YES‼  You heard right!  There is actually a salon in Manhattan with outside services‼ It is called Spa Bene and its located on the Upper West Side (Columbus between 82 and 83 Streets). As you probably know by now, I am more-than-average cautious when it comes to COVID, so I have not been to a salon since February.    Although my daughter Nina (age 10) gives an awesome massage indeed, after 6 months, I decided it was time to seek professional help for my old lady achy back.  My friend Vanessa recommended Spa Bene so I decided to give it a try.  (I am forever indebted, Vanessa! XXOO)

Was it COVID Cautious inside?

I made an appointment by phone and specifically requested for my services to be provided outside.  Entering the salon, I first noticed how clean it was.  Everyone (customers and staff) wore face coverings, and each manicure and pedicure station was separated by plexiglass partitions.  There was a hands free thermometer to check my temperature and I was immediately escorted to the sink for hand washing. 

What was it like outside?

I was shown to the outside patio, which is in the back of the salon.  The area was not gorgeous or fancy, but there were some flower planters to provide a bit of ambience.  I was the only customer taking advantage of the outside space when I went.  It felt like an urban oasis that was tucked away and private (despite all of the surrounding residential buildings with windows and terraces overlooking the space).

How was the service? 

I settled in a comfy lawn chair that reclined a bit, and indulged in a deep happy breath (through my mask of course).  Before my pedicure, I was asked to sign and initial two forms.  One was the standard I-don’t-have-COVID consent waiver that I have previously seen at the dentist office.  The other was a customer log, which I assume is for tracing purposes. 

From there, it was all bliss.  I got a pedicure with a 10-minute food massage first.  It was amazing.  While my toe polish dried, I treated myself to a chair massage.  The hum of the huge air conditioning and other machines motors, along with the light summer breeze somehow transported me to a tropical island.  It was heaven on earth to just escape from it all for an hour.  I loved every single second of my time at Spa Bene, a salon in Manhattan with outside services‼

To read more COVID-Cautious Adventures, check out:

1. Six Flags Drive Though Safari
2. The Storm King Art Center
3. COVID-safe dinner and movie in Brooklyn NYC
4. The emotional onslaught of COVID-19
5. The Early Days of COVID19 With Kids

Also, please join, post and share my new FB Page: I Still Love New York!