The Buzz: King Spa Fitness – Korean Day Spa Review
Here in NYC, we don’t have the luxury of countless amazing Korean day spas at our disposal like they do on the West Coast. But, after a summer of sunscreen, suntan and sun damage, our skin was in dire need of a reboot, so we decided to bite the bullet and check out what the Korean spas were like in our neck of the woods. With a bit of research under our belt (taking into consideration the crowds, the array of facilities, and the price), the editorial team plus a couple of girlfriends headed out to Palisades Park, New Jersey to King Spa Fitness for a day of relaxation.
The King Spa was easy to find and nothing short of enormous at 40,000 square feet. Using an e-coupon we found on the website, admission was reduced to $28 and if you have the whole day free to use all the facilities (as we had planned), it turns out to be quite affordable. The spa caters to both men and women and most of the wet areas are separate and nude-friendly. The rest of the facilities are co-ed, thus leading to the biggest rub of all (and not the rub you want): pepto bismol pink one-size-fits-none uniforms made of very thick non-breathable cotton which you’re required to put on and pull off again as you move from the wet areas to the other rooms. And there are a lot of rooms! To name a few, there’s the amethyst sauna, yellow ocher sauna, mineral salt sauna, ice sauna, heated mugwort sauna, and the real cooker: the Bul Hanzung Mok hot sweat room. Essentially an oven, and the spa’s biggest draw, this women-only sauna is heated by burning oak to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ultimate in mind and body detoxification and purification, and has been used by Koreans for over 500 years to combat illness and pain. If you can survive the heat, you come out feeling reborn and renewed.
For an additional $80 (and a surprisingly outrageous $25 mandatory tip), two of us booked an hour-and-a-half scrub and massage following a deep steam, hot tub soak and sauna. For those who have never experienced a Korean scrub before, picture this: Asian women clad in black lace bras and panties armed with rough cloths for exfoliation, who leave no skin un-sloughed. Over and over, they scrub you until you are as soft as the day you were born – possibly softer. It’s by no means relaxing, but the reams of dead skin washing off of you are oddly satisfying. The massage I could have done without. I am not a big fan of oil slicks and I’m much more accustomed to gentle rubdowns than power washings. However, I must admit, I have never felt cleaner and softer in my entire life. Unfortunately, I couldn’t leave the area without putting on my hideous sweat-soaked uniform.
While we were getting detailed, our other two friends were getting foot massages. Upon reflection, I would recommend skipping the massages, but treating yourself to a scrub and taking advantage of all the varied saunas and water facilities. Plan to hit the wet area first, hot tubs and steam rooms before getting the scrub. Then, post scrub, head to the hot saunas to purge your freshly cleaned bod of toxins. Spending all day at a spa makes you surprisingly hungry, and while there is a restaurant, the food is average and a bit pricey, so it might be worth it to pack a power bar. Only 40 minutes away from the city, this spa is worth the trek if only for the fact that it has water facilities (a rarity in New York City). While the award still goes to West Coast Korean day spas, we are happy knowing there’s a place for us to get a good scrub down without having to board a plane to California.
Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
As you know, we at Voyage.tv like to get around. Just recently, we returned from a week-long stay on Hawaii’s Maui island and because no vacation is complete without a visit to the spa, we each booked a treatment at one of the nicest spa resorts we could find: the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. We knew little about the resort other than what we learned from the flurry of press surrounding the filming of the upcoming Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler movie Just Go With It. That alone was reason enough to visit the spa.
We knew we were chancing it when we decided to wait to the very last minute to make our appointments, but were pleasantly surprised to find the hotel to be more than accommodating. Even when we called back to push back the time an hour, the staff was friendly and obliging. From the moment we walked through the doors, we knew we’d be taken care of. We were escorted into the spacious and well-appointed changing room which had lockers, tons of counter and vanity space stocked with products and a eucalyptus steam room to help us settle into relaxation. After our pre-massage steam, we indulged in a luxurious shower experience under a rain head and three body sprays. Usually I need a handbook to operate a shower tower, but with the Toto shower, I could turn it on with a touch of a button. Aside from the pre-requisite cucumber water, they also had dried mango and coconut for snacking—a delicious treat for before and after treatments.
Once showered, refreshed and undressed, we were taken into our respective massage rooms. I was excited to learn that I could pick from three kinds of music for my soundtrack—Hawaiian, Classical, or New Age. Of course, I went with Hawaiian because who knows when that will be an option again. I opted for a standard massage, though the spa specializes in locally-themed treatments like the Hawaiian-style Lomi Pohaku, which incorporates healing stones. For my treatment, I was also able to choose from different scents of either lotion or oil. My therapist was very attentive, asking which areas she should work on and making sure the pressure was good for me throughout the massage. What’s more, I could decide halfway through if I wanted an extra add-on like a scalp or foot rub.
All in all, the prices were typical of a high-end resort spa—expensive but not overpriced. Both Erika and I came out of our treatments feeling both rejuvenated and relaxed and although we never did see Jennifer or Adam, we quickly understood why the Four Seasons is a celebrity favorite.
An Easy 72 Hours in Bermuda Courtesy of BlackBook
Cambridge Beaches is one of our favorite Bermuda hotels. Sophisticated and refined, the island’s oldest resort epitomizes the posh Bermudan aesthetic—and at a couple of hours away, it’s an easy weekend getaway. Our partners at BlackBook make a very convincing argument for why you should go ahead and pull the trigger on that shockingly affordable airline ticket.
With summer suddenly upon us, there’s no reason not to start fantasizing about weekend getaways. Besides, once the brutal heat starts casting a constant glare on the city pavement, you’ll be wishing you followed through with all the brilliant ideas that popped into your head daydreaming in your cubicle. Brilliant idea No. 1: Cambridge Beaches in Bermuda.
The British territory is a two hour flight from New York. (Surprising, right?) And Jetblue flies from JFK, with one-ways starting at $63. After a quick mid-flight slumber, you’ll be transported to a tropical paradise with pink sand beaches, potent Dark & Stormy cocktails, and a population of incredibly friendly folks who speak with an Elizabethan English-inspired accent that might sound a bit bizarre at first. Don’t worry, you’ll acclimate quickly.
Read the rest of the article here.
See more of what Bermuda has to offer, including restaurants, activities and travel videos at Voyage.tv
The Buzz: Free Hair Treatments from Kérastase in the Name of (Locks of) Love
Sure, there may be no such thing as a free lunch, but thanks to Kérastase Paris, hair treatments are another story. Tomorrow marks the 2nd annual Kérastase Our Treat Event featuring complimentary hair rituals and blow dry services, worth up to a $100 each. The event is open to anyone and everyone who’d like a little pampering and to give back too! Kérastase has partnered with the non-profit organization Locks of Love, which supplies children in need suffering from hair loss with hairpieces. All you need to do is click here to find a participating salon in your area and bring along just $10 to donate to the cause. Treatments are tailored specifically to your hair type and the end results will have you feeling fabulous—inside and out! Pretty great deal if you ask us.
If you live on the East Coast, sign up now for tomorrow’s treatment. Those on the West Coast should sign up for the second wave happening on June 23rd.
Breaking Spa Travel Deals to Puerto Rico
Our favorite Spa Deal this week is the El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa from $529 for 4 nights, with hotel tax and airfare on American Airlines from JFK! This deal includes a 4th night free, complimentary breakfast, and a 20% discount at the exquisite Golden Door Spa. The El Conquistador Resort also features championship golf, a private island with powdery soft beach, fine dining and more. No passport is required for US Citizens to Puerto Rico. American Airlines offers the most flights from cities nationwide, so ask about airfares from your home city!
Now Playing: Original Spa Programming New This Month
Relaxation is just a click away. Pampering within reach.
We’ve launched our Spa Cycle today with 10 brand new video profiles of leading Resort Spas and our favorite Nirvana Episodes. The best vacation is a spa vacation, and we’ve done our homework. Check out our top picks for luxury spa resorts in the Caribbean, New York, Las Vegas and Bermuda.
From stunning beach spas awash with the soothing sounds of the ocean (like the Lapli Spa in St.Lucia) to urban retreats that transport you from the hustle and bustle (like the Spa at the Bellagio in Las Vegas), our Spa Resort Profiles reveal top destinations for some R&R from the inside out. Every detail from the facilities to the various massages and body therapies is captured in high definition.
Transport yourself to bliss with our Nirvana episodes, which reveal all the best treatments, unique local ingredients, and gorgeous locales of top day spas like oceanside oasis Spa Del Sol in Aruba or upscale enclave Ajune Spa in New York City.
Our Spa Articles and Notes cover everything from our top picks for where to get couples massage to the ten best anti-aging treatments. Renewal and rejuvenation are new this month on Voyage.tv
A Sneak Preview Of This Week’s Spa Cycle Launch
With our spa series launch just days away, here’s a little taste of one of the many spa hotels we’re covering. The Ti Kaye Village resort’s Kai Koko Spa in St. Lucia made our top ten list of destinations to get the best couples massage, and before you see the spa video, you can read all about it here:
Located at the intimate Ti Kaye Village resort in St. Lucia, the Kai Koko Spa is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Anse Chochon beach, with the soothing sounds of the Caribbean surf rolling in. The ocean vistas from expansive picture windows are simply stunning, and with its hand-cut coconut wood and bamboo walls, earthen-tiled floors and natural decor, this beach spa blends seamlessly into the lush, tropical surroundings. The treatments also reflect the island’s organic resources; treatments are locally inspired and use products produced by St. Lucian resident Patricia Lee Brown specifically for the spa using native ingredients.
The Menu: From massages and body treatments to anti-aging facials, cellulite treatments and after-sun therapies, the menu at Kai Koko has something for everyone. Treatments are united by their use of luscious local ingredients like mango, cucumber, aloe vera, ylang-ylang, hibiscus and even crushed lava stones. Choose from a selection of exclusively blended body oils for your treatment, including coconut oil, chocolate oil, honey-vanilla oil, and papaya-pineapple oil. Massage treatments range from traditional Swedish and Shiatsu to more creative options, such as the Bamboo Stick Massage or Ayurvedic Massage, which is based on a traditional Indian technique and uses a special blend of warm oils to aid in sleep and detoxification.
The Must-have: The Cellulite Treatment is an undisputed essential for those looking to don bikinis and join sun worshipers on the pristine St. Lucian beaches. This treatment starts with a Hibiscus Scrub, which promotes lymphatic drainage and blood circulation through friction and a powerful combination of naturally activating ingredients. Essential oils are then incorporated that break down deposits of fatty acids and tone the skin. A mud mask is then applied, made of pulverized volcanic stones that purify the skin, before a finishing massage of essential oils of lemon, fennel and basil. After this treatment, you are sure to look and feel fabulous inside and out.
To get a complete look inside this spa and the rest we’ll be featuring, check back with Voyage.tv and stay tuned for our brand new spa series, only on Nirvana.
Our Upcoming Spa Series
Spa Week may be over in New York, but that was just a teaser for us. We’re gearing up to launch an exclusive spa series next week, revealing leading spas in locations around the world.
From the Ocean Spa at Cambridge Beaches in Bermuda to Exhale and Bliss SoHo spas in New York City, we’ll be presenting you with the best-kept secrets to plan the perfect spa vacation. Preview the Cabo Spa at the Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, see the Almond Beach Spa in Barbados, the Six Senses Spa at Puntacana Resort in the Dominican Republic, the Spa at Red Rock in Las Vegas, and many more.
Our accompanying spa hotel articles will offer you a guide for where to stay and be pampered, and features on where to get specific treatments will help narrow your choices to the service you want most.
While you eagerly await our launch you can still find our current spa segments on our Nirvana channel, and be sure to check back with Voyage.tv soon for everything spa!
Wanderlust – Miami, Florida
Last weekend, I headed down to Miami for a college friend’s wedding and just like I usually do, I made it my point to get in as much spa time as my limited schedule would allow.
This was my second time staying at The Standard, André Balazs’ hotel in Miami Beach. The thing is, it’s not actually on Miami Beach; it’s located on one of the residential islets connecting the causeway, but this is precisely why this hotel is one of my favorites. Miami Beach can get pretty bumping and busy, which is fine if you’re there to party and hang out on the beach, but if you’re like me, you like your hotel to be a refuge of sorts. And that’s exactly what The Standard is. Housed in the building once belonging to the Lido Spa Hotel of the 60s, The Standard was designed to maintain some of the mid-century feel of its former inhabitant but with a decidedly Balazs aesthetic. The rooms air on the side of plain in their Scandinavian way, but they are clean and airy and with such a beautiful outdoor area just outside the door, who needs anything fancy? The real heart of the hotel is the spa, and by extension, the pool area and lawn are equally impressive. The pool area comprises a salt-water pool, cold plunge and hot tub with a 12-foot Roman waterfall, all of which are open 24 hours a day. And what better way to end the balmy night of traipsing around in 4-inch heels than with a dip in the hot tub and a swim in the pool?
Of course no visit to The Standard is complete without a visit to its lauded spa. I enjoyed a massage by a deceivingly strong woman named Amanda, who was nice enough to combine several different styles to suit my needs. When it rained on Sunday, we were very happy to appease our hangovers with a few rounds of sauna, steam room and scrubbing room just in time to collapse on the heated marble of the hammam. Then, it was back to our rooms to shower and head out to for a decadent dinner at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, a must on everyone’s list as far as I’m concerned. On my way home, I realized the reason I love The Standard is that it delivered exactly what I need for this wedding weekend: a place to reboot before going out and doing it all over again.
Time for some night swimming: the view from the pool onto the cold plunge and hot tub with Roman waterfall
Rest for the weary: the Turkish Hammam
New York Spa Week is Almost Here!
Spa Week starts next Monday, April 12 here in New York and across the country, so in preparation, we hit up the Spa Week Media Party last night at the Prince George Ballroom.
It was a night full of pampering and finding out about great products! Dove deodorant, the official sponsor of the event, offered their unique Piticure treatment, while Bare Escentuals gave complimentary makeovers and reps from NYC’s top spas presented their relaxing signature services to guests. (A great preview of what’s to come next week!)
Among the select spas represented was Caudalie at The Plaza. Their therapists indulged us in scalp, neck and shoulder massages and introduced us to their toning beauty elixir full of essential oils and plant ingredients. (Watch our exclusive segment, Di-Vine Intervention, and go inside the spa to learn all about their distinct vinotherapie techniques!)
After enjoying some tasty passed hors d’oeuvres and sampling Rioja wines straight from Spain, we were more than geared up to book our treatments around the city.
Be sure to take a look at our original spa programs on Nirvana, and stay tuned for more New York spa updates from Voyage.tv!
Recent Comments