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This tranquil day spa sits a few steps below bustling Mercer Street but—living up to its name—it makes clients feel like they’ve left the city entirely. A spacious lobby leads to a long, softly-lit hallway lined with fifteen treatment rooms, six mani/pedi stations, and a cozy locker area where robed clients sip cool water flavored with orange slices. Waxing is the specialty here, with a procedure so streamlined customers can’t believe how quickly they’re out the door. Hair-removal services utilize either honey or the signature gourmet wax and cover the standard areas, as well as places like the stomach and forehead; “the Sphinx” is a bikini wax that takes it all off. Twelve estheticians also perform facials, from basic deep-cleansing procedures to the very thorough Boot Camp treatment, and body services: The Hot Chocolate wrap stimulates the skin; the Hammam is a traditional, aromatic Moroccan therapy; and the Surf and Turf features a combination of scrubs and muds. Ten masseuses administer Swedish, Shiatsu, deep-tissue, and reflexology rubdowns. A spa-scene favorite since opening in 1998, Haven sells Flojos flip-flops for post-pedicure clients and skincare products from Sonya Dakar and SkinMedica, as well as their own custom line. — Chrissy Persico

Haven offers numerous ongoing packages: Spoil Me involves a half-day of services; Spoil Me Rotten, a full day. The Perfect Gift is a half-hour massage plus facial, manicure, and pedicure. Gift cards can be purchased.

Bridal
This hip but unpretentious Soho spot is a great place for all the usual treatments, including pedicures (from $27) and facials (from $50). For brides with a larger-than-average entourage, the spa can accommodate groups of up to fifteen. Full-day private parties from $14,000.

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