Apr`13 - Promenade Day Spa - Cornelia Spa at The Surrey

day
spas
Elite expectations are surpassed at two of Manhattan’s foremost hotel spas…
By Griffin Miller
Spa Editor
Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf=Astoria Towers
Shame on me for waiting so long to revisit this handsome French spa with its three-word mantra: Luxury, Exclusivity
and Personalization. Since I last crossed the threshold it has been reconfigured and redesigned, and they’ve added even
more to-die-for treatments and perks. Among its most distinctive assets is the all-Baccarat crystal curtain that graces the
reception area and a spacious Grand Salon with intimate recessed seating areas where you can socialize and/or curl up
with a perfect cappuccino or glass of champagne. And throughout Guerlain’s lush labyrinth of beautifully appointed treatment rooms are sublime configurations of red roses and flasks of Guerlain fragrances.
Speaking of treatment rooms, it is here that the Luxury side of the experience morphs into Exclusivity and
Personalization as you are met with an en suite environment, complete with bath, shower, vanity and customized
background music. (Since each room features an iPod dock, you can either bring your own soundtrack or select from a vast
list of musical genres—a pre-arrival consultation ensures your preference is noted beforehand.) As for the treatments
themselves, the menu is gourmet, offering a wide range of indulgences, including a wonderful new 20-minute add-on
called the Moroccan Melt that combines Guerlain’s Hypnotic Hair Treatment with Hydrotherapy.
For me, the ultimate must-try massage is the Imperiale Relaxing Massage, with its “multi-sensorial experience”
during which lotion (scented with Guerlain’s signature Eau de Cologne Imperiale fragrance, naturally) is incorporated into a
treatment the includes both a Swedish massage and a hydrating Super Aqua face mask.
The spa’s European heritage is accentuated with complimentary makeup application for women; and for the
gentlemen, a shoeshine and jacket steaming. [P.S. In the lobby of the Waldorf you’ll find a petite boutique where Guerlain
fragrances are beautifully displayed and makeup application is de rigeur.] The Towers @ The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel,
100 E. 50th St., 19th Fl., 212-872-7200; guerlainspas.com
Cornelia Spa at the Surrey
Attention to detail can come off as lip service at some high-end spas but certainly not at the recently
resurrected Cornelia Spa where the particulars of pampering are adhered to on every level imaginable. As
proof, I offer up my own dead of winter salvation at this intimate boutique spa where serenity and myriad
sensory encounters (aka the “Cornelia Touch”) elevate a visit to Cornelia to unforgettable.
Upon arrival I was seated in a cocoon of a comfy chair with soft curtains surrounding me on three sides.
I was facing a bookcase (yes you can help yourself) with titles like “Great Escapes” and “Masterpieces in
Detail.” Within seconds I was presented with a warm ginger and neroli-infused hand cloth and a heated
herbal neck pillow. A few minutes later I was ushered into my private treatment room – spacious and homey
– where a spoonful of the artisanal honey awaited me and my street clothes found themselves in a damaskembedded armoire (another stunning detail). For my treatment I chose the two-tiered The Elixirs of Life that
begins with a citrus and rose petal bath (the adjoining private bathroom has an ultra-deep tub, vanity and
shower). Left to soak – with soft jazz, a flute of Prosecco and tiny cookies – I was in heaven.
The bath was followed by a customized massage from my gifted therapist, Alexandra. (Not surprisingly,
this treatment was created for couples… still, solo indulgence is both encouraged and highly recommended.)
Post-treatment, guests are encouraged to linger, enjoy “an amuse bouche” and another glass of
Prosecco. As founder of Cornelia, Ellen Sackoff notes, “An intimate setting, understated elegance and a
sense of discovery… that’s what we strive for. Key is always looking after our guests in kind and thoughtful
ways so they become our freinds… our ambassadors.”
After being 5th Avenue’s red-hot midtown day spa from 2005-2009, Cornelia was reborn uptown last
year as a luxe boutique spa at the Surrey Hotel, 20 E. 76th St.; 646-358-3600; corneliaspaatthesurrey.com
National
New York Style
April 15 through April 21st
Move over baseball, National Spa Week—the biannual blast celebrating affordable signature spa, health and fitness services—is quickly becoming the country’s new
national pastime thanks to a growing roster of participating spas – all batting 1,000 with high end ($100 to $500) treatments going for a mere $50 each.
But be forewarned, reservation slots fill up quickly at Manhattan’s big-buzz facilities (SKN Spa, L’Institut Sothys, Jurlique, and Fresh are among those participating this
spring), so you’ll want to schedule your massages, wraps and facials ASAP. You may discover that the spa of your dreams is one of many that are extending the $50 rate
beyond the 21st.
Visit SpaWeek.com – a year-round bonanza of spa deals, perks, info and links—for complete event info and to purchase Spa & Wellness Gift Cards and eGift Cards by
Spa Week®, welcomed at over 5,000 facilities across North America for any spa treatment or product. More good news: they never expire! spaweek.com
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