Winter time in New York calls for something nice and warm besides a gingerbread latte, and nothing beats a full body massage and a luxurious facial for a complete relaxation and quick get away from the busy city life.

On what happened to be the coldest morning to date here in NYC, I ended up on the south end of Central Park near Fifth avenue.

Thanks to the train that decided to take an extended break, I had to run in my heaviest coat which caused my calves to become really tense. So basically, my body was calling for help especially since I began working out six times a week a bit while ago. Between running, kickboxing, weight lifting and all that extra walking I’ve been doing in NYC, my body needed professional help to recover and heal from the stress I’ve been putting it under.

And with Christmas and my birthday around the corner, I couldn’t have asked for something more awesome than a spa package to the midtown location of the amazing Exhale Spa courtesy of Cloud 9 Living. Called Revive and Restore Spa Package, it’s a perfect holiday or birthday gift for anyone who needs a few hours of “me time”- whether stressed or not (I personally don’t know anyone who isn’t, do you?), because who doesn’t need a little pampering from time to time?

 After I was finished registering on the site, selecting the date and time range for my Appointment, it didn’t take long to receive a confirmation email from the friendly staff over at Cloud 9 Living. Then all I had to do was to show up at the specified location- they had my appointment under Cloud 9 Living, and upon arrival and confirmation of the appointment, you just fill out a consent form and head over to the locker room and the spa with the help of the staff who shows you around the facility.

As you walk in, there’s a shop.. and yes, I didn’t expect to see this either, but it turns out, Exhale is also famous for their group exercise classes, which I’d love to explore.

So once you get changed into a complementary robe and slippers in the locker room, you walk over to the lounge.
Normally, Zen Lounge is where you meet the spa staff whether it’s a facial or massage appointment which is like a waiting room but with a variety of tea, warm neck pillows complete with ambient lighting to help you relax prior to your spa appointment. I was running late so the masseuse ended up greeting me at the door which was equally nice.
Their aromatic neck pillow is one of the best things I discovered this year along with their eye pillow… so soothing and relaxing. You will never be dehydrated here; plus the tea and hot water are heaven sent in this freezing weather.

Voted one of the best in the city; after a full hour of Swedish massage and another full hour of facial, I can confidently agree. Sorry, I couldn’t get pictures of the sessions because obviously, I was kind of busy getting pampered but they were just what I needed, and after getting all the knots and what felt like “toxins” (I honestly don’t believe that our bodies produce such but it truly felt that way) removed from my body and face, I felt physically lighter, relaxed, and of course, mentally better as well. I have been having trouble getting a good sleep for a while now and last night was among the best sleep I’ve gotten lately, thanks to Cloud 9 Living.

To end the experience on a high note, the package also came with a spa manicure and pedicure. It was pleasantly surprising to find the room separate from everything else, which gave it a very exclusive, private feel to what can be a normal pampering session for many women.
I only personally get my nails done professionally for special occasions only for a few reasons including the price and the questions regarding sanitariness, but Exhale may have changed my attitude after all. Tada! My Christmas nails! I was so impressed with the Sparitual products they used throughout- this red color is the best in the hue I’ve seen- it’s got numerous glitter that’s so sparkly and shiny I just can’t stop staring at them. I was initially gonna go for the pink glitter all over but thought I’d mix it up a bit since I’ve slowly been getting into the holiday spirit. What do you think? I’m so thankful for this opportunity, and really glad to have discovered Exhale through this experience, hence a very special shout out to the team at Cloud 9 Living. Give a gift of experience this holiday season, and you’ll be loved!

© 2016, Tomi. All rights reserved.