| New York Spas: Soho Sanctuary Soothes the Soul | |
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Some
spa-goers are attracted to high-tech resorts with every imaginable treatment
available. Others are in search of that perfect quiet place with no attitude
and lots of quality attention. I confess I’m a fan of both, depending on my
mood. But for a serene, low-tech, restful experience with some of the most
well-trained therapists in the midst of Manhattan’s busy downtown area, Soho
Sanctuary is the perfect place.
At a
glance, the site resembles more of a small residential or office building than
a popular day spa. You have to get buzzed in, which may put some visitors off,
but I thought it added to the allure. Exit the elevator to the third floor and
you are awash in a lovely pine wood setting furnished with simple, comfortable
pieces and a low-key, friendly staff. Another key element: no one ever
pressures you to purchase their products. More spas should train their staff
this way.
The spa
serves also as a yoga studio, which is bright and spacious, with windows
facing Mercer Street. Another plus: this is a women-only site, which explains
the “Sanctuary” description. Sometimes it’s nice not to have to worry
about men lounging around in ill-fitting bathrobes. We get that at home
enough, right?
This
6-year-old treasure has been frequented by the likes of Julia Roberts,
Madonna, even Monica (you know). She might not be a good judge of boyfriends,
but she knows how to pick an outstanding spa. The lockers, in a spacious area
off the immaculate bathroom, have wooden and padded hangars. A nice touch, I
thought to myself while changing. The lounge area is comfy with bench seating,
current fashion and spa magazines and non-intrusive music drifts in the air.
Warm herbal teas and cucumber water are offered along with figs and almonds
placed on a low table. I had to try the Genmai Popcorn Tea, which was
delicious and smelled like popcorn!
I
almost didn’t want to leave the lounge, but I was promised it would be worth
it, and that was a wise thing to say. What followed was one of the most
outstanding, relaxing facials I have ever experienced. The Contour Facial Life
($165/60 min), developed by Californian Arcona Devan, is touted as being
“The most effective non-surgical antidote to aging.” The experience
reminded me of Jim Carrey’s movie, “The Mask,” where his face goes
through endless contortions and changes. Except I was a grateful, passive
recipient and my skin didn’t turn green.
Already
a popular treatment among the Hollywood cognoscenti, Arcona Studio treatments
are starting to catch on in New York. Using a combination of massage,
lymphatic drainage and acupressure, this treatment is akin to having a full
body massage on your face. My cheekbones, forehead, jaw and upper eyes were
treated to facial gymnastics for about an hour. It was incredible and I
didn’t want it to end.
Unfortunately, I can’t report on other treatments but I sure plan on a return visit. The menu is tempting, offering a range of massage therapies (hot stone, sports, prenatal), body treatments (mud wraps, herbal scrubs, yoga therapy) and even personal yoga sessions. You can top your visit off with a moment in the steam room, and soon, a sauna.
The Soho Sanctuary facility includes 7 treatment rooms and 2 wet rooms, used for massage, bodywork and facials. A eucalyptus wet sauna and a spacious yoga studio containing gyrotonic and pilates equipment is also available for guests.
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