If I had a dime for each time my mother would stop her mealtime preparation and ask me, my three brothers and our respective friends milling about her kitchen: “What do you think this place is… Grand Central Station?” I’d be a very rich person.
Even if you have never stepped foot in the city’s iconic mass transit terminal you know that it is not a place commuters come for rest and relaxation… or is it?
In a move that that can only be described as oxymoronic, the Big Apple’s landmark train station is hosting a Spa Experience. From October 31st through November 3rd daily commuters and thousands of confused visitors will be able to indulge in relaxing spa treatments (such as massages and manicures) prior to charging to the platform to catch the 6:40 train back to Connecticut.
The free event is open to the public and features 50 booths manned by workers from spas and spa beauty companies from around the world, including celebrity favorites Miraval in Tucson, Arizona and the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. The Main Concourse will house a spa retreat center with private areas where visitors can receive a sample beauty treatment or mini-spa treatment for free. Also, anyone who visits the Spa Experience will be eligible to win prizes and receive free samples. In addition, several Grand Central retailers will be offering tie-in discounts to beauty products, food and other merchandise.
If you like what you see (or feel) while you are there, the Spa Experience will provide the opportunity for you to book trips or buy a gift certificate from Spa Finder, redeemable at 3,500 spas worldwide. If you can’t make it to New York for the big event, don’t fret. Spa Experience organizers say if the promotion is successful they will consider expanding it to other popular travel destinations in 2008 and 2009, including San Francisco, Chicago, and Dallas.
New York commuters take note: The Spa Experience at Grand Central Terminal will take place 11 a.m. — 7 p.m. on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2 and 11 a.m. — 5 p.m., Nov. 1 and Nov. 3.
Planning a trip to New York? Check out these other Big Apple-related articles:
New York’s Must-See Attractions—The Empire State Building
New York’s Must-See Attractions—The Statue of Liberty
Little People in the Big Apple: Central Park Zoo and FAO Schwartz
Little People in the Big Apple: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Patriotic Travel Destinations—Taking A Cruise of New York
Where To Get Your Chocolate Fix In New York