Profile

Creators of a skincare line that has attained near cult status in Asia, Amore Pacific brings its unique brand to the U.S. with a flagship beauty gallery and spa in the heart of Soho. All of the spa's treatments are based on the five elements in Eastern tradition—water, metal, earth, fire, and tree—and the spa itself was designed to reflect this focus: An intricate sculpture of long wooden slats winds its way up one wall and across the ceiling, forming a beautiful canopy, while opposite, shimmering shades of blue ripple across giant screens to create a backdrop for the exclusive line of products. Two large pod-like treatment rooms, each with its own small dressing area, are used for services. Facials, massage, reflexology, and waxing sessions are all highly personalized: Estheticians work with each client to determine his or her energy disposition (typically a combination of the five elements) and skin type, then create a personalized treatment—like a custom-blended mask of Asian botanicals such as green tea, red ginseng, and bamboo sap. One of the most popular options is the Halla Green TeaXperience, a two-hour extravaganza of massage and intense anti-aging skin treatments, all based on the powerful anti-oxidants found in green tea. — Amanda Theunissen

Amore Pacific's skincare line is available only at the flagship spa in Soho, and at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

Bridal
This Soho respite specializes in facial creams with a blend of Asian ingredients, whipped up by hand at its mixing bar. Brides wanting to firm up their skin pre-wedding can book their contour-lift facial ($225 for 75 minutes).

Related Stories

Featured In

• Fiscal Therapy (11/15/04)