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A veteran of city spas like the erstwhile Origins at Chelsea Piers, owner Cleo Londono—in consort with a former co-worker—went out on her own and opened Metamorphosis Day Spa in 1997. In the years since, her modestly appointed sage-green space has become a regular destination for area businesspeople in need of efficient, lunch-break-length treatments. Its extensive menu offers a wealth of facials, manis, pedis, and body treatments, but the six-room spa is perhaps best known for its waxing (using an extra-gentle formula), affordable laser hair removal packages, and splurge-worthy couples massages, during which duos are aligned head-to-head in adjoining rooms, while two therapists provide a 50-minute simultaneous massage session. For men—who make up nearly half of Met Spa's appointments—face and body services like the Grooming Facial are tailored to suit a rougher complexion, while unique procedures like Down the Drain, a gentle massage promoting lymphatic drainage, and Endermologie, meant to reduce cellulite, are designed specifically for women recovering from lower-body liposuction. — Carolyn Murnick

Muted lights and a no-cell-phone policy make for a tranquil environment at this midtown mainstay. Facials start at $95; massages start at $60 for 25 minutes. The Bride Beautiful package includes a facial, milk-and-honey body wrap, and a full-body massage ($450).

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