The Lunchtime Quickie: 4 In-and-Out Spa Treatments
By Justine Goodman, City Editor
In New York, many women know that the only thing higher than the cost of living is job-related stress. But just because you spend more time with your boss than your boyfriend doesn't mean you can't get a little R&R. I sampled the goods at four spas and salons that will leave you revitalized, rejuvenated, and back at your desk before anyone's the wiser.
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Dashing Diva
149 3rd Ave, New York, NY
I’m a weekly manicure kind of girl, so I know a good spot when I see one, and few stand apart from the pack. But with its professional service and cheerful, soothing and notably clean environment, Diva impressed me. True, the prices are slightly higher than the average corner nail salon ($15 for the Divaroma manicure), but I enjoyed my mani/pedi so much that I've returned regularly since my first visit. -
Spa Chinois By Yan
44 W 55th St, 5th Fl, New York, NY
Before this spa, I’d never put "paradise" and "midtown" in the same sentence, but my 30-minute mini-facial with Dina ($65) was positively divine. I then headed down to the salon for a wash and hair treatment with Ilda ($50+). After 12 minutes under the steamer, she whipped my locks into shape with a swift 15-minute blowout. Both services in combo are great, but you’ll be cutting it tight on a strict one-hour lunch. -
Euphoria Spa
18 Harrison St, New York, NY
I’ve never met a massage I didn’t like, but my 30-minute Swedish Much Needed Massage ($65) with Diane at this charming (albeit small) Tribeca spa left me, well, euphoric. The downside: I was so relaxed that returning to the office was painful. If you’re not into massages, try the Beauty Boot Camp facial (35 minutes, $75), which includes a complimentary Bare Escentuals mini-makeover, so you can get back to the office ASAP. -
Define YourSelf Salons
56 West 56th St, New York, NY
Pomp and circumstance go right out the window at this salon, where the focus is on efficiency over ambiance. A laptop and free WiFi in the waiting area is a nice perk, but I didn't wait more than two minutes before being whisked away by Yolanda for a rinse and blow-dry ($38+), followed by an excellent manicure ($10) with Nancy (which they offered to do simultaneously to save time). Walk-ins are welcome, but there's only one mani/pedi station, so you'd be better off sticking to hair, threading or waxing services if you're in a rush.
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Shizuka
7 W 51st St Fl 6, New York, NY
This west midtown spa offers customized treatments of varying length, perfect for the Manhattanite on the go. Try the Litigation Vacation (50-minute express facial, $172) or the Full Body Quarterly (50-minute deep tissue massage, $115). -
Smoothmed
111 East 59th St, New York, NY
Need a pick-me-up? Well it doesn't get anymore "up" than a Botox injection, and if you have 30 minutes and $312 (which covers a $52 base fee and 20 units of Botox at $13 each--enough to tighten the average forehead), you can walk in without an appointment, fill out a few forms, meet the doctor and shoot up on the spot. It may not qualify as R&R in the traditional sense, but you're sure to leave with a smile (stuck) on your face! -
Tribeca Spa of Tranquility
462 Greenwich St, New York, NY
Find out why this Tribeca spa has garnered a rep as being one of the most uniquely relaxing spas in the world, and do it in just 30 minutes with a micro-derm express facial ($70+) or a quickie massage of your choosing ($60).
