I generally apply the same grit-my-teeth-and-get-it-done mentality to pedicures as I do to bikini waxing—I don’t enjoy it, but I withstand the process for the results. But within seconds of dunking my feet into the warm water of the enamel tub at this retreat, my toes unclenched as the bath’s eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils began to calm me. My technician, Soni Shrestha, cleansed my achy feet with Saipua’s softening rosemary soap, then massaged my lower extremities with a skin-softening eucalyptus butter made exclusively for the salon each week by staffer Jen Forman. By the end of the hour, as Soni painted on the last stroke of a deep-purple Zoya polish, I felt refreshed, recharged—and, for the first time ever, looking forward to my next appointment. Regularly $68. Mention TONY when booking for 20% off this service through Feb 28.
In addition to some of New York’s best restaurants, spas in NYC are part of this neighborhood’s appeal. Hit up one of these tranquil refuges (perhaps one of the city’s best spa hotels) to decompress with massages and more.
RECOMMENDED: New York spas guide 2013