Perpetual indulgence

Photo: Sarina Finkelstein

Ajune: body scrub, $100
Here, the therapists are rigorous enough to remove the layer of dead cells from the epidermis—so that your skin can absorb a cocktail of nourishing essential oils—without being so sadistic that you’re left more irritated than refreshed.

Sally Hershberger Face Place: pedicure, $35
The feeling of general well-being following a massage can be difficult to quantify. But with a pedicure, the proof is in the polish. Here, you’ll walk out with perfectly shaped nails bearing not a single smudge, ripple or bubble.

Jin Soon: bikini wax, $25–$45
It’s a given that your nails will be in perfect shape when you step out of one of Soon’s spas, but her bikini waxes are top-notch, too. The trick? Soon employs two aestheticians to tackle the job, which means skin is held extremely taut and the process is virtually pain-free.

Oasis on Park: Harmonizing body wrap, $105
The tranquil ambience of Oasis’s candlelit relaxation room almost satisfies one’s need for pampering—that is, until you experience this expertly administered treatment, after which you’ll truly understand the meaning of the word. A firm but gentle dry brushing followed by an aromatherapeutic massage and wrap in a cradle of warm towels turns you to Jell-O, and the Vichy shower sends you over the edge.

Shizuka New York: facial, $130
It’s called a microfacial not because it’s short (it’s actually longer than most treatments), but in reference to its meticulously detailed approach. Under the touch of owner, medical aesthetician, cosmetologist and electrologist Shizuka Bernstein, your face will experience three different cleansings, an exfoliation using an orchid enzyme cream, and gentle shiatsu acupressure to promote circulation and cell regeneration.

Water Lily Company: massage, $35
Ecstasy comes cheap in the form of vigorous hour-long massages of the Chinese qi gong–tui na variety. Expect no frills—not even a dose of Enya. But you’ll be slicked down with Suave lotion, hear your neighbors getting slapped beyond the flimsy curtains and be treated to cups of water from the superfriendly staff afterward.

Yana’s Herbal Beauty Salon: facial, $90 per hour
Growing up in Soviet Georgia, Yana Yusupidi learned her trade from her mother and is now passing the knowledge on to her daughter Elena. Yana’s touch is familial, her potions are all made from family recipes, and everyone is greeted by name and with a hug. Plus, she gives a mean facial.