L'Institut Sothys New York

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If you're lucky enough to have visited the L'Institut Sothys on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, then you’re familiar with the deep-cleaning, massage-heavy European-style facials on which Sothys has built its stellar reputation. With a focus on hydrating and moisturizing the skin, the spa's most notable treatments have names like the Hydroptimale Facial, the Oxyliance Facial, and the Hydrotherapy Treatment. And while hardly as fabulous as the opulent Parisian Institut, NYC's bi-level sister spa�if you can afford the works�is worth a visit: The treatments do what they profess, and the spa's clean, softly lit decor is 100% by the book, with nothing too New Age or touchy-feely. Two blocks south of Central Park, the ten-room facility offers an extensive menu of said signature facials, along with body treatments, massage, and several "express" services that cater to those with impossible-to-find-time-for-the-spa schedules. A number of anti-aging and anti-cellulite treatments, combined with the classic, old-school feel of the place, make it the perfect spa for a Mother’s Day treat. L’Institut also uses and carries the full range of hard-to-find Sothys skin care and body care products, sun care, and makeup. — Cathay Che