I hit an all-time record on my step-counting app yesterday thanks to hustling around the city to cheer on one of my good friends in the TCS New York City Marathon. My mileage pales in comparison to the 26.2 mile course conquered by more than 50,000 runners on Sunday. After a windy, cold start and successfully navigating all five Boroughs, everyone at the finish looked like they deserved some serious spa relaxation and rejuvenation. Several luxe locations in the city are offering prime pampering for achy feet, tight muscles, and overall fatigue and we checked in with spa directors for their treatments of choice.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York offers the Soul Remedy Pedicure ($140, 80 minutes), which is power-pedi designed to treat sore feet utilizing calendula, rosemary, and arnica to invigorate, restore, and repair. Also a hit after pounding the pavement is the Therapeutic Massage (starting at $315, 80 minutes), which relies on concentrated pressure and special forearm and elbow techniques to dissolve body pains and strains.
Langham Place Spa (New York City) has Chuan-Inspired Feet Retreat ($175, 60 minutes) to enhance circulation and enliven tired, aching feet and Swedish Massage ($200, 60 minutes; $275, 90 minutes) with a blend of geranium rose, sandalwood, lavender, and orange essential oil to relieve muscle tension on the menu. "Spending time in our chill room can ease soreness, decrease swelling and reduce time spent in recovery. Ice is a standard first aid treatment for sore muscles because it reduces inflammation, the primary source of post-exercise muscle soreness," says Gaylen Marano, spa director at Langham Place, Fifth Avenue. "Our Chill Room helps to restrict the flow of blood to your already inflamed muscles, and has an immediate effect on reducing pain. Also, spending 10 to 15 minutes in our Steam Rooms or Hammam will reduce inflammation and reduce lactic acid in the muscles, which can lead to a burning sensation after physical exertion."
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park revived runners with an After-Run Small Bites menu—salmon with rice and vegetables, banana protein smoothies, and more—at Auden Bistro & Bar, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of New York also gifted hotel guests with a special fitness amenity—Skins compression socks, protein bars, energy chews, and exercise drinks.
Read more here about fitness and nutrition tips that kept runners going all 26.2 miles.