I can’t say when my personal obsession with Spa Week began, but I can say (emphatically) that it’s been years since I’ve allowed this twice-a-year occurrence (in April and October) to pass by without booking a minimum of two (usually three) appointments. Along the way, I’ve recruited friends and family—from NYC to L.A., and even cities in between—to be a part of this trusted circle of spa fanatics, because it would be a tragedy not to share something this good. I mean seriously who wouldn’t want to indulge in luxurious full-service spa treatments, normally costing hundreds of dollars, at just $50 a pop.
As a shameless and self-proclaimed “spa lover,” I have self-indulged in everything from massages and facials to waxes and nail services. This year, however, I was feeling inspired to move beyond my comfort zone and try something a little different. I was finally going to do something about the annoying collection of fatty tissue in my thigh region, better known as cellulite. So, I booked an appointment during Spa Week for an Infrared Slimming and Detoxifying Wrap at one of NYC’s premiere boutique spas in hopes of eradicating the unsightly dents.
On a bright, sunny afternoon in mid-October I entered Daphne, a European skincare and sugaring studio located in the Nolita district of Manhattan. Immediately, I was taken in by its quaint, romantic charm and friendly staff. Soon after my arrival, Tora, my aesthetician whisked me away to a treatment room to begin my service. She first began by giving me a full head-to-toe body rub using Sudatonic French creams. One cream, containing a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, essential oils and marine ingredients, was supposed to release toxin build up, increase my body’s circulation, help rev up my metabolism as well as reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Another cream containing “slimming properties,” is designed to reduce fat and works in conjuction with infrared heat. After the heavenly rubdown, Tora wrapped me tight like a burrito with an infrared blanket, set between 52-56 degrees Fahrenheit, and left me to sweat for an hour in hopes of purging my body of toxins and breaking down those pesky fat cells.
On average, the treatment burns about 1,500 to 3,000 calories. But, in order to see a noticeable difference, the spa recommends a regimen that includes a bi-weekly wrap combined with proper diet and exercise—which brings me to my conclusion! Initially, I was a little disappointed to discover that a treatment that retails at $195 (but with the Spa Week promotion only cost me $50) hadn’t given me the immediate results I was hoping to achieve.
After several days though, I slowly began to realize that I had indeed lost an inch or two, and that the dimpling effect in my thigh region was noticeably reduced. It soon became clear that what they said was true: treatment, along with exercise and healthy eating, will yield optimal results. I had already been engaged in the latter two, and the Infrared Slimming and Detoxifying Wrap at Daphne had pushed me across the finish line. I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone looking for assistance with cellulite reduction, but only if they are committed to exercising regularly and eating right.
Luckily, due to the overwhelming success of Spa Week, originally scheduled from October 16 – 22nd, many spas have decided to extend their $50 promotions through the end of October. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather chase these deals than ghouls of goblins. Visit www.spaweek.com to book your next appointment.
