Eden Day Spa - Deep Sea Dive

Fall is settling into our metropolis.  Little spurts of rain, the chill in the air… we all recognize the arrival of our dear autumn.  And lovely as it may be in theory, the cold wetness can get under the skin of this New Yorker.  Which made my trip to Eden Day Spa today for the Deep Sea Dive all the more a relief. Eden Day Spa is a downtown gem, just two blocks south of the bustling Canal Street.  The spa was recognized recently for its post-9/11 contributions, as it kept its doors open to rescue workers for weeks after the attacks, sending fresh garments and masseuses down to ground zero.  This generous spirit is reflected in the spa experience as a whole.  From a friendly receptionist to a divine esthetician, I quickly understand how this little building has become so successful a beacon to downtowners.

I arrive for my Deep Sea Dive a bit early.  (I am anxious to come in out of the wind.)  I have been told that this service is basically a seaweed wrap, designed to detoxify and hydrate the skin.  Upon arrival, I am accommodated with squishy slippers and a warm robe, and ushered into the lounge, where clients, well… lounge, before and after treatments.  This area, which Eden’s owner, Jason, tells me is often filled with bridal parties gathering for pre-wedding pampering, is heavenly.  Soft candlelight and enormous arrangements of roses compliment the neutral coloring of the chairs and draperies.  I am presented with water and a fruit plate, and I skim through the Modern Bride magazine I find near my seat.  (The bridal energy must be contagious.)

After a brief moment of solitude, I meet my aesthetician, Regine.  She is sweet and warm, and I feel instantly comfortable with her.  She whisks me back to a room filled with soft music and candlelight.  There is a giant tub, filled with aromatic water and covered with rose petals.  This is where I will soak as she gives me an exquisite scalp massage.  (Note to the modest: full nudity required, but in the dim light and amid the many rose petals, I never felt remotely awkward.)

After the tub, I am guided to a table, where I am heated with hot water bottles, coated neck to toe in a mud and seaweed mixture, and wrapped up like a happy little burrito.  As I luxuriate in the softness of the wrap, Regine massages my forehead and chats lightly.  Finally comes the gentle rinse of the Vichy shower, a seven-head spray which glides over the heated table.  Then I am moisturized and massaged, wrapped in my robe, and sent deliriously back to the lounge.

Regine brings me tea and a nice assortment of nuts, veggies, and cheese.  I leave Eden feeling like a new woman, with the softest skin I’ve ever touched.  I immediately set to planning my next visit.  It’s just a matter of deciding on the next service of choice.

Eden would be a lovely place to go with a friend or partner, for simultaneous treatments.  The atmosphere is serene and romantic, full of the aroma of roses.  A great place to come into out of the cold.

Gretchen Leigh Foulk

Deep Sea Dive: $130, approx. 90 minutes

Learn more about Eden Day Spa.

TIPS for the Deep Sea Dive:

I suggest removing contact lenses before this treatment.  It isn’t essential, but I wished I had.

Remember to visit the ladies room pre-wrap.  There’s nothing worse than wishing a divine treatment would end faster so you can relieve yourself.

If you are satisfied with this, or any other spa/salon service, tip at least 15-20%.