You can get your special someone or best friend a(nother) nice sweater, a book (that she probably won’t read), or tickets to a play (that she’s already seen). But, we bet dollars to doughnuts that what she—or he—would really love is an excuse (permission?) to indulge in some good old-fashioned hedonism, a brief respite from the unrelenting gloom of our current economy. Odds are good that you would, too, but are much too polite to ask. (Suggestion: clip this page and post it somewhere conspicuous.)
Fairy Tale Weekend
Every girl has had princess fantasies at some point in her life. Here’s a chance to let her act on those fantasies by staying in a real, honest-to-goodness castle. How’s this for romantic: check into a luxury suite with breathtaking views of the river, have a spot of tea at the heady Equus restaurant, or start the adventure with a selection of wine and artisan cheese or chocolate-dipped strawberries and a split of Champagne. Then, a couples massage en suite , followed by a four-course dinner. Not extravagant enough? Upgrade to a six-course wine-pairing dinner for just $56 extra per person. In the morning, enjoy breakfast in bed or in the Garden Room. Tiaras are optional.
Castle Weekend, $1,600 per couple
Castle on the Hudson, 400 Benedict Ave Tarrytown (914) 63-1980
castleonthehudson.com
Present a Ritzy Treat
Your friend will love you just for giving her (or him) an entrée into the ritziest spa in our county (done up in the requisite serene, neutral colors and elegant marble so as not to compete with the drop-dead gorgeous views from the floor-to-ceiling windows). After she finishes her treatment, she’ll be forever in your debt. We’re feeling warm and cozy just thinking about the luxurious foot rub followed by a full-body massage followed by another foot rub…you get the picture.
Ginger Warm Up, 90 minutes $200
The Spa at the Ritz Carlton, Westchester
Three Renaissance Sq, White Plains
(914) 946-5500, ritzcarlton.com
Head-to-Toe Indulgence
Why give a friend just one pair of hands to pamper him/her when he/she can have four? While the reflexologist attends to the feet, an aesthetician slathers the face with a creamy milk cleanser, spritzes a refreshing hydrating mist, gently exfoliates with an organic green-apple peel, and finishes off with a vitamin-rich antioxidant serum and lightweight oil-free moisturizer. Heaven!
Pamper Me Package
50 minutes $175, The Gym
99 Business Park Dr
Armonk (914) 219-1601
GetToTheGym.com
Turn Back the Hands of Time
Friends of a certain age may say they are happy to age gracefully, but we bet they wouldn’t say no to a little, ah, freshening of their complexions. Aqua Laser and Aesthetics President Barbara Campos promises that the ElÅs line of lasers don’t hurt a bit, and “are fabulous for getting rid of broken capillaries, brown age spots, and fine lines.” A complimentary consultation is included to determine the appropriate aging antidote.
Foto Facial ElÅs Laser Package
of Five, $1,200 – $2,500 Aqua
Laser & Aesthetics at Adriana Spa
212 Main St, Eastchester
(914) 337-3700
aqualaserspa.com
Newest Spa on the Block
Oasis Day Spa, a popular New York City-based three spa chain, has branched out into Westchester County. The new 8,000-square-foot digs are at 50 Livingstone Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, just off the Saw Mill River Parkway’s Exit 16, atop the New York Sports Club. In addition to 16 treatments rooms, the new spa will have a Zen rooftop garden for alfresco massages once the weather warms up and a retail shop.
For more info: (914)409-1900, oasiswestchester.com
Captions: Choose from dozens of indulgences at The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester