Mzia Shiman Spa

After working at the posh OC61 Salon and Spa for the past seven years (and in NYC’s beauty industry for the past 27), Mzia Shiman has struck out on her own, opening this two-room, L-shaped spa on the sixth floor of a doorman-guarded commercial high-rise. Despite the retreat’s obscure location—and the lack of signage on the frosted glass door—it has quickly become a favorite among beauty editors and celebs like Kirsten Dunst, thanks to Shiman’s stellar reputation for giving unparalleled facials. Her handiwork comes at a price, however, and it’s reflective of her spa’s upscale location (“I can see the dresses in the windows of Bergdorf,” she muses): A signature facial will run you $175, while a microdermabrasion version fetches $350. Whether you get an aromatherapy ($230), anti-aging ($275) or glycolic peel facial ($300), Shiman customizes the service based on your age and skin type, and it’s not uncommon for her to blend fresh cucumbers or strawberries in her small on-site kitchen to mix in with your masque. Mirrored bureaus in both treatment rooms are adorned with Shiman’s travel souvenirs (a bowl of Sicilian lemon-shaped soaps) and personal effects (a photo of her golden retriever, Lucky, to whose memory the spa is dedicated), giving the space a homey vibe. Even nail stations are replaced by custom Ralph Lauren armchairs, where luxe manicures ($35) and pedicures ($60) are performed. Other offerings include Candela laser treatments ($150–$600 per session), waxing ($30–$125) using Bliss stripless wax and customizable full-body massages (60 minutes, $125; 120 minutes, $250).