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Opened in 1995, Soho Sanctuary is a sleek, organically-minded spa for women only. A favorite of moms-to-be and practitioners of eco-conscious lifestyles, the converted loft space is divided into seven service rooms (including the Circular Meditation Room used for yoga and massage) as well as a studio used for private instruction in yoga, Pilates, and gyrotonics. Offering a full menu of skincare and body treatments, the Sanctuary’s all-female staff favors a nurturing touch: Massages are customized according to a client’s preferences for either Shiatsu, Swedish, or deep tissue techniques, and most facials use the gentle, organic Dr. Hauschka line. The spa is best known for its prenatal and postnatal massages, as well as its decadent total body packages like the Thai Beauty Ritual (a scrub and body mask followed by an aromatherapy massage) and the comprehensive Heaven Head to Toe—nearly two hours of deep tissue work followed by reflexology and a scalp treatment. As an added bonus, use of the Sanctuary’s eucalyptus steam room and infrared sauna (nicknamed the Soho Sweat) are available to both spa clients and private fitness visitors. — Carolyn Murnick

The Nolita fashion crowd loves this spa’s mellow atmosphere. Its Ultimate Goddess package consists of an aromatherapy massage, scalp treatment, reflexology, back treatment, a two-hour facial, as well as lunch.

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