New York's Best Affordable Spa 2008

Signature massage blends Swedish and shiatsu techniques, plus facial massage, body wrap or scrub, and hot stone massage.

Reviews:

• “satidfactory”
• “Excellent massage. Attitudinal receptionist.”
• “Amazing hot stone massage, comfortable environment, good prices”
• “Amazing massage, Very reasonable price, Super friendly staffs”
• “unforgettable experience!”

Graceful Spa or email Graceful Spa

A relaxed spa for everyday pleasures and replenishing treatments.

Reviews:

• “best back massage!”
• “best customer service..best price!”
• “Great Service, Good Price!”
• “Next to Union Squre.. great location.”
• “Great service; reasonable price”

Tips: Get more of what you want by personalizing a spa package. Or, personalize a private party and rent out the 30-person space.

Artisan Spa

Traditional Old-World bathing with all the fixins, right in the East Village.

Reviews:

• “Gone downhill”
• “GET A MASSAGE WITH SHANDA”
• “The very definition of old school”
• “Rough & Rugged Pleasures”
• “russian yes, turkish no”

Tips: It’s men only on Sundays between 7am and 2pm; women only on Wednesdays between 9am and 2pm. Clothing is mandatory on coed days.

Russian & Turkish Baths or email Russian & Turkish Baths

A discount emporium of beauty services by aestheticians-in-training.

Tips: Facials go for $25 before 6pm, $33 after. (Pay an extra $5 if you’d like an exfoliating peel, which leaves your skin looking even fresher.)

Christine Valmy International School

Spa services with flexibility: Reserve a spot ahead of time, and then choose from spa treatments once you arrive.

Reviews:

• “Really Nice”
• “This Place Is Not Devoted to Enhancing Renewal of Mind, Body and Spirit.”
• “Best Acupuncture Treatment”
• “Best bikini wax ever”
• “Six Stars”

Tips: Spa treatments include customized facials, deep tissue massage, cellulite treatments and semi-permanent make-up.

White Tea Spa or email White Tea Spa

The celebrity stylist’s first New York salon is like a nonstop fashion shoot—and you’re the star.

Reviews:

• “All Hype”
• “the best hair cut of my life!!!”
• “Ruben is the best!!”
• “guy or girl its the best”
• “THE PERFECT MAN FOR THE JOB!”

Tips: The salon sells hair products by Kerastase, as well as Sally’s own line for all varieties of hair type.

Sally Hershberger Downtown

Nurturing treatments and a stunning wet lounge prove this posh spa truly cares.

Reviews:

• “The Amenities Outweigh the Treatments”
• “The best amenities”
• “For you, a couple or that special occassion”
• “HAIR SALON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
• “great spa”

Tips: Hard-to-find treatments like Russian platza (body brushing with oak leaves), thalassotherapy (mineral-enriched and massaging hydrotherapy tub), colonic irrigation and ear candling are offered by special appointment. Allergic to iodine? Request an iodine-sensitive treatment.

Great Jones Spa or email Great Jones Spa

Regulars swear by the spa’s personalized facials.

Reviews:

• “BEST SPA IN THE WORLD !!!!”
• “A rare trait of honesty”
• “The best of the best”
• “Customer service?”
• “Please avoid”

Tips: Don’t blow off an appointment here. These folks expect you to call and cancel 48 hours in advance for multiple treatments; 24 hours in advance for single treatments. Play by the rules or your credit card will be charged the full amount of the service.

Faina European Day Spa or email Faina European Day Spa