Give it a Whirl

If you're looking for something different to chase away the winter blues, how about a visit to a Korean Spa? There are two in the area and both offer a wonderful way to relax, get a variety of different treatments, and sample a Korean tradition without getting on an airplane! King Spa is in Palisades Park, New Jersey and Spa Castle's located in Queens; both an easy drive from Scarsdale. The Spas are co-ed and Korean families bring young and older children. I went with a group of girlfriends and recommend it as a group experience, though I'd also do it with a spouse or my daughters. The Spas are open late so you can make it a day or evening activity.

Each Spa has an entrance fee ($40-$50 though you can get a Groupon for the one in NJ) that entitles you to use the many saunas and whirlpools that are located throughout the facilities. Once you check-in, you get a locker and are issued your spa garb – shorts and a T shirt that everyone wears. Facilities in both locations are similar with multiple saunas that are great for relaxing. Each has a different temperature and its own particular benefit that is described in detail. For example, there is the Rock Salt Sauna that has minerals for the skin and the Gold Pyramid Sauna that transfers energy into the body (or so it promises!) There's also an ice sauna! The saunas are different sizes and hold from 5-25 people. You can sit, lie down, read a book, chat with a friend.....it's really fun.

Both of these Spas are large and have multiple floors. There are rooms for relaxing with comfortable chairs or lounges. And since you want to spend at least 3 hours here, it's nice that they have a restaurant with good Korean food as well as salads, soup or something light. You can book appointments ahead or once you get there. It takes a while to figure things out and though the staff doesn't speak English well, people are friendly and will help out.

Best of all are the many spa services that are priced individually, but I think all quite reasonable. I suggest the body scrub and massage; it's given separately in the women's and men's bath areas. Here you have to throw inhibitions to the wind as everyone walks around in the buff. There are multiple baths at different temperatures and some have whirlpools. At the Queens facility, there are also co-ed whirlpools (so bring a bathing suit) on the roof and they are a lot of fun to jump into on a very cold day (particularly if it's nice and sunny). Back to the body scrub; first you warm up in the whirlpools and then you are called to come lie on a cot in an open area where they scrub every inch of you. Sound invigorating? It really is. They use some sort of loofah for exfoliating and it's an indescribable experience. You can do that by itself or combine it with a massage (which I recommend). If you aren't comfortable with the public areas you can also get a private massage and scrub in a different spot but I say when in Rome ... Other options are foot massage, reflexology, facial treatments and some other holistic experiences that I didn't try. There is also a gym at each of the spas but we came to relax! Spa Castle is a little easier to navigate and perhaps caters more to Westerners as well as Korean guests but I thought each facility had its charms. If you are interested, both Spas have websites and they give you an idea of what to expect. Take the plunge; it's a cultural experience as well as a nice indulgence!

Spa Castle
131-10 11th Avenue
College Point, NY
http://spacastleusa.com/ny/
(718) 939-6300

King Spa Fitness
321 Commercial Avenue
Palisades Park, NJ
http://www.kingsaunanj.com/
201-947-9955