Equinox’s 78,000-square-foot Club & Buff Spa, one of the countries most extensive and fashionably fresh facilities is renowned for its professional approach to fitness, and wellness signature services for transit weathered connoisseurs seeking a haven of anti aging practices for all of you that feel right at home here. With over 18 locations in Gotham City this is the one to arrive to.   It  offers refined fitness classes, one on one training, an extensive array of state of the art cardio and weight-training equipment, an indoor track, and a glistening pool teamed with a luxurious full service spa and retreat center.  One of the largest in the country for Equinox, Buff Spa is discrete for extra d’luxe privacy with 11 private rooms to choose from, and who does not like that!

Ok, all you twitterers ….follow me now…Take a deep breath and enter here on the third floor as we make our way downward. The airy gym, framed by a picturesque window facing a beautiful tree lined street, makes this a real New York experience. The bicycle gallery is fully equipped with a multitude of media screens and a cascade of softly panting health enthusiasts going nowhere but into slim dominion.  SIim Dominion …eh?  Say that after a few spins in the class and you know your cardio is up to snuff. Want to know a secret?  If you make your way down the stairs and book a spa treatment for 100.00 or more, you get the key for a whole day to this full Equinox gym club and spa facilities, top to bottom. Now that is a deal to tell all your traveling and visiting buddies.  They can meet you there for a city escape. Just don’t tell too many people on any one given day cause right now the club room is a prime time oasis for cultivating your equanimity…In case you are not privy to this term, as your Bodhi Spah Tvah, let me explain.  Equanimity is a rare high ranking, not easily obtained Buddhist discipline on par with benching 300 for about 2,000 eons non stop….but with your mind and spirit …The quality of a pure, undisturbed and composed mind is the result.  So let’s begin here together slowly …..to come to understand the most beneficial exercises in life include all parts of the body, the mind and the spirit. if you are sincerely seeking equanimity that is….it is a long journey into these deep waters of the spirit…one toe at a time, I say.

Swaddled in matching white robes, my good friend Leah P and I gleefully practiced this technique as we stole the day away …sans guilt. Oh, she confessed at the start something about this being a decadent escape but continued steadily to remain in flow with our newly found freedom, without even a blink. I was so proud of her.   Besides I’m not the kind to indulge while whining…. it’s simply a bad idea…no sire. I’ve got my priorities straight.  A first rate hot lux wax mani - pedi at the famed Buff Spa was next on the list.  Need I say that every step of the way, we relished the nurturing experience of hot wax slathering thank you to the appendages that keep us moving and shaking through out our lives.  The only suggestion we had was for the supreme management at Equinox to hang some beautifying art on their walls by contacting Leah at artallny@aol.com.  She could turn this snow white spa room into a feast for the eyes without any calories added. Or perhaps add one of her fine bronze sculptures of 101 beds to the spa rooms for a whimsical mood change. Oh, it just gets better now, girlfriend……as our friend Suze Ormond would say….this is a fine way to spend your hard earned dollars. As your Bodhi Spah Tvah reviewer I definitely agree …. Invest in yourself and your friends for greater returns you will never regret.

Next. Another bench press..  I’m sorry I don’t mean to mislead you …. I meant bench push away with the feet,  as we rose from our chair ….as we wiped the accumulating steam from our brow, we were directed to the lounge in the posh and private Miami beach styled clubroom. Here we ordered a healthful green lunch delivered from the on site cafe and watched the execu staff at the helm,  They did  a white glove once over to be sure that things were just perfect for our visit.  Well of course they were pleased to see how we had adjusted without effort to their first rate facilities..Did we feel special …I would say our mind was becoming quite undisturbed and composed, in the meanwhile Equanimity was rising all around us.

Everything was double on this day.  We two, the double trouble twins, almost double decades apart in age but not in spirit, double toes, double massages, but not double the stress. Equinox’s and their 7 star Spa Concierge Mr.Kip and very pleasant staff were super gracious in their offer to provide a Buddy Spa package to celebrate our friendship!  So, I’m going to tell you all about it so you dont forget that this is a special Mothers Day gift you can gift.  Do it now for further equanimitious merit.

I recommend that we name this a national holiday and call  it “Equinox Friendship D’Lux Day” cause nothing is better than my friend Leah’s presence in my life on this fine equinox..   We should all be honored to have such insight, wisdom and creativity to slough away the blahs, backlashes and bunions of city biz….and  besides its her birthday coming up…we need to begin celebrations today!  I say we do it with  a hot oil and shiatsu tailored deep tissue massage that was profoundly purrrfect!  “Hey there Georgi girl”, she calls and points….”.Tip toe over here, to the corridor of conscious dreaming and lay down right here.”   Just adjacent to the full service pool area, you will find massage rooms polished and perfected, a stones throw from bustling Lexington Avenue, and never would one guess  a full gym was pumping iron just two floors above.  There was something about the way the licensed masseurs hands traced each muscle that meant instant healing to my body.   I asked her what she did specifically and she replied ” its an intuitive technique that I tune into combining a  few massage methods  together “.   You can choose from many types.   I’m certain all of them are irresistibly blissful ….Stone Massage, Pre-natal, Craniosacral and Reflexology.

Don’t over do it now friend, or you will be limping from relaxation if you do.  All you sports addicts can just slither down the stairs for an individually tailored sports massage and muscle lengthening too…and only one more Equinox secret will pass my lips today, I promise.  Did you know for a nominal fee they will lovingly launder your Lululemon and Nike athletica and place it fresh in a locker awaiting your next days session? Amen, to a heath club that even does your laundry!!!   Or better still just donate it to their socially sustaining Wearable Collections recycling program by calling 646 515 4387. They can  offer you a myriad of of special event services that include top notch nutritional advice and on site complimentary group fitness for your birthday, bridal shower or  corporate bonus packages without the jet. Remember this on New York Marathon weekend for all those out of towners that will visit you.  Now remember, this is not the Mandarin Hotel Spa, but it could be for the way the 7 star transit lifestyle services and retreat presentations were offered and executed with every ones personal best at peak.  Kudo’s to you Equinox Spa.

Chuckling away my friend and I left the world behind as we whirl pooled and pooled our thoughts how this d’luxe experience could be duplicated as soon as possible. With the recent economic crash, greed expounding Ponzi schemes and fair weather friend scams, health and moral bankruptcy seems to be abounding in this world.  I could only thank all those frugal ways my insight was saving up for this rainy day…So go and exercise your need, to splurge with those that mean the most and don’t forget Mother’s day is coming up fast. After all, what does the power of equanimity mean if its not shared with those you care enough to call friends.

You can call  212 750-4671 for Mr. Kip or Ms. Allison of the Equinox Buff Spa staff to book d’luxe amenities for two that will take you out of the quagmires of bustling city living, or just do it effortlessly online

http://WWW.EQUINOXFITNESS.COM/Spa/63rdStreetNewYork.aspx

I’m leaving my robe behind for you jet setters now on a budget and good as gold girlfriends, along with this recession proof success formula that fit portfolio friends have adopted across the Equinox nation for maximum wellness leverage during these challenging times. You’d be smart to pick up on it too.

Friendship Investing + Anti greed Mind polishing x  Equinox Buff Spa = Equinox Equanimity to the power of 2,  …  Go ahead and plan your Equinox Friendship D’Lux Day … Dare 2 Share + show U Care.  After all…. it’s not just  fitness…its life right?

Equinox Fitness and Spa
817 Lexington Avenue at 63rd street
New York, NY 10065
212.750.4671

by your Premier New York Spa Reviewer, Bodhi Spah Tvah

If you think no one is watching…blink again…..according to the ancient Sutra, there are an infinite number of jewels throughout the universe that serve as cosmic eyes.  Gregg Braden in The Divine Matrix says, “Each of the jewels reflected in this one jewel is also reflecting all the other jewels”. This holographic view that tells us everything we need to live and grow is always with us, everywhere,all the time….from the simplicity of a blade of grass to our bodies.

Beauty Jewel Spa and Laser Skin Care Center, is named “the gem of the neighborhood”, Greenwich Village that is, so while you are scanning your inner divine matrix, direct your “ body jewel in the rough” to this polishing palace. This mini spa, although does not offer the full spa amenities of a steam room, will carefully tailor your up to the minute sparkle on the go. They specializing in very affordable refreshers of all kinds, and a full menu includingmedi facial treatments, the lux products of Sonja Dakar and Yonka Paris and laser and wax express 30 minute services for your busy schedule. Ask about their annual membership and make this a year you really take care of yourself and those you love.

If you want top service straight from the Kremlin, Nina, the petite Russian goddess masseuse, will not overlook your need to feel rejuvenated. Her trained hands will find knots you didn’t know existed and banish them.  I experienced a Deep Tissue Body Massage that was almost of medical quality.  My computer neck muscles were retracted and strained, and had been giving me severe headaches that subsided by the end of the visit. Another lasting impression left my facial skin nurtured and tended to with a Jewel Glow Yonka Deep Hydration treatment using the most intense lavender and herb Yonka Paris products….oooh la la!

Valentines is just around the corner, so here is a thought to plant.  Reserve the couples room for a Rare Emerald Sensitive Skin Facial, using ultra sonic rays and herbal facial products sure to soothe and calm you alongside a Tigers Eye facial for him, or treat him to a Luv my Guy package with lunch included. Pamper is the word you need to remember, cause it’s a long cold winter ahead.

Are you are in charge of gifts at your law firm or company?Don’t wait for a special occasion to see productivity soar…book a lunchtime “gratitude certificate” for each of your hardworking secretaries. Executives benefit as well so don’t leave them feeling out of the loop ….accupressure massages, and full service beautifiers to suit any office doldrum, or boardroom fatigue. Perhaps you should come and try them yourself first…Now that’s a good idea.!

I believe the saying goes….Do onto others as ye would do onto thyself …so If you are feeling you want to do some extended good in the global sphere, contact the owner himself …Gennadiand his lovely wife Laura at  212 505 0600 and they will customize a Sunday Spa Party for groups of 10 or more. Meaningfulworld.com a choice non profit that provides humanitarian aid and post trauma relief for affected areas or the charity of your choice will receive a portion of the proceeds. It’s a new day ….it’s a new dawn and time to refresh everything America!!!

Ultra sonic skin care, Dakar products,Yonka Paris, laser center, wax express, spa packages, couples massage, affordable services, spa promotions, spa membership, xpress services, Greenwich village gem, refresheverything.com

Beauty Jewel Spa
146 West 4th Street
(Btwn McDougal St & 6th)
NY, NY, 10012
212.505.0600
www.beautyjewel.com

By your Bodhi Spah-Tvah

Neighborhood: Manhattan/Gramercy
297 3rd Ave
2nd Fl
(between 22nd St & 23rd St)
New York, NY 10010
(212) 213-8220
For more information please visit: salonspagramercy.com 

The Confidence Beauty Salon & Spa is Gramercy Parks newest full service hair salon and spa. With a wide range of treatment choices including, massages, manicures, pedicures, hair cuts and color, facials, waxing, and acupuncture, this salon is your ultimate destination for pampering in New York City.
The Salon & Spa also specializes in Liquid Gold facials, Special Clinical Facial Treatments, Brazilian Bikini Wax, Hair Colorings, and wide range of massage treatments. Our spa caters to all clients needs and has a warm and welcoming environment.

This total spa experience is the perfect way to pamper yourself. Come see us for lunch break specials, purchase gift certificates, and make custom packages to fit your desires. With a fully trained and certified staff, all your treatments at Confidence Beauty Salon & Spa will be relaxing and divine!

Cancellation Policy

In order to serve you better, we require a 24 hour cancellation notification if you have to cancel an appointment, otherwise we will charge your credit card full price for the appointment. Please note that we accept gratuities in cash only.  Forms of payment Confidence Beauty Salon & Spa accepts:

MasterCard,Visa, Amex, Discover, Cash, Personal Checks, Debit

Through December 31 all services are 10% off through NewYorkSpaBlog.com

Confidence Signature Specials.
Aromatherapy massage and European Deep Cleansing Facial
(50min & 60 min)- $100   reg. $170
Brazilian bikini wax plus Manicure & Pedicure - $50.
Full head color Blow Dry is Free
Wash / Cut / Blow dry plus protein treatment $50.
Brazilian Keratin straightening haircut free

Confidence Beauty Salon & Spa is open from Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8:30pm
And Sunday from 11am to 8pm

The treatment I received was called the Detoxifying Seaweed Body Masque ($115). This involved the use of the radiant heat sauna (which I will get to soon), detox seaweed masque (or lipomarine seaweed masque, if you want to shed two pounds), a massage, and a facial. As I arrived in the lobby, I knew I was in good hands. Not only did I get the treatment that most people crave so often, I obtained one more important thing: knowledge. I felt I was back in science class.

The sauna that I was put in is not like any other in the city claims the owner, Natalia. She also claims that her spa was the “first middle class spa” in Manhattan, before spas like hers started popping up. In this revolutionary spa, the sauna is called Radiant Heat Sauna which does not use steam. The soft heat radiation is better than the steam because the moisture in the air can not allow for your body’s sweat to evaporate (since the air is saturated already), and will not allow detox to occur. Only one person can go in at a time and lay down in the cell like wooden box, and receive the treatment. I was approached by one of the workers with a binder full of information regarding the sauna treatment. As I read all the information, I sat in the 180 degree oven and baked until I was drenched with sweat. Infrared rays help open up the pores, dilate the blood vessels, and make the heart beat faster. The sauna provides a low level aerobic exercise perfect for disabled individuals. Do you have a cold? The heat inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria or viruses as well as speeds up your metabolism. The one advantage of the sauna over working out, is that the intense heat soothes muscles, while working out will leave a person with aching muscles for days. In addition to receiving a workout by sitting, it allows the body to rid of toxins, fluid retention, sodium, mercury, heavy metals, and assists in fat loss. The sauna also helps speed up the healing of sprains, strains, bursitis, peripheral vascular diseases, arthritis, and muscle pain. When I was done opening my pores, I went to the next room.

Natalia spread a seaweed masque over my body and wrapped me in a thermal blanket. She explained to me that she has experimented with the types of wraps in her 15 year spa experience, but she says the thermal blanket shows the best results. It allows the body to retain the heat, so the pores can be open and detoxifying can continue. The seaweed wrap is rich in potassium which helps rid the body of impurities. She also used a special cream for my face to give me a shiny glow to make me 10 years younger. As I was wrapped into the world’s biggest seaweed burrito, she explained to me the science of the detoxifying process. I asked her if she does this with all her patients, but she said no. She only does it to people who want to know. Natalia has her degree in nursing, physiology and anatomy so she knows how the body is affected and how to make a person feel good. She says that her methods are scientifically based so she is scientifically proven to satisfy the individuals need. When I was ready, I showered and rinsed off the seaweed masque and was ready for my massage.

Natalia definitely had strong hands but nothing can compare to the instrument she has for special massages. The GX-99 is a machine that has a brush that moves horizontally and vertically to eliminate tension, cellulite, and stress. Your whole body shakes as you feel the tension melt away thanks to her special instrument. The machine is very expensive and guarantees you feeling fresh and satisfied.

The people were friendly and experienced and the ambience was beautiful. The standout feature was definitely the relaxation lounge which can not be found anywhere in any spas. After my treatment, I sat down with Natalia as we drank coffee and looked at some scientific pictures. She explained to me that she specializes in bachelorette parties which can come with preset packages or an a la carte style. Nothing will make you feel better and less fatigued then a couple hours at a spa, especially this one. There is so much to offer at this place, that I have only hit the tip of the iceberg. There treatments seem to be so bountiful, I would have a hard time writing about it all in one article. It’s winter time and the cold damages the skin beyond belief – it’s about time for a seaweed wrap, so hurry up and book an appointment today!  Additionally, if you buy 10 sessions you get 2 for free, bring a friend and get 20% discount on your treatment.

If you are interested in more information please click the links below:

Couples Spa Packages in New York, NY

Cellulite treatment in New York, NY

Spa treatments in New York, NY

940 Third Avenue at 56th Street
Phone: 212-588-8895
www.mydayspa56.com

At White Tea Spa it was easy for me to get caught up in a sense of entitlement to the finer things in life. The name is exotic and the space is a beautiful loft on W.14th St. that breathes the air of European elegance. This spa is one of the city’s unexpected getaway spots, on the ranks of the nearest Starbucks, for those with a refined taste.

I had an afternoon appointment for a White Tea Sugar Scrub. My mouth salivates at how delicious the scrub sounds. As I waited to meet Sandra, co-owner of the spa and my therapist for the day, I found out that there actually aren’t many unappealing treatments on the spa menu – each one had a tea-licious name that pumped my imagination. Talk about an imaginary tea party.

The spa is modern-day elegance. In the grand scheme of things the flatscreen television caught in the array of essential oils and candles is not out of place at all, nor are the eye-catching portraits of feminine beauty. No, those touches really added to the experience of sitting down to have a cup of tea.

Sandra is absolutely endearing. She has a warm enthusiasm and smile. After giving me a short tour of the spa, she left me to get ready in what felt like my own personal treatment area with a chance to freshen up, change, and comfy up in one confined area. Sandra came back and we went into the room. In my case, time went too quickly. I must have been in the mood to chat because I couldn’t resist conversation with Sandra throughout the scrub. Before I knew it it was over and what I was left with was a long lasting impressing – Sandra had chosen the White Tea Sugar Scrub for me knowing I would carry the sweet aroma on my skin for hours after the treatment. What a treat.

All the treatments use formulas containing white tea for its anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties that FYI is more than you’ll get from green tea. With cuteness and style, this spa combines some nature with a lot of nurture.

White Tea Spa

104 W 14TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10011

212-647-8919

I couldn’t wait until mid-week to make my appointment at Day Spa Gata. It was a Monday morning, the start of another work week. I could hardly conceal the dark circles around my eyes with the miracle of make-up. The humidity in the air was stifling and by 11a.m. my skin was disgusting to the touch, my hair was in dishevel; I was feeling utterly, utterly run down.

By noon I had booked it to Day Spa Gata located at the Park Green Medical suites townhouse on the Upperwest Side. This holistic skincare spa is cozy - small but makes for lack of space with abundance of treatments. You don’t have to look far for testament to this. The hallway is lined with technology that although is unnerving to see, is thankfully kept out of the sanctuary of a treatment room until necessary.

After a short wait I was greeted by my cosmologist Lara. I was getting a deep cleansing facial. The facial is perfect a Monday midday - no extractions and smooth jazz – essentially a painless facial that didn’t remove me so far from reality I couldn’t get back to work.

Lara applied a base for the high frequency. Surprisingly I only felt the slightest shocks, nothing like what I was dreadful of. She applied a refreshing lavender glue mask after that then left the room for who knows how long. I could still hear noises from the narrow hallway aside but I don’t recall ever feeling that deep a relaxation. In retrospect I imagine it has something to do with my absolute favorite part of the facial, which was the massage. Lara had given me a massage that could put armies to sleep. Her strokes were small and firm and holy cow did they lift the muscles in my forehead, eyebrows, and temples.

When Lara came back into the room, I knew my time had come. Minutes after she removed my mask, left the room for me to change, I mustered up the strength to get ready, I snuck a peak at myself in the mirrors that lined the wall. My lifeless face was raised from the dead without any embarrassing redness to my T-Zone. The treatment was a pleasure.

Day Spa Gata offers discounts that you can inquire about at (212)-362-6263 or their website at DaySpag.com. The spa is located at 107 West 82nd St., Suite 105 New York, NY 10024.

Jackson Heights is a destination for exotic beauty. Going to the Allediana Skin Care Center marked my first visit to this neck of the woods. Out and about in this neighborhood, I became a wide-eyed foreigner, relishing the outflow of Latin music from thriving mom and pop stores that lined each street.

Everywhere I turned there was a beauty salon. I looked around, and then down at the address I held in my hand. None of the storefronts caught my eye until I arrived in front of Serenity Beauty Salon. The address checked out, the name didn’t – I had not expected that. I walked inside to ask a stylist at work if unknowingly I was indeed at Allediana’s Skin Care Center, or if not, where I would find it. He directed me pass an assemblage of multi-cultured clutter, behind which I found a staircase. I thanked him and followed a cascading decorative rug down the stairs.

At the bottom of the steps I was greeted by Iana of Allediana’s. She’s a woman with an envious figure and full golden hair. Her voice is highlighted by a gentle-flowing Eastern European accent. Iana invited me to sit and chat with her. I glanced around, noting the compact space. I wondered why I had all this time kept the basement of my house a storage area when behind the doors here were havens from the outside insanity. I told her I was made aware of her spa by word of mouth, laughing when I told her my friend received his first facial from her.

For a moment, I was disappointed there weren’t many luxuries offered at this spa, given the more upscale spas I have been to. Then it occurred to me how ridiculous that was because without denial I’m a laid back kind of person who lives to dress down as soon as her foot steps through the door. The spa was offering a touch of home and a cove-like calm.

The main treatment room has large two beds, perfect as a couple’s room. The mirror that adorned the wall reflected ambience from candlelight. I laid down on one of the beds, relaxing the muscles in my face. Soft Jazz was diffusing in the room when at some point Iana massaged the kinks out of my neck and shoulders. She applied cleansers on my face, explaining to me upon my request what she was doing as she went along. The application process went by quickly. Before I knew it my mask was on. That’s when time began to slow down. When Iana left the room for my mask dries, I began slipping into a light sleep. Going in for a European facial ended up feeling like 2 hours of rest.

There will be more to offer from Allediana’s. I write this wondering what’s becoming of the body treatment plans she had spoke to me about. When we last spoke she was soon-to-be on her way to sunny Florida for that very reason, while I was looking an escape in New York.

Allediana Skin Care is at 79-15 37th Ave, Jackson Heights NY 11372. (718) 651-0805.

Summer is here, but anytime is a great time to enjoy the pampering given to you at Supple Spa. I arrived at Supple Spa, and there was a sign outside saying how it is the most romantic spa featured on MTV. I chose to judge for myself, as I brought along my partner in crime (my girlfriend), to fully experience their most coveted treatment: The Royal Bath. The Royal Bath ($150 for one $300 for a couple), is prized for being romantic and private, so that you and a significant other can truly enjoy each other as you are treated to a unique experience. The thought of the Royal Bath, was conceived by co-owner Jason Wong nearly three years ago. He truly wishes to bring happiness to people, as well as results (skin wise and romantically) to perpetuate his ever growing love for his spa business.

The lobby of the day spa, had something I have never seen before. I have not seen another spa with it, yet it seemed so simple. They had massage chairs for their customers as the waited for their treatment. These chairs did not just buzz on certain body parts (like some other massage chairs), it kneaded, rubbed, and soothed the body feeling like human hands are touching you. After getting a kick out of the fairly clever machines, my girlfriend and I started phase one of Operation Royal Bath.

We stripped down to a pair of disposable underpants given to us by the spa, and laid down on the massage tables next to each other. The room was lit by a deep amber color as well as all of their other rooms to set the mood. The massage tables were draped in rose petals, and the gauzy curtain separated both tables, still allowing eye contact. The women that massaged us, were the most professional I have seen in all my experience. They made the moment comfortable, instead of awkwardly not speaking for an hour. They were personable, and definitely helpful. We both agreed that they did not go through the motions, they tried to get rid of problem areas. As far as staff are concerned, they are one of the best you will experience.

Phase two consisted of a body scrub containing Dead Sea salt. It removed dry skin and overall made us very smooth. After being rubbed down to get the salt off of us, we headed into the most important part of our spa adventure.

Phase 3 was the Rose Petal bath. The two masseuses took us into the room and helped us in (because we were pretty slippery). The room was dimly lit, and the décor was nothing short of romantic. There was a rose and candles near us, as well as roses in the bath itself. The masseuses washed the salt off of us in the tub, and continued to massage us. The staff got us glasses of wine, and left us alone for a bit. We looked into each other’s eyes, and felt truly happy.

After all was said and done, we did not want to leave. The staff was completely generous, and the owner was as respectful as can be. I received a price list for everything that the offer, and they are also the most reasonably priced spa in the city. A 60 minute massage is only 65 dollars and a 60 minute facial is also 65 dollars. A special added perk was something I received from the owner after my treatment. He gave us a card with “flower seeds of love” to plant together. He said that our love would blossom, along with our plants. It is definitely a very unique gift and made our trip even more romantic I guess not everything on MTV is fake.

Supple Spa
55 West 19th Street 2 fl. NYC, 10011
212-929-5948
SuppleSpa.com