Travel To Wellness Inc.

NEW YORK: NICKEL SPA FOR MEN

One of the TTW Spa Guys checks out New York's
Nickel Spa for Men

by John Roberts

The Spa: Nickel Spa for Men is located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York on the Southwest corner of 14th Street and Eighth Avenue. Owner Philip Dumont also has locations in Paris and San Francisco.

The Experience: I have often walked by the windows of salons and wondered about the women sitting in rows, placidly reading magazines while someone worked on their hands or feet. What were they doing? I was about to find out.

Like many men, I had never had a manicure or a pedicure and really did not know what they entailed. But by the time they sat me in the heated massage chair with a chilled bottle of water in my hand, I was ready for anything. First they filled what looked like a miniature whirlpool with oils and soap and let my feet soak in warm water for several minutes. Next my toenails were trimmed, filed, and finally buffed. My feet were then massaged with oil to further soften my skin and cuticles, which were then pushed back with a metal tool. Each foot was then rinsed and covered in a menthol mud mask, wrapped in hot towels and further massaged. At that point I assumed the process was over. Not so. The esthetician then covered my feet in cool gel and a moisturizer in preparation for the final step. Each foot was immersed in what looked like a plastic bag of hot paraffin, then placed in what looked like a heated sock. It felt rather odd - warm and squishy, actually. All I had to do then was chill while the chair and wax did their work.

When it came time for the manicure I discovered that the process was essentially identical to that of a pedicure, merely transferred to your hands. Both were fascinating. Realizing that I was new to the experience, the technician disposed with the typical small talk and instead explained each step to me, which was both fascinating and reassuring. The overall experience was oddly calming, though I am not sure that I would expend the time or money for repeat visits. The end result was a pair of impressive looking hands, but by the end of the weekend my nails were back to being nicked from everyday activities.

The sports massage, which I had been looking forward to, was well worth the wait. The masseuse led me to the private room down a hallway lined with chrome doors and frosted glass portholes. The massage room truly did seem like a berth in a submarine, and the overall effect was an atmosphere conducive to relaxation: dimmed lights, an exceptionally soft table, and soft Enya-like (an Irish New Age musician) music.

I have had both Swedish and relaxation massages before but this Sports Massage seems more intense and more focused. As opposed to solely seeking to relax the body, the techniques and movements are also actively working into the muscle tissue to ensure they heal properly from the literal tears of exercise. The masseuse seeks out the muscles that are knotted or sore and expends time relieving specific discomforts.

Once the massage session was over, I was truly ready for the weekend: relaxed, rested, and possessing some very soft hands and feet with very fine looking finger and toe nails. After my experience at Nickel, I know what women are doing at salons and spas: they are immensely enjoying themselves.

Spa Menu/Signature Features: Though Nickel is installed in a refurbished bank building, its interior is thoroughly modern. The spa manager called their design “submarine-like,” and truly it is. Extensive exposed chrome “machinery” is accented by round glass fixtures, and cool blues and grays throughout the 4,500 sq. foot facility. The site includes seven treatment rooms (picture on left) for massages and facials, as well a lounge area and several manicure-pedicure stations.

Beyond massages the spa also offers several types of facials and peels, a range of waxing options from limited to very daring, and back wraps. Nickel also has a tech treatment menu that uses lasers and electricity to achieve effects including microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and wrinkle reduction. Personally, I’m not quite ready for that but the spa managers says these types of “medical esthetics” are becoming more popular with men.

Other Facilities/Features: Along with the spa Nickel also offers a full-service salon and barber shop offering services such as shave, beard cut and moustache trim. There’s also a retail area (pictured right) with an array of skin care products designed for men including its own private label. Plans are currently under way for Nickel to expand next door to include wet spa elements such as private steam rooms and saunas.

Accommodations: Nickel has arrangements with three nearby boutique hotels, the Hotel Gansevoort, the Maritime Hotel, and the Hotel Chelsea.. Located in the Meatpacking district, Hotel Gansevoort is a constant hot spot of activity due to its popular roof top lounge, Plunge. The more reserved and upscale Maritime Hotel is only a few blocks north. Finally, the Hotel Chelsea has long been famous for artists who live there.

What to eat: Nickel does not have food on site, but the surrounding area is full of restaurants that deliver. I recommend the nearby Cafeteria, where the Macaroni and Cheese will quickly make you forget all about Kraft’s blue box. Other notable vicinity restaurants are El Rey del Sol and Pop Burger, but ask the desk for recommendations because there are many options.

What I liked best: My shoulders were sore from the gym that morning, and when I mentioned that to the massage therapist he went out of his way to work on them. While he did so, he also explained to me the incorrect motion I had been using that always resulted in pain beyond the usual muscle wear.

The Cost: The deluxe manicure and pedicure each took roughly 45 minutes to complete, and cost $35 U.S. each. The hour-long sports massage session cost a reasonable $100 U.S.. Nickel’s menu is fairly extensive, with five different massage types and lengths of 30, 60 or 90 minutes. (Editor's Note: These prices reflect the time of our visit. Please check with the spa for updated prices before you go.)

Words to the wise: Sorry ladies. Nickel is for men only.

www.nickelspany.com