Pampering a Pregnant Wife for her Birthday in NYC

March 7, 2005 7:24 AM

My very pregnant wife's birthday is next saturday and I want to give her a day of pampering, but I need some tips and pointers.

The plan is to get her an hour of prenatal massage, and then a facial, manicure and pedicure. She usually likes to get her nails done as a way to escape from reality for a while, so I guess this will be a present she'll love.

Before anyone jumps with a "why don't you spend the time with her". I'll be home taking care of our two-year old daughter. I want my wife to have the day for her own.

Where in Manhattan can I get her both the prenatal massage and the face and nail treatments? The fancier the better. Cost is not an issue as long as it's not in the thousands. But not so fancy I can't get a reservation for next saturday.

What extras can be thrown in to the mix? Aromatherapy? Finger massage with rose petals gathered under moonlight?

Any other ideas?

posted by sd to clothing, beauty, & fashion (13 comments total)

I don't know about anyplace in Manhattan (although I imagine there are plenty), but I can suggest this resource.

You might also want to get her a 'pregnancy pillow' (sometimes called a 'bean pillow') which looks like this: . My wife loved it during her two pregnancies.

Best of luck with everything!!
posted by Lactoso at 7:36 AM on March 7, 2005

Maybe you could hire professional maids/cleaners to get your place done while she is out. Not that I'm saying your place is a mess ;) But they'll do everything.
posted by carter at 7:48 AM on March 7, 2005

Where in Manhattan can I get her both the prenatal massage and the face and nail treatments? The fancier the better.
The place you are looking for is called a day spa? Members, any recommendations?
posted by thomcatspike at 8:06 AM on March 7, 2005

Another idea, give her a night away at a nice hotel by herself with no child to take care of. There's nothing better at a time like this (especially with a 2yr old already) to catch up on a little sleep. The husband of a friend of mine did this for her on her 30th birthday and she loved it! Could even make a good dry run for your wife being gone a couple of nights after the baby is born.
posted by Buck Eschaton at 8:07 AM on March 7, 2005

Susan Ciminelli at Bergdorf Goodman for everything, and add on a gift certificate, they have irresistible products she'll want to take home, too. You're nice!
posted by thinkpiece at 8:20 AM on March 7, 2005

I'll recommend Bliss. Its not cheap - and my experience with Manhattan spas is admittedly limited - but I loved it. Its super girly is a clean hip way. I find a lot of day spas to be a little old lady/new agey whale noises soundtracks. Bliss had Ella as a soundtrack and a really well designed space.
I know a number of pregnant women who while gestating - gave up getting their nails done. I'm unclear on the reasons - something about the fumes or some such. If she's been doing this all along - don't worry - but if you're going to go with the surprise make sure you don't book her for something she doesn't want until after the baby. You are going to have to make specific appointments if you want to book next week. If you're doing a massage and facial - do the massage first. Do nails last.
Call now - my guess is that finding some place that can take her for all those appts in one day this close is going to be tough. If they are booked - my alternate suggestion would be to think about favorite hotels - the bigger ones almost always have spas that are pretty good.
posted by Wolfie at 8:33 AM on March 7, 2005

I love the Avon Salon and Spa in Trump Tower on 5th Ave. They won an award for best prenatal massage in NYC a few years ago. I've been there - gorgeous, relaxing, very pampering. You can give her the massage, a facial, a pedicure, and a manicure for $265 (it's called The Mommy package or something like that). You can add aromatherapy, hair, whatever.
posted by iconomy at 8:36 AM on March 7, 2005

All I can chime in with is... most spas, especially the high end ones, will know what treatments your wife will likely enjoy most. Trust their judgement, within reason of course.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 9:29 AM on March 7, 2005

i sent mine to oasis day spa. several locations throughout the city and good, from what I'm told, prenatal massage
posted by elsar at 10:22 AM on March 7, 2005

Also, read The Full Treatment: The Best Spas In New York - you can get a good feel for the decor and ambiance.
posted by iconomy at 10:35 AM on March 7, 2005

I love Haven in SoHo. I have never had a prenatal massage (which they do offer), but I love the massages there.
posted by sueinnyc at 12:05 PM on March 7, 2005

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Avon Salon And Spa it is, mostly because it was selected as Best Prenatal Massage on the NYMetro article suggested by iconomy.

One suggestion for anyone planning something like this: call at least two weeks in advance. I had trouble getting an appointment for this week, and ended up not taking the pedicure that was part of the package just because they couldn't fit it in the schedule.
posted by sd at 1:50 PM on March 7, 2005

Most spa salons will offer a light lunch, which is nice especially since pregnancy can make a roller coaster out of blood sugar. If not, then a complimentary lunch for her and a friend after her treatment? Something to keep in mind is the result of the service offered, when done will she look like she's done up and ready to go out on the town, or will the massage/facial etc. leave her looking like she's had a workout and in need of a shower?
posted by Feisty at 12:27 PM on March 9, 2005