Profile

Hidden within a 14th Street walk-up, White Tea is strong in both hands-on and high-tech services. Traditional treatments include antiaging and deep-cleansing facials, Swedish, shiatsu, and hot-stone massages, detoxifying wraps, and body scrubs, many of which use organic tea blends to increase circulation and provide calming aromatherapy. The menu also includes various machine-assisted treatments, like the unusual Acugems Facial Rejuve, a face-firming process performed by a technician trained in Chinese medicine and acupuncture. By shining a pulsing blue light on facial meridians and applying a cooling mask of crushed precious stones, the treatment purports to stimulate collagen production and aid weight loss. The spa is also among the few to offer VelaShape™, a contraption that promises to smooth cellulite and claims a following among Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret models. — Karen Tina Harrison

White Tea Spa offers semi-permanent makeup application similar to henna. But while henna tracing fades after a week or two, White Tea claims that its eyeliner, eyebrow, and lip-line extensions last for up to two years.