ARTISAN SPA
143 Fourth Ave.
212-260-1338

Sitting through a manicure and pedicure is not the most stimulating way to spend an hour, but Artisan Spa, the two-month-old beauty spot near Union Square, at least tries to make it entertaining. Cushy reclining chairs, a large-screen TV showing movies, some hot tea, and a $1-a-minute shoulder massage all make the time pass a little faster. The basic manicures and pedicures are amazingly quick—the combo takes 45 minutes and costs only $35 ($10 for the manicure and $25 for the pedicure). Your hands may not last an entire week, but for $2 extra you can seal your newly buff nails with Nailtique, and in any case, at those prices you can afford to come twice. More luxury is available at twice the tariff—for $50, your pedicure will include the option of a honey-and-milk soak, hot-stone foot massage, marine mask, or sea-salt scrub.