Whenever I’m looking for a quick pick me up I head to one of my favorite spas in New York City that I can always count on to help get my mind, body and spirit back in balance, no matter how hectic my week has been.

The Mandarin Oriental Spa in New York City is always a top TRAVEL THERAPY favorite because to start off with, I love how the treatment rooms and the relaxation areas all have fantastic views of the city with much of the Mandarin Oriental overlooking Central Park. Just taking in the view alone helps start to melt away stress.

Several years ago I tried one of the Mandarin Oriental’s Signature Spa Therapies and I loved it so much I wanted to give it another shot and this time it was equally amazing, although different, because each treatment is customized to fit exactly what you need at that moment.  Before you start you even fill out a detailed questionnaire asking you everything from your current sleep habits, the way you deal with stress, diet and drinking questions, you name it, all with the goal of tailoring a treatment just for you. Pretty cool, right?

It’s kind of like the TRAVEL THERAPY concept….picking trips to fit what you’re going through in life. The Mandarin’s Signature Spa Therapies are made to fit exactly what your body need right then and there.

Using Traditional Chinese Medicine blended with aromatherapy, each signature one-hour and fifty minute treatment combines an oriental massage with focusing on special pressure and meridian points to help release built up tension in your body and get you back on track, back in balance.

I like how you start out this treatment picking your own custom blended essential oils. This time I was drawn to and picked oil called Bloom which refers to the Chinese element of fire, and is an intoxicating blend of rose, ylang ylang and chamomile.

Another reason I love the Mandarin’s Signature Spa Therapies is because the treatment doesn’t end when your time is up. The therapist shares nutritional tips that fit what you’re going through in life and even shows you some exercises you can do at home to help relieve the sore or tight muscles you’re having the most problems with.

Talk about a spa treatment that keeps giving. Love it!

Insider tip, be sure to show up at least a half hour before your scheduled treatment so you can enjoy the Mandarin’s special oxygen infused vitality pool and amethyst steam sauna. Both are an ideal way to get ready for your treatment and you’ll want to do them before because after your treatment you’re told to leave the special oil on you for at least several hours to maximize the benefit.

Now I hear they also have a new facial that’s a must try using non invasive LED lighting, micro-current and ultrasound technology to give the appearance of a petit facelift. That’s next on my spa “bucket list”.

Stay tuned!

For more info: http://www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/

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