New York - January 12, 2004

Waiting to Exhale

Exhale Spa Opens

To call the newly opened Exhale a mere spa is like calling the Birkin bag a knapsack. It’s a chill, energizing haven for mind and body. A delightful oasis in the jungle that is midtown. (Hello, afternoon office escape.)

What needs fixing? Nails, toes, blotchy skin, aching muscles? Consider them restored. (Three words: four-handed massage.) Sluggish bodies can be jazzed up with yoga or Core Fusion, a blindingly efficient exercise regime created by Lotte Burke refugees. Leave time for a steam or to just hang out in a comf bathrobe and sip tea. If a spa getaway is a distant dream, consider this an attainable reality.

The only thing Exhale doesn’t have is an in-house therapist. But that’s okay. After a few hours there, chances are you’ll be too incoherent to talk.

Exhale, 150 Central Park South, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues (212-249-3000); exhalespa.com.