11/03/09

Nirvana on West 51st Street

by Leigh444

I have found nirvana and it is located just off of 5th Avenue on west 51st Street at Shizuka New York. Last Friday, after an extremely stressful week, working for an extremely demanding boss, I decided to treat myself to a facial. A friend had recommended Shizuka’s and since I work in the neighborhood, I decided to give it a go.

Upon arrival I was immediately impressed with the Asian aesthetic. I was given a kimono, with terry slippers, and a cup of green tea. I could feel my stress start melting away. I decided to get the Micro-Facial, which is a deep cleansing facial with a neck, shoulder, hand and foot massage. Takumi, my aesthetician, has the gentlest touch. From the way she removed my make-up to the way she unclogged my pores. I was transformed; I left my body and floated away. After 90 minutes of sheer bliss, I was gently brought back to earth to find myself totally relaxed with fabulous looking skin.

If you’re like me, and need a mini-vacation to relieve the tension of working in Manhattan, Shizuka New York is the place to go. I can’t wait to go back next week for Anti-Aging Treatment.

• Pros: Relaxing, therapeutic, sheer bliss

04/16/09

Horrible Service from Management, Decent facial

by SpaExpert

My friend and I booked a Geisha facial during Spaweek, we both understand that things can get a little hectic during Spaweek but we were treated so poorly that I had to write this review.

Our experience started with a very rude doorman who shouted for our names and shouted "you sixth floor, you sixth floor too" My friend and I had a 7PM appointment and we arrived at 6:40PM. We waited for about 10min until the manager finally approached us to let us know that they had double booked us and said "sorry but there is nothing that he could do about it" and that "if we were him what would we had him do?" He said that there were only 2 therapists available for the 7PM time slot and that he could "accommodate" us on another day (he did not mention free). We were both surprised because if they had booked 3 of us and me and my friend showed up first then doesn't it make sense to honor our appointments? FINALLY, the other girl with the 7PM appointment showed up and he actually LINED US UP on the sofa and said "Sorry but I think we double booked an appointment, there is nothing that I can do right now but ONE OF YOU WILL HAVE TO COME BACK ANOTHER DAY" Me and my friend could not believe he put us in such an awkward position but luckily the other girl offered to have her facial at 7:50PM albeit not without a little bit of attitude towards us. We just could not apprehend why they would treat their clients like that especially when they know that they were the one who made the mistake. Instead of rectifying the situation they decided that they wanted 3 unhappy clients.

The facial tho rush was decent. I got Shizuka and she mentioned right before the facial that this will be a shorten version of their regular Geisha facial (which although was not advertised earlier) I was fine with.

• Pros: Decent facial
• Cons: Rude Staff, A-bit overpriced

08/01/08

amazing facial with amazing facialist!

by marcjacobsfanatic

i've been to several reknowned spas and this one takes the cake. i'm usually pretty particular about the places i go to, i'm a loyalist through and through. i don't mind spending the money, as long as the quality of work is what i feel is my money's worth. looking up on google, i came across shizuka as a new york mag best of facial. i immediately booked an appt with shizuka herself, and was excited from all the amazing reviews i had read about her. when i first showed up for my appt i was directed to change into a more comfortable robe and soon, shizuka led me into a room for a consultation. after briefly distinguishing my concerns from my problems, she suggested that i go with the micro facial. i had made it clear that i was willing to pay whatever i had to clear up the recent bout of congestion my skin had been suffering, but since she knew i was going to hawaii within the following weeks, she recommended that we hold off on the LED light or microdermabrasion.

i really respected her honesty. i've worked in skin care for years, and knowing i was going to be in the sun, i wouldn't have opted for either one. such harsh sun as can be found in hawaii would wreak havoc on my new layer of skin. i really like the fact that shizuka is quite professional and not pushy at all. from now on, i plan on going to her for all my facial needs. when i emerged that day, i had slight redness (which is only natural from extractions). i have purchased her moisturizer and the naturopathica 10% gel to clear up the congestion. i'm waiting a full month before i see results (your skin renews itself every 30 days), but will keep you updated!

the only thing, as someone has prior mentioned, is that not that many extractions were done as other places i have been to. albeit my skin was pretty congested, i have been to other places where they have done long arduous extractions and i would still choose shizuka over them.

• Pros: the lady knows what she's talking about

07/08/08

Friendly place and good service

by shd1970

I have had botox one time before, but thought I'd try this place because it is closer to my office. Dr. Silich was very patient and answered all of my questions. His botox injections were quick and less painful than I remember from before. While I was there I decided to have a manicure also. The staff was friendly and the place was clean. I also liked their green tea. I will probably go back next time.

• Pros: location, staff, green tea
• Cons: slightly pricy

03/14/08

Wrinkle Buster Treatment is the BEST

by cdarby

When I read an article about Shizuka?s Day Spa I thought ?An Asian atmosphere in the middle of our hectic Manhattan environment?. What a great idea! Since I enjoyed several vacations in Asian countries, I looked forward to the appointment I made at Shizuka?s. It turned out to be more than I expected. From the moment I stepped out of her private elevator to her 6th floor retreat, it became my wonderland. I was too early for my appointment so an attractive receptionist led me into the Lounge. She seated me in one of the upholstered armchairs and served me green tea with delicately thin delicious cookies. It was such a calm and soothing environment. Every detail was perfect including the soft lights and soothing music. When the aesthetician introduced herself, I was already relaxed. She guided me into a treatment room and gave me a comfortable gown to change into. S he examined my face with microscopic lenses and suggested a micro facial to rid me of facial whiteheads and a Wrinkle Buster treatment for the deep lines around my lips. I had a few minutes of discomfort while she did her job. After the difficult part, she gently massaged my face with several different soothing, yummy creams. The result of the hour long procedure was amazing. After I dressed, she took me into the make-up room where she analyzed the results. I was delighted. My complexion glowed!!!! The face in the mirror appeared ten years younger. I made another appointment for the following week and included time for the manicure and pedicure the spa offered. My total experience at the Spa was wonderfully uplifting. My honest opinion is ?two thumbs up?.

• Pros: Convenient after-work, midtown location
• Cons: Not even one!!!

03/06/08

It was much better before...

by tmks00

I had been going to Shizuka for a number of years and was very pleased with the spa's services and prices. It seems like the price point of services may have increased recently (or I may have noticed it more recently), relative to other spas that offer similar or same services. The business hours during the week used to be an hour later than is currently, which has also prevented me from returning. I think the receptionists and the aestheticians are very professional, pleasant and nice. I am not so sure if it is worth paying the premium to go to the spa, when I can get the same level of service at a cheaper price elsewhere.

• Pros: Highly skilled/trained aesthetician, location
• Cons: High price point

03/04/08

Relaxed and Refreshed

by spalover44

I had a Micro Facial at Shizuka NY and I totally enjoyed it. I have really oily skin and I get nervous about having facials but they really customized it to my skin. The technician asked a lot of questions to make sure that it was the right one for me. When she said my face was in need of hydrating, I got concerned, but she was totally dead on right. My face hasn't felt or looked this good in a long time.

And usually at spas when they say it takes 50 minutes, they usually include the time it takes for them to get their equipment ready, but they didn't do that. This one was totally unhurried and relaxing the entire time. I especially loved that they constinuously massaged my face, my neck, even my hands and feet during the treatment so it didn't feel like just another facial. I'll be heading in again soon.

• Pros: Knowledge of the technicians, service, concern for clients needs

02/19/08

Sheer incompetence

by ragazzamilanese

Seriously ladies, spend your money elsewhere. I am a frequent spa-goer (Ohm Spa and Thai privilege among my favorites), and I had a miserable experience at this spa. First, I was made to wait for 45 minutes for the facialist to retrieve me from the waiting area for my 5:30 appointment. I had dinner plans for the evening which I was getting late for, so when I asked to reschedule, the receptionist kept insisting "she'll be right out". Everyone seemed thoroughly incompetent -- once my facialist received me, she performed everything so hurriedly and awkwardly; she seemed pretty inexperienced, and did not make me feel the least bit at ease/pampered. There were also atrocious overhead lights on the entire time, and the entire place is much uglier than other spas.

Please go to Ohm spa, Thai privilege, or elsewhere for a truly pampering experience that is well-worth your money.

• Pros: Midtown location - convenient post-work
• Cons: Customer service, poor value, chaotic/cramped, ambiance relative to competition, incompetence of staff

02/22/07

Great Micro-Facial experience!

by jmast911

I am a repeat client at Shizuka and am very happy with my recent Micro-Facial. Lisa was my facialist and she was very sweet, precise and not product pushy at all. My extractions didn't even hurt (which you understand if they do since they're not supposed to be pleasant) and she used this amazing pumpkin enzyme mask on my face! The massage was great too. I left without worrying about hailing a cab home because my skin was not red and bruised at all...I took the subway..ha. I go to different spas but Shizuka is one of the only ones I plan on being a repeat client over and over again. I highly recommend them.

• Pros: Clean, professional, relaxing atmosphere, wonderful staff
• Cons: None that I can think of

09/22/06

Perfect for the Facial Beginner!

by akwilson

At Shizuka New York, I finally let someone else take charge of my skincare. I'd had a horrible experience years ago with my first facial at a different spa, where I'd left with burning, raw-feeling skin that took hours to calm down. After that I determined I would never get another facial - until I turned thirty and decided maybe it was time to rethink that decision. My clinician at Shizuka's was super-considerate, paying attention to what I'd written on my intake form and asking me about my skin concerns. She told me what she was using, and kept checking in with me to see how I was feeling, which is what I'd told her I needed. And the experience itself was divine - plenty of deep cleansing, but also soothing massage on my face, neck, hands and feet. And when I left - no inflammation, no irritation - just the glow I'd been hoping for. I would definitely go back for more.