- Poh Tree Brings Its expertise to New Yorkers in a Chic Bohemian Locale -

Walk into Poh Tree Thai Spa and feel the warmth of this petite Thai gem. Its friendly and no-fuss therapists, dressed in traditional Thai silk coat, welcome guests with their genuine laid-back yet elegant demeanor. Already, the stress of the city will depart from the body to leave it ready to enjoy the spa's wide array of traditional Thai and western spa practices. At Poh Tree Thai Spa, guests can enjoy an ample assortment of facials, traditional and western massage styles, aromatherapy, scrubs and body wraps. As Numpetch Plengpanich, familiarly known

as Nat, co-owner of Poh Tree Thai Spa puts it: "I wanted our spa to offer a unique experience where people come to achieve balance, harmony and purify their body, mind and spirit in a casual and laid-back environment. I couldn't have picked a more fitting neighborhood than the Lower East Side!"

At the Lower East Side location, guests will be accommodated in its two facial rooms, single massage room and three manicure stations. In tuned with the atmosphere of the neighborhood, two pedicure foot baths visible to passers-by, bring an additional touch of bohemian elegance.

The Signature Poh Tree Facial, Organic Manicure and Pedicure and Thai Black Pepper Body Wrap came as an instant hit with the spa's clientele. Their signature facial incorporates a rice exfoliation, a detoxifying green tea mask and a hydrating facial. This treatment will draw the stress away from the face with its customized choice of either an eastern acupressure or western massage for tension improved facial circulation. The Organic Manicure and Pedicure offered at the spa are the ultimate in pampering. Guests can choose among three scrubs: green tea for detox, honey for added moisture and lemongrass for its antiseptic qualities. Better yet, opt for a scrub with the Thai herbal compress with Turmeric. Then, take pleasure in the leg and hand reflexology that follows. The spa's Thai Black Pepper Body Wrap is an excellent cellulite fighter. This treatment will also stimulate the metabolism, encourage detoxification, thus being a great weapon in weight loss.

In keeping with their tradition of herbal healing, each Poh Tree Thai Spa guest is treated to a complimentary cup of ginger tea. Prices range from $60 for their Refreshing Facial to $220 for extended Signature massages.

Poh Tree Thai Spa is located at 122 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002 (between Delancey and Rivington). The spa is open seven days a week from 10:30 am to 8 pm. For more information, please visit Poh Tree Thai Spa at www.PohTreeThaiSpa.com or call 212.598.4241.

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Relaxation is not a luxury -- this is the philosophy at Thai Privilege Spa, even though at the spa you will find yourself relaxing in very luxurious surroundings.  

Thai Privilege boasts locations throughout the world, including Phuket, Bangkok, Shanghai, and New York City. I visited the New York City location. I tried the Siam Aroma Body Treatment, their most popular offering. The one-hour treatment, a massage with a fragrant oil, left me feeling relaxed, weightless, and rejuvenated. Before the treatment, I received a complimentary foot bath. I loved it so much that before leaving I booked an appointment for my mother, who was spending that weekend in New York visiting me. Sharing is caring, right?

Thai Privilege offers traditional Thai massages, wherein the therapist manipulates your body into yoga-like positions. A traditional Thai massage takes place on the floor, but the spa also offers single, couple, and triple treatment rooms with elevated tables. A row of overstuffed gold leather chairs is the venue for a variety of foot treatments. Prices start at around $120. The space is serene, gracious, and welcoming.  

Even better, you can take a small piece of your experience home with you; Thai Privilege sells its own line of products, Sarahn (meaning "inner joy of serenity" in Thai). And those luxurious and beautiful furnishings -- the divan you sat on when you arrived, where you sipped the warm and just sweet enough ginger tea they offered you; the box in the treatment room where you stowed your jewelry -- are all for sale. Thai Privilege participates in One Town One Product, a Thai government export initiative honoring exceptional crafts from each village. As a Thai-owned and -based international spa, they buy all their

furnishings from Thai artisans. And when they sell items from their locations, they return to those Thai artisans to buy more, thus supporting the local market and craftsmen.  

At home that night, after I left the spa, I became aware of how hard my body works and how grateful it was to be pampered. And you -- you battle the concrete jungle daily, and when you are planning a wedding, it gets even more hectic. Why not take a moment to calm and center yourself? And as much as I might love to treat myself to a new pair of shoes, no matter how much I grin and bear it, those heels will hurt like hell. On the other hand, a cup of ginger tea, a warm hand towel, a foot bath, and a nice massage with my choice of fragrant oil… well, that won't hurt at all.

~ Courtenay Aja Barton