Explore the exotic beauty regimen and rituals of Asia, specifically Japan and Korea. A host of New York City spas invite innovative beauty-goers to explore their enticing offerings. From sake soaks to green tea treatments, there are lots of unique offerings, so clear the calendar and book some solo time.
Shibui Spa
Holiday time is approaching, ushering in lots of revelry and a fair share of stress. Those who are seeking ways to recover from grueling shopping days, traveler’s fatigue, or too many late night parties can unwind by indulging in The Greenwich Hotel’s Sake Soak. To bathe in sake is a New Year’s tradition in Japan. It's believed that this process helps clear evil spirits and gives way to new beginnings.
646-203-0045, 377 Greenwich St., thegreenwichhotel.com
Moonflower Spa
Specializing in progressive treatments and customized services, Moonflower Spa invites beauty buffs to experience the Japanese approach to skincare. Uniting the mind and body through pampering, Moonflower offers its C&Sea Facial, which uses a concentrated level of vitamin C serum with an ultrasound machine and freeze-dried seaweed gel. This specialized treatment helps reduce brown/sun spots, stimulates collagen production, and improves elasticity. A vitamin C mask will bring brightness to the complexion. 212-683-8729, 8 E. 41st St., 3rd Fl., moonflowerspa.com
Shizuka
Radiate beauty the way that geishas do by indulging in a luxurious feel-good facial at Shizuka New York Day Spa. Let celebrity facialist Shizuka Bernstein pamper you to perfection with an unusual facial treatment that is inspired by the radiating beauty of Japan’s renowned geishas. The Geisha Facial uses traditional, natural Japanese ingredients to soften, brighten, and nourish the skin. The most crucial ingredient is “uguisu no fun,” powdered nightingale droppings from the Japanese bush warbler. 212-644-7400, 7 W. 51st St., 6th Fl., shizukany.com
Tamago Skin Care
The traditional and natural skincare rituals of Japan are well aligned with Tamago’s philosophy of borrowing from nature to help prevent aging. Treatments include the green tea facial, seaweed facial, aloe facial, and more. This skincare destination utilizes all-natural rice bran made of grain that has been exposed to mountain water and the glow of the sun. It also uses a 100% natural green powder that has been carefully ground and emerges from spring’s first green tea harvest. 212-505-1599, 236 E. 13th St., tamago-skincare.com
Osaka Health Spa
Inspired by the same region of the globe, this Asian-inspired spa offers a range of Eastern-type services from acupuncture and herbal therapy to skincare treatments. This Korean spa offers a European and Asian body scrub that involves the art of soothing massage. 212-575-8399, 37 W. 46th St., osakaspany.com