New York City is fascinating – but it is also fairly exhausting. That’s when a refreshing break is just what the doctor ordered! At the trendy Yelo SPA located near Central Park, for example. Despite its futuristic design, stressed-out clients immerse themselves in a soothing cocoon as soon as they enter the huge SPA, with almost 170 sq. m of floor space. The relaxing atmosphere is created by using warm colors, which are inspired by Tibetan monks and are found throughout the SPA, and soft, purist shapes and forms. Concrete Jungle Facial is the name of the DOCTOR BABOR facial offered here. With its high-tech active ingredients, it has a regenerating effect and makes fine lines and wrinkles disappear.

But perhaps the Nickel SPA in the popular West Village is more likely to be on your sightseeing route. Here, however, ladies have to wait outside. The SPA, which has a floor area of almost 400 sq. m, is a cleanly styled wellness hotspot exclusively for men. The service and the facials are simple and unfussy, since the focus here is on instant effects, performance and clear, efficacious results. That is why at Nickel SPA they use the cosmeceuticals line DOCTOR BABOR with its precision active formulas and BABOR Effect Fluids. Sealed in glass ampoules, the fluids contain such highly concentrated active ingredients that 2 ml is sufficient to achieve an instantly visible effect. In the “Crash” treatment, several fluids are applied and massaged into the skin to make clients fit for their next business meeting. In the meantime, ladies can while away the time in the little boutiques in New York’s Meatpacking District.

If you cross the border into Canada, you will find Bota Bota in Montreal harbor. This historic ferry, now refurbished with five SPA decks, plies the gentle waves of the St. Lawrence River – a picture of calm elegance and with a fantastic view of the historic harbor. Three beauty suites, two saunas, a eucalyptus steam bath, whirlpools, a gourmet snack bar, a garden and rest areas as well as 20 massage rooms covering a floor area of 2,500 sq. m above and below deck provide ample space for beauty, yoga and meditation. The highlight is the Bota Bota massage, during which the experienced hands of a masseur coupled with the gently vibrating sounds of a harp – played live naturally – ensure total relaxation.