The Day Resort Visit

Kimberly, Margot and I had just ended our MOTHER/DAUGHTER/DAUGHTER experiences at Cornelia Day Resort on 5th Avenue in NYC.  This was a real special treat for all of us. Kimberly is off to her senior year of college in LA while Margot is off to her first year outside Providence, Rhode Island. We (I) decided to splurge and go to this renowned city spa to see what all the fuss is about.

The Day Resort Visit

Well, the fuss is totally justified. Cornelia Day Resort is simply the most amazing place EVER. Located on two levels (including the penthouse) in mid-town Manhattan, the chaos of the streets below feels thousands of miles away. White robed clients can be found lounging on the roof-top garden,  sipping lavendar lemonade in the relaxation library or spooning down some honey sprinkled Fage Yogurt in the spa café. Cornelia truly represents the BEST in the spa world. To find this oasis in the MIDDLE OF MANHATTAN makes it even that much more special.

We were there for the signature "four handed facial". The one hour/$260 service is worth every penny. Two estheticians work on the client in the very large room adorned with imported sheets and silk curtains. While esthetician one is massaging/masking/treating the face, esthetician two is pampering the hands and massaging the feet which are submerged in a mineral infused FOOT BATH. Wow. This service crosses the line from great to unbelievable.

As cool as the actual facial is, it's the entire Cornelia experience that makes this a worthwhile destination for everyone. It's luxury with a capital L. The front desk staff I met represented the best of NY.  Not your typical snooty New York wanna-bes, these pros were there to serve. Yeah, they're polished and professional, but not arrogant. Clients are escorted everywhere to maximize comfort and to make sure none get lost in any of the 28,000  square feet that make up the spa and attached David Evangelista Salon. In addition to the library, café, relaxation library and rooftop garden, there's the Watsu Pool, European Soaking Tubs and fresh water eucalyptus steam rooms.

The Day Resort Visit

Born in February, 2005, the resort boasts 15 treatment rooms and more than 150 staff.  The concierge desk, next to the reception desk, is manned by two attractive well groomed staffers there to cater to the almost 1000 clients that cruise through each week. Many clients are international while almost 30% are staying at nearby hotels.

Weeks before our visit I met with General Manager Steven O'Neal who has a resume boasting top management at several five star hotels and spas.  O'Neal said  that his goal was not to create a "day spa experience, but a five star resort experience." Well, Steven. Bravo! Mission accomplished! Cornelia has been awarded the "Five Star Diamond Award" and has been invited to join the "Leading Hotels of the World" spa division.

The Day Resort Visit

Kimberly and Margot can't wait to come back for the "Champagne mani/pedi" where it's rumored clients end up spending oodles of dough in the boutique once they're all juiced up. I'm off to get that second mortgage to keep us all well maintained!  FYI…the robe's $130.

The Day Resort Visit

Cafe

 

The Day Resort Visit

Nail Room

 

The Day Resort Visit

Terrace

           

 

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.