Sunday
Nov292009
Give the Gift of Relaxation: Juvenex Spa
Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 3:24AM
Not to far from the craziness of the Empire State Building is the 24-hour Juvenex Spa; nicknamed the The Jewel of New York Spas. A true 'diamond in the rough', Juvenex's K-Town (aka Korean Town) location is amidst the many restaurants and karaoke bars (both my favorite) that the neighborhood has to offer. While other spas are in what's considered to be more secluded, quieter areas; this one has a charm that goes beyond the aesthetics.
Walking into the Juvenex spa is like walking into another world - especially when the one you came from was the hustle and bustle of Big Apple streets. Gone are the loud noises of the taxi cab and chatter of dozens of people and in it's place are the sweet sounds of peace and quiet. After stepping out of the elevator, I could already here the seductive sound of running water - luring me into a land of peacefulness. The front desk attendants were really helpful and didn't mind me asking a zillion and one questions. Having forgotten a bathing suit, I was given a disposable "swim suit" that consisted of a bandeau style velcro-shut top and underwear. It wasn't super comfortable but they served their purpose - plus they also give you a comfy bathrobe!
Have you ever been to a spa that was so, so atheistically pleasing then realized that the treatment and services weren't on the same level? I hate when all the effort goes to the diamond-studded lamp and not where it needs to be. What I liked about Juvenex was that there seemed to be a quiet, serene tone to the place; one that was warm and welcoming. I've been to spas where I felt out of place because there was this "too ritzy" feeling and in a place where you're supposed to be relaxed, that feeling doesn't help. Much to my liking, Juvenex was clean, not overly 'dolled up' when it came to the decor, and the services couldn't have been better.
I was invited to sample Basic Purification process and I was more than excited to learn what exactly the process entailed. My treatment started with The Jade Journey. The journey can be done in any order and includes: the Jade steam sauna, the Baked Clay heat sauna, 3 different pools filled with sake, ginseng, & seaweed), and then an awakening shower. What I found was a good mix was doing a nice soak in the muscle-relieving soak in the pools then doing a few minutes in both the steam and heat sauna. My skin and whole body felt nourished and rested by the time I was ready for my 'purification'.
First off, whatever they scrubbed my body with - I need it. No really, I want it, need it, and I'm currently on a mission to find it! As I laid on a comfortable cushioned surface, my attendant started by dousing my entire body with a mix of hot and lukewarm water to prep me for what's known as an Invigorating Korean Style Salt Glow scrub. A special loofah was then used to rub down every inch of me - back, front, side, and even other side. By the time she was done, my skin had a slight red pinch to it and I enjoyed watching her rinse off the dead, damaged skin. All in all, the entire purification took about an hour and half but it was more than worth it. Be warned, the procedure might be a little abrasive to some but believe me, it does the job. As I walked to the massage area, I couldn't stop touching my soft skin - realizing it felt similar to that of a newborn.. or something just as silky.
Forty-five minutes later I was massaged and almost sleeping (yes, that's how fantastic the massage was) but was revived by the application of a refreshing face and eye mask. The mask was left on for about 15-20 minutes as I lay on my back taking in the calming music. When I heard the door open and felt my mask being removed, I was sad - knowing that my experience was over! After changing into my clothes again I was treated to chilled mineral water and a delicious selection of fresh fruit and left the spa with a smile on my face and my shoulders light as a feather.
If you're looking for a way to keep your skin in tip-top shape during the winter, think about doing a basic purification as the season's change. I know I'll be making an appointment before the summer so my 'barely there' tan will be nice & even! ;)
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week The Juvenex Spa is open to all ladies at any time; while men are invited after 5PM and until 7AM. Plus, the Jade Journey comes with every spa package and of course, a la carte.
Juvenex Spa
25 W 32nd St
New York, NY
10001
646-733-1330
Walking into the Juvenex spa is like walking into another world - especially when the one you came from was the hustle and bustle of Big Apple streets. Gone are the loud noises of the taxi cab and chatter of dozens of people and in it's place are the sweet sounds of peace and quiet. After stepping out of the elevator, I could already here the seductive sound of running water - luring me into a land of peacefulness. The front desk attendants were really helpful and didn't mind me asking a zillion and one questions. Having forgotten a bathing suit, I was given a disposable "swim suit" that consisted of a bandeau style velcro-shut top and underwear. It wasn't super comfortable but they served their purpose - plus they also give you a comfy bathrobe!
Have you ever been to a spa that was so, so atheistically pleasing then realized that the treatment and services weren't on the same level? I hate when all the effort goes to the diamond-studded lamp and not where it needs to be. What I liked about Juvenex was that there seemed to be a quiet, serene tone to the place; one that was warm and welcoming. I've been to spas where I felt out of place because there was this "too ritzy" feeling and in a place where you're supposed to be relaxed, that feeling doesn't help. Much to my liking, Juvenex was clean, not overly 'dolled up' when it came to the decor, and the services couldn't have been better.
I was invited to sample Basic Purification process and I was more than excited to learn what exactly the process entailed. My treatment started with The Jade Journey. The journey can be done in any order and includes: the Jade steam sauna, the Baked Clay heat sauna, 3 different pools filled with sake, ginseng, & seaweed), and then an awakening shower. What I found was a good mix was doing a nice soak in the muscle-relieving soak in the pools then doing a few minutes in both the steam and heat sauna. My skin and whole body felt nourished and rested by the time I was ready for my 'purification'.
First off, whatever they scrubbed my body with - I need it. No really, I want it, need it, and I'm currently on a mission to find it! As I laid on a comfortable cushioned surface, my attendant started by dousing my entire body with a mix of hot and lukewarm water to prep me for what's known as an Invigorating Korean Style Salt Glow scrub. A special loofah was then used to rub down every inch of me - back, front, side, and even other side. By the time she was done, my skin had a slight red pinch to it and I enjoyed watching her rinse off the dead, damaged skin. All in all, the entire purification took about an hour and half but it was more than worth it. Be warned, the procedure might be a little abrasive to some but believe me, it does the job. As I walked to the massage area, I couldn't stop touching my soft skin - realizing it felt similar to that of a newborn.. or something just as silky.
Forty-five minutes later I was massaged and almost sleeping (yes, that's how fantastic the massage was) but was revived by the application of a refreshing face and eye mask. The mask was left on for about 15-20 minutes as I lay on my back taking in the calming music. When I heard the door open and felt my mask being removed, I was sad - knowing that my experience was over! After changing into my clothes again I was treated to chilled mineral water and a delicious selection of fresh fruit and left the spa with a smile on my face and my shoulders light as a feather.
If you're looking for a way to keep your skin in tip-top shape during the winter, think about doing a basic purification as the season's change. I know I'll be making an appointment before the summer so my 'barely there' tan will be nice & even! ;)
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week The Juvenex Spa is open to all ladies at any time; while men are invited after 5PM and until 7AM. Plus, the Jade Journey comes with every spa package and of course, a la carte.
Juvenex Spa
25 W 32nd St
New York, NY
10001
646-733-1330
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