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Recognizing New Yorkers’ frequent need to squeeze in skincare treatments, then hotfoot it back to the office before their lunch hour expires, Dorit Baxter opened one of the country’s first modern day spas in 1990. Her prototype for an efficient, on-the-clock beautifying center launched a thousand imitators nationwide, but the Israeli native has kept her concept fresh by routinely introducing inventive treatments and hiring therapists capable of whipping muscles into quivering submission faster than you can say “deep tissue.” After slipping into the Asian-inspired waiting lounge for a quick breather and a few sips of green tea, clients are lead down a mirrored hallway to one of eleven treatment rooms. There, they can opt to scare wrinkles into retreat with the space-age Silver Glove facial (where electric microcurrents stimulate skin), crunch their way to Hamptons-ready abs with the fitness-focused Bellyworks, or simply work out the week’s kinks with one of twelve targeted massages. Sunless tanning is offered in private rooms, while mani-pedis are conducted before picture windows overlooking 57^th Street. Several of the spa’s hour-long treatments can also be administered in thirty minutes, leaving clients just enough time to hit nearby Bergdorfs before slipping back to their desks. — Amanda Pressner

Annual sale, November through January; one-hour massage and a facial for $128; monthly specials vary.

Bridal Packages
This midtown spa is best known for its waxes, but brides and their guests will love the well-priced packages, like the half-day Body Beautifier: a Swedish massage, facial, sea-salt scrub, and choice of manicure or pedicure.

Related Stories

Best of New York Awards

• Weirdest Treatment That Actually Works (2005)
• Best Body Scrub (2003)
• Best Tummy Tightener (2002)

Featured In

• Top Five Budget Facials (5/18/09)
• Top Five Lunch-Hour Beauty Boosts (5/18/09)
• The Gurus (1/19/04)