trends, then this is your place. On the other hand, if you are in serious need of a tranquil zone, head to the newly opened Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa East at the Chatham (171 E. 65th Street & 3rd Avenue).

I opted for the hecticity of the Columbus Avenue site for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to see for myself the gym where Jerry met Jessica. As in Jerry Seinfeld and his now-wife, Jessica Sklar. So I trolled the work-out floors and casually scanned the place for celebrities while pretending to study my hair-do in the mirrors. I struck out in that department but the famous and the near-famous proximity vibe was a home run.

After my nonchalant walk-about, I waited in the tiny co-ed lounge area until I was called. Until then, I leafed through a few up-to-date fashion and style mags. My reading was put on hold when two television producers started a discussion about an upcoming television shoot involving two extraordinary restaurants with outdoor gardens in the West Village. I couldn’t help myself and offered some alternate spots I had just written about for IN-New York Magazine, a tourist magazine found in New York hotels.

The producers and I engaged in a spirited and fun exchange and I was almost sorry when my name was called for my appointment. Almost. Off I went, trailing behind a swift-walking assistant who led me through a maze of hallways, staircases and locker rooms to my appointed spot. I was met there by Steve, a much-asked-for trainer and Thai-masseuse extraordinaire.

The spa offers about 14 different types of massage, including medical, Thai, pre-natal, cranio-sacral and the newbie, Phyto Essence, a variation of aromatherapy. And you get to take home your left-over chosen essence. Facials and body treatments run the gamut from my personal fave Anti-Depressant Facial ($125) which uses narcissus and rose essence to the Flat Tummy Treatment (good luck!) which targets bloating. Another temptation is the Dr. Gross Alpha-Beta Peel ($95) which promises to fight lines and reduce wrinkles. I’m not sure if Dr. Gross refers to the therapist or the state of my face. Whatever. Brochures encourage you to “Laugh at Cellulite!” and accept yourself. I usually cry at cellulite so the philosophy at Paul LaBrecque is very refreshing.

After experiencing a no-nonsense and wonderfully therapeutic massage from Steve, who has the best hands for working out tensions and knots, I tried to find my way back to the locker room unassisted. Big mistake. Remember the wandering corridors, multi-levels and assorted locker rooms? Well, me neither. So I ended up in the wrong locker room, too zoned out to notice. There I took a shower and hunted for my locker. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone because I couldn’t find it. Finally realizing my mistake (I was in the “executive Locker Room” which was fancier and had free bowls of fruit….) I exited. Unfortunately, clueless as I still was, I got lost in the immense club and ended up in my robe calling from an attendant’s phone for directions. It’s funny now, but boy, talk about my most embarrassing moment….

Turns out I was this close to where I was supposed to be and was rescued at last. My rescuer didn’t even laugh at me (to my face at least) and the experience taught me a lesson: ALWAYS be taken back to the locker room by your masseuse. Hate to admit it, but my husband is right: I need a personal Sherpa finding my own bathroom in the middle of the night.

Next time I’m heading to the new spa on the Upper East Side. I hear it’s a lot easier to navigate.

Photos  courtesy Paul Labrecque Spa