New Age Comes of Age
Ayurveda and yoga retreats are very 2007. So what’s next? Those bored with dosha analysis and downward-facing dog are turning to unconventional means to find their spiritual center. Jean-Georges Vongerichten retains a “synergy specialist,” and Sylvie and Olivia Chantecaille opened a spa—next to the Manhattan Barneys’ shoe department—devoted to retrieving energy that’s sapped while you’re choosing between Choos. Now some of the poshest pampering centers are offering out-there therapies in the form of butterfly confessionals, ion footbaths, and Zen tarot card readings. Don’t worry, they provide more mainstream treatments as well, perfect for people who take vibrational tuning-fork therapy with a substantial grain of salt.
Exhale
Bridgehampton, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Santa Monica
212-249-3000; exhalespa.com
Guru
Robert MacDonald, director of healing
Fans
Investment bankers with jangled nerves
Out-There Treatment
Acumassage with tuning forks
Skeptics’ Pick
Gentleman’s facial that includes a scalp massage
Chopra Center & Spa
Carlsbad, CA; New York, NY
888-424-6772; chopra.com
Guru
Deepak Chopra, spiritual guide
Fans
Bill Clinton, Donna Karan, hungover Dream hotel guests in New York
Out-There Treatment
Gandharva Har-monizing facial with vibrating crystal singing bowls
Skeptics’ Pick
Abhyanga Synchronized treatment, a two-therapist massage that uses warm oils
Moss Spa & Yoga
Cold Spring Harbor, New York
631-470-8090; moss-spayoga.com
Guru
Melissa Tara, naturopath, yogi, and raw foodist
Fans
Pure Food and Wine devotees, overscheduled East Hamptonites
Out-There Treatment
Whispering your innermost desires to butterflies before releasing them
Skeptics’ Pick
Pressotherapy, a lymphatic drainage massage that slims and defines legs and minimizes cellulite
M.A.R.C. Holistic Center
New York, NY
212-925-0203; marcholistic.com
Guru
Tracy Piper, Chinese herbologist and colon hydrotherapy expert
Fans
Manolo addicts
Out-There Treatment
IonCleanse Foot Detox bath, which draws out toxins through the feet
Skeptics’ Pick
Deep Tissue Neurokinetic massage to unravel deep-seated knots
Chantecaille Energy Spa
New York, NY
212-833-2700; barneys.com
Guru
Joan Steele, Reiki master and advanced vortex healer
Fans
Padma Lakshmi, Olivia Chantecaille herself
Out-There Treatment
Psychic consultation and chakra rebalancing
Skeptics’ Pick
Remodeling facial with microgalvanic frequency that lifts and tightens tired skin
Sacred Touch
New York, NY
212-838-3717
Guru
Monica Watters, holistic healer, raw food chef, and ordained minister
Fans
Park Avenue socialites and magazine beauty editors
Out-There Treatment
Six-week energy rebalancing sessions with a raw liquid diet, and Zen tarot card readings
Skeptics’ Pick
Watters’s famous two-hour Miracle facials
Como Shambhala Urban Escape
London
44-20/7447-1000; comoshambhala.bz
Guru
Susan King, intuitive consoler and emotive healing expert
Fans
Cameron Diaz, Kylie Monogue, Russell Simmons
Out-There Treatment
Private sessions with King to help you look deep into your psyche
Skeptics’ Pick
COMO Shambhala nurturing massage with its signature oil
