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Cornelia Day Spa Lives Up to Its Hype

You have no doubt noticed that New York City has as many spas sprouting up as we have Star Bucks. In fact, we’re surprised Star Bucks hasn’t started a spa. So we’ve gotten a little ho hum about new spa openings. But when we heard about the Cornelia Day Spa a couple of things got our attention. First, it’s located on Fifth Avenue in the Ferragamo building; second it promised a rooftop garden where you can relax with a glass of champagne. And as you may recall, The Three Tomatoes are always attracted to any venue that has shopping (shoes are always a plus) and alcohol under the same roof.

And here’s their self-description: “The enchanting aroma of citrus and sandalwood. Egyptian terry caressing your shoulders. Tantalizing teas, the finest champagne. Knowing hands lulling you to sleep under the stars. A heaven-sent watsu pool. Inspired cuisine…a breath taking view.” The Three Tomatoes are easily seduced (oh the stories we could tell, but won’t) and curious too - - like in, what the heck is a watsu pool? So on an early spring evening, we booked our massages and headed to Fifth and 52^nd Street.

The experience in a word? Wow! First, we got the grand tour of the three floors and the rooftop garden and lounge (which wasn’t quite completed) but was still impressive. They even offer “30-minute” express services on the roof that include a seated massage, mini facial or shampoo and blow-out. Beautiful sandalwood floors, ceramic tiles imported from Morocco, the “relaxation library” with beautiful leather reclining lounge chairs and a butler who will serve you champagne, juice, or water, and the café with floor to ceiling windows are some of the highlights. Everything is light, bright, and airy, including the very large massage rooms with skylights! So you truly are looking at the sky, watching the clouds go by as those “knowing hands lull you to sleep.” You totally forget that you’re in the middle of Manhattan. Complete with a hair and makeup salon, the Cornelia Boutique, which has really unusual items from around the world, and European soaking baths, there’s a reason they call this a day spa. An hour, heavenly as it was, just leaves you wanting more. Pricing is competitive with the high-end spas in Manhattan. You can get more details on their web site at www.cornelia.com.

Oh, and the watsu pool? Located in a private area on the rooftop floor, this is a salt-water pool set to your body temperature where you are massaged by a “watsu” practitioner with the promise of “returning you to the fundamental essence of your being.” We’re seduced again.