Surprised to see myself upfront on ABC news a couple of days ago, since the news also video-ed other spas…. Here’s the link for full article and video (which unfortunately this blog program doesn’t allow me to embed ABC’s video code): Click me!

Cold spas are hot!

There is a new trend at spas nowadays, where cool treatments are in and heat related works are out.

“I can’t think of a better thing to do when it’s hot outside,” Marine Tokar said.

She is a fan of plunging right into a very cold pool. It is part of the hydrotherapy experience at body by Brooklyn. First, you heat up in the saunas and steam room, and then take the plunge in 52 degrees water.

“You just do it. Just jump in. Don’t think about it and you feel amazing afterwards. The contrast of temperatures is really good for the circulation and pores,” Marina said.

Sally Fraenkel of spafinder.com says combining hot and cold therapies can even improve your mood, especially if it is hot outside.

“I think there is something very appealing about being in an ice grotto. Just the sound of it makes you shiver with anticipation,” she said.

At Aura Wellness Spa, you also heat up first with sauna and steam. You then head into the ice room lined with white jade stones. It is 35 degrees in there and beats an air conditioner. Now no doubt you have heard of hot stone treatments like a hot stone massage. This is a stone cold facial.

It even sounds refreshing.

Moreover, the cool down begins high above Manhattan at the Mandarin Oriental Spa. First a cleansing, then a collagen mask, infused with five vitamins. Once the mask is on, the icy cold marble stones rub across the clients face.

“This really helps to move the lymph and fluid from your face so your skin looks its best and you are seeing the features you want to see in your skin,” Dallas Sherwood said.

At the end, no sweat in sight and just a glow that is very cool.

WEB EXTRA

Spaaura.com
49 West 33rd street
212-695-9559

Cold and hot grotts $50/hour