New York spas: where to go in Soho and Nolita

A bad habit of hanging out in sweat-soaked clothes postworkout has made my back prone to breakouts. My technician also pointed out that indoor heat, dryness in the winter air and wearing multiple layers of clothing can also lead to skin issues. An initial skin examination, cleansing and exfoliation—all done with natural products produced in Italy and custom-made for the salon—were followed by a few extractions that brought back memories of getting a tattoo on my shoulder. But the postpain massage with rosemary-scented lotion was more than worth it. The next morning, I wore a backless tank to yoga, simultaneously eliminating my bacne-causing issue and showing off the Erbe staff’s awesome work. Regularly $150. Mention TONY at time of appointment to receive $30 off this service through Feb 14.

This airy, third-floor studio offers an escape from the Broadway bustle below. I felt myself relax thanks to senior stylist Matt King’s infectious enthusiasm, a refreshing change from the cool attitude often found in salons. My hat-and-heat–damaged hair craved conditioner, and this treatment promises to make hair better nourished thanks to pomegranate and buriti oils. While the Aveda products worked their magic, King was working his, massaging my arms and hands into stress-free submission. The lunchtime pick-me-up finishes with a bouncy blowout that lasted for three days and made me feel gorgeous, even when I was bundled up in a knee-length parka. $70. Mention TONY at booking to receive 40% off the service of your choice through Feb 10.

“You rarely break out, and when you do, it’s on your right cheek, about two days before your period.” I had only met my aesthetician, Mina Chin, moments before, and she already proved herself a skin psychic. The spa, founded by ayurvedic practitioner Pratima Raichur, uses only handmade products and focuses on the best care for your dosha, or skin type. Chin began the facial by wiping my face with an organic milk-powder cleanser that smelled like fresh-baked cookies, and followed it with a moisturizer, mask and eye-cream treatment. The whole thing was topped off with a face, arm and neck massage so luxe that I nearly fell asleep. Best of all, I looked glowy and rested afterward, and the results lasted all week—even while I was on deadline, pulling all-nighters and mainlining coffee. $115. Mention TONY at booking for 10 percent off all Kalyani facials through Feb 10.

This Soho spa’s California-casual vibe (its owners, Nina and Julia Werman, are SoCal natives) is a welcome respite from winter’s chill. My technician, Mei Kawajiri, was chatty and capable as she used CND brand products to file, buff and scrub my feet into sandalworthy showpieces. I opted for a callus-remover treatment, during which my heels were pumiced to perfection and then moisturized with CND almond lotion. (Kawajiri’s work even survived a few long runs in Central Park the following week.) The manicure uses similar products, and the salon offers more than 400 polish shades to choose from. My nails have never been lacquered so precisely, and I left the salon feeling more laid-back and chilled out than I had in days. $58.