PAMPERED PERFECT

By Ann Lawlor

Now and then, we all experience the urge to escape from daily life to kick-start a little rest. Face it: we’re all guilty of ignoring ourselves at times. Everyday stress, pressure, and anxiety can take a toll. The good news is a little luxurious pampering is within reach. Here, our top ways to indulge and re-emerge the gorgeous women you are.

THINK NATURAL
ONDA BEAUTY is your natural authority for living beautifully. Whether you are already a clean beauty devotee or looking to buy your first product, they have the resources and advice to make sure you find just what you need. Shopping is easy: Their online presence as well as the Tribeca store have become a popular go-to mecca for the best clean beauty brands. They also offer a range of wellness treatments, including one of the five best facials in NYC, according to Vogue magazine, as well as massage therapies and aroma-reiki.

Co-founder, Larissa Thomson, has tried every product stocked and has approved every brand they sell. They recently launched their first product, a wild-crafted, organic coffee body scrub with calendula and bergamot made in the Hudson Valley. Fellow partners, Larissa Thomson and Naomi Watts, are also clean beauty advocates who hope to see the industry as a whole expand and develop globally through their involvement. Info: ondabeauty.com.

THE RIGHT RUB
Exhale is a well-being destination. Through its combination spa therapies (massages, facials, acupuncture, nails, waxing) and high-quality fitness classes (barre, cardio, yoga, HIIT), they provide the answer to a stronger, healthier, better version of you. In other words, Exhale is more than a spa or fitness club; they are well-being, healing, and fitness for life.

To start, Exhale offers a full suite of award-winning boutique fitness classes carefully selected to help you lengthen, strengthen, balance and get results. With two Manhattan locations, you can practice yoga, tone it up at the barre, sweat it out in a cardio class, then recover with a chill class. Class after class, their community of well-being devotees walk away stronger, more flexible, more balanced. Their variety of boutique fitness programs boost transformation because it’s always changing, always evolving.

But that’s just the beginning. Their results-oriented, expertly selected menu of spa therapies completes the exhale well-being experience. At the root of all massage, facial, acupuncture, and beauty therapies is a therapeutic and healing focus. Info: exhalespa.com.

WATER THERAPY AIRE is a retreat in the tradition of ancient baths where wellness, socialization are the essential aspects of life. This oasis is a total disconnect from modern world distractions. Within two-hour intervals, guests may access the historic building to enjoy a 90-minute thermal session where they can experience the different pool areas—ranging from ice pool (57 degrees) to hot pool (102 degrees). Also available are the Flotarium (a salt water pool with the density of the Dead Sea) and Propeller-Jet Bath (97 degrees). Complete your session in the Steam Room (with different levels of steam and aromatherapy) and Relaxation area to rest on heated marble stones and sip a cup of tea or fresh fruit juices. The entire space is candle lit to create a space in which temperature and light don’t change throughout the day. Info: beaire.com.

WELLNESS FOR HANDS & FEET
World-renowned for its premiere Swiss skincare line, La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Central Park offers extraordinary treatments for the hands and feet. In addition, the intimate spa provides beauty and wellness therapies as well as intensive body indulgences featuring La Prairie’s exclusive treatment products in a serene and calming environment. The Caviar Luxe Manicure combines a hot stone massage complimented with skin caviar luxe body soufflé that results in skin as soft as velvet with nails shaped and polished to perfection. Your feet will feel so much better after the Caviar Luxe Pedicure. This gentle exfoliation resurfaces to perfection as a hydrating mask soothes your feet and legs. Luxury never felt so good! Info: ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/new-york/central-park.

SAVING FACE
If you are looking for a decadent day of services, head to Rescue Spa. Founded by Danuta Mieloch, Rescue Spa specializes in the world-renowned Bio-Lift facial. The treatment created and trademarked by Danuta uses non-invasive electric micro-currents that deliver immediate results including lifting, sculpting and firming. Other facials and advanced skin treatments offered include DetO₂X, Fix-It-All, IPL FotoFacial, and the Oxylight Facial. Rescue’s skin care experts have extensive training to consult and advise clients on the products that are best suited to individual needs according to their skin’s current state. Info: rescuespa.net.

COMPLETE THE PICTURE If you are looking for a luxurious salon experience, visit the Ammon Carver Studio located in a cast-iron building in Chelsea. The studio features a sleek interior combined with a classic loft-style hybrid salon/photo studio that is available to all clients. The studio unites the worlds behind and in front of the camera, by creating a cohesive space for both. Ammon and his stellar team are joined by not only their love for the hair industry but their passion for giving you the hair you always wanted. It’s a favorite of Kate Beckinsale, Molly Sims, and Kirsten Dunst. Info: ammoncarver.com.