Royal Thai massage Recommended From Time Out New York

*60min massage regularly $129. Mention TONY and get 15% off
this service through Apr 15,2013

The experience: Traditional Thai massages incorporate rhythmic acupressure points with sequences of masseuse-assisted stretches intended to awaken awareness, improve flexibility and alleviate joint pressure.

- My therapist, Kan Prasertsri, had me put on loose-fitting pants and a shirt, then directed me to lie down on a massage bed.
- She started off with my legs and feet, pulling me like Gumby and putting pressure on my calves, ankles, fingers, toes, ears and knees. As she worked her way up my body, she gently twisted my limbs and back into yoga positions and tested my flexibility.
- She pressed on my tight shoulder muscles and touched on acupuncture points in my neck at the base of my skull, which released some of the tension I’ve built up from hunching over a computer all day.

Bonus: The massage concluded with a soothing scalp massage and a glass of ginger-honey tea, sending me into a state of complete relaxation.

Why it’s worth trying: The massage is set in a beautiful, serene spa complete with aromatic incense and lovely piped-in Thai music, and while the masseuses put some serious pressure on those sore points, you leave feeling loose, chill and a little bit spoiled.

212-664-8239, www.fifthavethaispa.com.

5 E 57th St, fourth floor, (between Fifth and Madison Aves.)