Treatments such as massages and facials can be as important to health and wellness as regular workouts at the gym. Fortunately Chelsea has a number of day spas, massage therapists, and the like where both body and soul can receive the restorative treatments they deserve. Below are a few favorites.
Naturopathica
127 West 26th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues)
Image: ClassPass
Even the names of Naturopathica’s treatments sound pampering: Nirvana Stress Relief Massage, Holistic Facial, Wild Lime Botanical Hair & Scalp Therapy. Plant-derived oils and lotions are incorporated into the services, making each a treat for the olfactory sense as well as for skin and muscles. The signature Holistic Facial includes a massage with a probiotic balm along with personalized masks, exfoliation, extractions, and a dietary and skincare prescription; the Bio-Energy Lift Facial encompasses a trademarked “liquid microdermabrasion” treatment and a proprietary serum to firm skin and reduce fine lines. The Chill Massage, an ideal accompaniment to the Chill Facial, all but ensures relaxation, while the Blue Eucalyptus Energizing Massage aims to rebalance the adrenal system with acupressure, deep-tissue massage, ginger-root oil, and eucalyptus steam. You do not need to have an appointment to savor a Skin Radiance Tea, a Turmeric Latte, or any of the other herbal beverages served at the spa’s Vitality Bar.
CityTouch
153 West 27th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues), Suite 404
Athletes or anyone recovering from an injury will want to consider CityTouch’s sport massage, in which kinesiology tape, cupping, cold therapy, neuromuscular therapy, or myofascial release might be incorporated along with traditional massage therapy, based on your initial muscle assessment. Other services include manual lymphatic drainage (believed to help improve the efficiency of your body’s lymphatic system), hot-stone massage, and pre- and postnatal massage. Unlike some other massage therapists, CityTouch accepts several types of insurance and FSA/HSA credit cards.
Grand Central Bodywork
135 West 29th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues)
The original Grand Central Bodywork center is only a few blocks from Grand Central Station, hence the name. The Chelsea facility is the company’s second, but it offers the same rejuvenating and relaxing massage treatments. Options include the stalwarts—Swedish, deep-tissue, and hot-stone massages—along with Thai massage, during which the therapist will guide you into a variety of yoga positions. Aromatherapy can be incorporated into your massages.
Lavenita
289 Seventh Avenue (between West 26th and 27th Streets), #4
Acupuncture services differentiate Lavenita from other wellness studios. Along with traditional acupuncture to reduce pain and promote relaxation and flexibility, there is a combination acupuncture/massage offering to relieve the jaw pain associated with TMJ. Acupuncture is also incorporated into several facial services, including the antiaging Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation. Those not keen on acupuncture can opt for other skincare treatments such as the 30-minute Fire and Ice peel and the Lift and Plump facial. Microdermabrasion exfoliation and LED light therapy to boost collagen are also available, the latter as an add-on service only.
Spa at Hotel Eventi
851 Sixth Avenue (between West 29th and 30th Streets), Sixth Floor
Image: Kimpton Hotel Eventi
As you would expect from a spa located in a boutique hotel (here, the Kimpton Hotel Eventi), the services are both modern and pampering. The Dynamic Resurfacing Precision Peel uses three enzyme serums to even skin tone and reduce superficial scarring and fine lines; the Sensitive Skin Soother includes a calming massage; the Body Nectar Nourishing Wrap lets you choose between frangipani or wild orchid aromatherapy to accompany the hydrating oil in which you are cocooned. Various massages are designed to soothe sore muscles, relieve stress, energize body and mind, or promote relaxation and meditation.