The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York

Name: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York

Type of Spa: Urban Luxury Spa

If you're looking for a romantic spa vacation in one of the world's great cities, consider the Mandarin Oriental in New York City. It's located on the 35th floor of the luxurious Time Warner center, right on Central Park at Columbus Circle. Fabulous shopping in the city's newest luxury mall (and dinner by great chefs like Grey Kunz)are just an elevator ride away.

The Setting for The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York: This romantic new luxury hotel in New York City overlooks Central Park and offers sweeping views from the lobby bar, the rooms and even the spa. It's convenient to Fifth Avenue shopping (to the east) and Broadway (to the west).

Accommodations at Mandarin Oriental, New York: Antique Asian textiles and a stunning clear glass Dale Chihuly sculpture decorate the lobby on the 35th floor. The rooms are soothing and sexy and the service is superb. TV lovers will enjoy the big plasma television facing the bed -- and another small one by the tub.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York: An Asian-inspired oasis in an intense city, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental has a gentle, almost spiritual quality. When you arrive, the "spa concierge" brings slippers on a tray decorated with an orchid. Get there early to take full advantage of the separate male and female "Heat Experience" rooms equipped with large stone Jacuzzis, an iridescent Amethyst Steam Room with New Age music, and a rain forest shower to cool off in. Other nice features are the 6,500 fitness center and 75 foot-lap pool.

Signature Treatments at Mandarin Oriental, New York: The Time Ritual is a two-hour treatment for the person who doesn't want to decide on a treatment weeks ahead of time. Instead, you talk with the therapist about what your body needs that day while she gently washes your feet. The Time Ritual begins and ends with the ringing of a bell and consists of an exfoliation, a massage and a gentle facial cleanse, but is customized for you. For my Ama-Releasing Ayurveda treatment, I was exfoliated with a special ESPA cactus body brush before a soothing stream of warm oil was poured onto my belly and back. Delicious, and profoundly soothing.

The facials at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental are deeply relaxing, and very gentle, using acupressure techniques. They prefer not to use steam or manually extract blackheads, because it can traumatize the skin, but they will offer it as an add-on if you want. (I just wish I had known this before the facial ended -- I kept waiting for the extractions to start!) They also massage a nourishing red Clay into your hair and recommend you leave it on overnight, so no fancy dinner reservations after!

Rates at Mandarin Oriental, New York: Rooms start at $549. per night. A Mandarin Oriental manicure is $55. An Advanced Facial is 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs $285. An extra 20 minutes for steam and extractions is another $95. The Time Rituals, which usually consist of foot bathing, exfoliation, body massage and mini-facial, are 1 hour and 50 minutes and cost $410.

What's Special at Mandarin Oriental, New York: The gentleness and graciousness of the therapists. And the couples suite has a fireplace, great views, and dramatic Chinese bed for relaxing after your treatments.

What Could Be Better: This spa is five stars for a reason.

Contact Info for The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York: 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street, New York, New York 10023. Reservations: 866-801 8880. Website: www.mandarinoriental.com