New York spas: where to go on the Upper East Side

Much like Sam Malone on Cheers, owner Renee Kaplowitz seems to know everybody’s name when they walk through the door of her welcoming salon. After settling into one of the massage chairs, I chose this treatment, which mixes sea salts, baking soda and gelatin to transform average water into a silky, peppermint-scented blue jelly that soothed my weary feet. I explained to my technician, Nancy G., that my job as a morning-show producer means I’m on my feet from the crack of dawn, so she paid special attention to my beleaguered toes. Following the thorough leg and foot massage, she buffed away calluses and trimmed dead skin, leaving a tidy canvas for the deep-red Essie polish I chose from 900-plus options. Regularly $26. Mention TONY when booking or at time of appointment to receive this service for $20 through Feb 24. 212-421-3434, thenailplacenyc.com

To remedy my aching back, I’ve tried everything from physical therapy to acupuncture, so I was mildly skeptical that this session would be effective. My massage therapist, Aor S., quickly changed my preconceptions: Exerting shocking strength for her petite frame, she tackled my baseball-size knots so swiftly I could have sworn she had ten hands. I was surprised when she climbed onto the bed to begin the Thai stretches, which felt like a rhythmic series of almost yogalike movements in which she used her arms to sequentially unravel the knots in my hips, legs, arms and back. Utilizing her full weight to twist my appendages into submission, she applied pressure to certain points while simultaneously stretching other muscles. I left feeling loose and limber, as if I’d just spent hours doing yoga or Pilates, without all the work. 60min massage regularly $105. Mention TONY when booking for 20 percent off this service through Feb 24. 212-759-6618, dusneethaispa.com

I try to let my hair dry naturally, but more often than I’d like to admit, I use some sort of heat tool to whip my mane into shape. Because the tips were beginning to resemble dark straw, I sought hydration through this restorative procedure. After a thorough shampoo with moisturizing AG products, co-owner Yossi Shaar coated my hair with a Savana shea butter treatment. I sat under the dryer for roughly 20 minutes, sipping tea and noshing on mini cupcakes, while the serum penetrated and repaired my fragile tresses. Once I was finished, my hair felt so soft that I couldn’t stop touching it. $35–$50 depending on length. 212-772-2288, shaggyhairstudio.com

“This is for the double chin,” Nadya R. said as she massaged what I thought was my shapely jaw. It turns out she wasn’t commenting on my face in particular; the treatment is designed to energize the facial muscles that sag and loosen during the winter (phew!).  After the massage, Nadya TKlastname began cleansing and exfoliating my mug using organic French products 90 percent composed of natural ingredients. Next, she applied a series of fragrant “phyto-aromatic” creams, ending the facial with another relaxing massage to promote circulation in my muscles. Once I was finished, she sent me off with some lessons in winter skin maintenance, under-eye dark-circle repair and even some ancient Eastern medicine techniques. 35min facial regularly $70. Bring in this TONY article to get 15 percent off this service through Feb 24. 212-288-5214, loripakspa.com