Best Massages in Manhattan

To be pampered; to be pleased; to be treated to the ultimate in TLC. Enter, NYC, a place for dreamers, money makers and ladies (and men) who like to live large and, alas, be in charge. So it’s only natural that she who works hard like to play hard too, and of course, be indulged in some luxe relaxation along the way. Good thing you’ve come to Manhattan, where spas and salons are just a subway stop away. Literally, whatever the line and whichever the stop, you can step off the train to find a salon, spa or dermatologist office-turned-treatment boutique within spitting distance. Why we found it so pertinent and important to be your city guide to getting the goods from the massage therapists in Manhattan. Here, a breakdown of the best in the body care biz, by specialty no less.

If you need a post-workout rub-down, visit: Just Calm Down (www.justcalmdownspa.com) for the Sporting Event ($130), a massage that focuses on soothing and reviving tired, sore muscles. This treatment alleviates your body of toxins and helps you recover quickly and seamlessly. Ask your therapist to focus on specific parts or just go full-blown with her Herculean powers. Another option at this cute downtown-ish boutique-ish Spa: the My Oh My ($170), a myofacial (massage on the body and face) that focuses on aching joints and muscles. It’s amazing if you suffer from TMJ or any other jaw-face-related issues.

If you’re sporting a belly bump, visit: LATHER Spa (127 E 57th Street), where moms-to-be can retreat in the ultimate afternoon of pampering. Designed for preggers in their second or third trimester of pregnancy, the prenatal massage at LATHER Spa focuses on the lower back and specifically, sciatica. For a bit more money (and, aha, time to relish in the quiet and “me”ness), LATHER Spa offers a maternity package that includes reflexology and a manicure-pedicure, plus a gift set for the Babe on board.

If your head-and-shoulders could benefit from some stress reducing royalty, visit: OHM Spa (www.ohmspa.com) for a custom massage. You pick the body zone to focus on, you pick the degree of heat, you pick the pressure, and you even pick the massage modale (Swedish, aromatherapy, deep tissue). Basically, it’s a personalized hour ($129) of massage therapy, designed by yours truly. What’s better than that?

If relaxing in a robe is right up your alley, visit: Ajune Day Spa (www.ajune.com) for the Ultimate R&R Massage. Per the name, this 90-minute delight begins with a massage based on botanicals and essential oils. Then, your body is wrapped in a heated blanket, and as you drift into lala land, you’ll relish in the full-body Swedish massage with stimulating lemongrass and warming ginger. The adventure ends with a lime scalp massage and citrus foot repair.

If you’re looking to get stoned, visit: Great Jones Spa (www.greatjonesspa.com) for their signature hot stone massage. Choose between a 60- or 90-minute treatment; either way, hot basalt stones are placed on strategic areas of the body. The deepest tissue layers are reached with this technique. The stones are used as massage tools, helping your therapist to penetrate deep, aching muscles and boost blood circulation. Cold stones are also used to reduce swelling.