Fall is famously “back to school” season, when we return from summer travels and also make final vacation plans before the year ends. Whether you’re returning from multiple summer trips or eyeing an autumn getaway, skin, hair and wellness treatments may be on your mind. It’s the perfect time to get serious about your wellbeing and appearance, especially with the festive season ahead. These nine treatments will have you ending the year with your best face (or body) forward before the holiday rush.
1. Hotel Chelsea – Honey Bee Facial
If your summer glow has already faded or you want to embark on a new trip looking radiant, the Honey Bee facial at the Hotel Chelsea is perfect for you. In partnership with Activist, this treatment uses Manuka honey enzymes, facial massage and LED light therapy to soothe and nourish your skin. Beyond a radiant complexion, the newly opened spa at Hotel Chelsea feels like a getaway in itself. There’s a verdant terrace to sip tea and admire the city skyline (with bees buzzing among the plants reminiscent of your facial), beautiful treatment rooms for single or couples’ treatments and a plush pink relaxation room where you can unwind after eating dates and apricots. Whether you’re in need of a trip or craving an urban escape, this spa channels pure vacation energy.
2. Glowtox NYC – Sofwave®
When it comes to non-invasive skin lifting and firming technology, Sofwave® is one of the most advanced technologies on the market and Glowtox is the go-to destination in New York City. During a 30-to-60-minute session, collagen and elastin are stimulated using microfused ultrasound, achieving a rejuvenated and tightened look. It’s virtually painless, especially when you’re in the care of Nurse Anisa who has an advanced application technique. After this no-downtime treatment, your skin instantly looks more radiant but best results appear after around six weeks. Book this treatment to target fine lines if you want a more lifted and refreshed look, especially after experiencing sun damage from summer travel.
3. Dr. Barbara Sturm – The Mercer Facial
SoHo’s luxury hotel, The Mercer, has partnered with skincare titan Dr. Barbara Sturm to offer The Mercer Facial at her spa and boutique just one block away. This luxurious treatment combines facial massage with her renowned line of products; you’ll walk away with her signature STURMGLOW™ ahead of your next vacation. During the treatment, you’ll unwind with a scalp massage which involves gentle hair pulling to reach peak relaxation and also receive red light therapy to revitalize your skin during the colder months of the year. The spa is an oasis of calm in the middle of SoHo, perfect for bookending a day of retail therapy with this calming and beautifying treatment.
4. Treat Medspa – Emsculpt® NEO and Aura 3D Face Imaging
This new Flatiron medspa offers a wide selection of face and body treatments, including the perennially popular body sculpting favorite, Emsculpt® NEO. Using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy and radiofrequency (RF) technology, this treatment can define your abs or tone your glutes and thighs ahead of your next beach getaway. Not just an aesthetic treatment, Emsculpt® NEO will noticeably strengthen your muscles too and can improve your posture — the next time you hold a plank, you’ll notice a difference. During your time at Treat, you may also want to book an Aura 3D Imaging session during which you get a comprehensive facial analysis of your face and neck through a photo-realistic digital twin image. The session makes you more knowledgeable about your unique skin needs with personalized recommendations.
5. Rule On Salon – Color and Cut
Fall is the perfect time to refresh your hair as it may have gotten damaged and changed color due to sun exposure. Lower East Side hair salon Rule On is a favorite for its color treatments bringing shine and dimension to your tresses through glosses, balayage or single process coloring. Stylists (Melisa is fantastic) take their time to ask you about your exact color goals before bringing your hair to life through a new hue. You should also opt for one of their haircuts and a bouncy blowout — you’ll walk out feeling like a whole new person, ready for your next vacation with photo-worthy hair.
6. Shafer Clinic – EMFACE
In just 20 minutes, you can refine your facial contours with EMFACE, an FDA-cleared non-invasive treatment at Shafer Clinic on Fifth Avenue. Using synchronized radiofrequency and HIFES™ muscle stimulation, the treatment delivers a facelift-like effect, lifting brows, defining jawlines and tightening skin without needles or downtime. EMFACE is ideal prior to a trip when you want to look picture perfect, say a honeymoon or birthday celebration. Shafer Clinic is a state-of-the-art full-service aesthetic destination occupying two penthouse floors with sweeping views of the Empire State and Chrysler Building, to enjoy while you wait to refresh your appearance.
7. Spa Castle – Korean Body Scrub
Few things feel better on a cold day than soaking in hot pools while steam rises into the crisp air. Spa Castle in Queens offers the ultimate wellness hangout where you can soak, sauna and refresh with friends or solo. In the spirit of renewal, book a Korean body scrub to remove dead skin and impurities, revealing a whole new level of skin health. The experience is truly invigorating, especially after a summer of sun exposure, shedding your old skin and revealing a healthy glow heading into the colder months. While you’re at Spa Castle during the fall and winter, make it a priority to spend time in the Himalayan salt sauna which promotes detoxification and can help clear airways during the months we’re frequently congested and coughing. A day at Spa Castle is the perfect reset allowing you to relax your muscles and melt away any stress.
8. RRYL Spa – Gua Sha Buccal Facial
Buccal massages are gaining popularity fast and esthetician Bouchra Sfakes is a master in this department, renowned for her transformative results. A treatment starts with an in-depth consultation to find out your skin’s needs, followed by cleansing and a sculpting ritual. The facial includes both face and intra-oral massage to release tension from areas deep within your jaw perfect for people with TMJ or who clench their jaw overnight or due to stress. Sfakes’ Moroccan heritage is a cornerstone of her spa; from enjoying tea and dates upon arrival to her use of argan oil during her treatments, you’ll experience the best ingredients and cultural elements of the country during your time there. Each facial is bespoke, targeting your needs from blemishes to hyperpigmentation to fine lines, and you’ll witness Sfakes’ passion for skincare in your results.
If you’ve dreamed of unlimited massages that don’t break the bank, you’ve come to the right place. Cloud Touchless Massage is a new touchless wellness destination with unlimited monthly memberships starting at just $89 per month. During your session, you’re seated in a state-of-the-art massage chair and can select fully customizable therapeutic treatments without an appointment seven days a week. The massage chairs are not like the ones at the mall or at nail salons but go far deeper into your muscles with stretching and lengthening motions, selecting from Swedish and shiatsu massage modes, among many others. Set yourself up for a great night of sleep and manage any pains and aches by booking one of these massages — the first 30-minute session is complimentary if you want to try it for yourself.
Whether you’re resetting post-summer or prepping for a fall trip, these treatments will have you glowing this autumn.