Awakening New York

Just entering Awakening New York is often enough to soothe stressed-out visitors. In fact, they might find it hard to get past the reception area, where soft lighting and long padded benches piled with pillows seem to signal naptime. If winding down is indeed what they're there for, they can climb up onto a massage table draped in Zen decor and candlelight, or ease into a steam heaven with massaging jets whose waters are infused with soothing salts and oils. A more active approach to serenity is found in the holistic center, where yoga, Pilates, and body-sculpting instructors from a wide variety of backgrounds help students incorporate a fitness practice into their lifestyles rather than overdoing it just until they can fit into a smaller dress size or that intriguing ventilation duct they've been eyeing. After class, students refuel at the café, whose salads, sandwiches, and smoothies—most made with natural ingredients—deliver comforting flavors while remaining light. A number of holistic healing modalities are also available, including iridology, craniosacral therapy, aura and chakra cleansing, and more.