Awards

New York's best: Spas and Sport

Scalp massages

Graceful Spa 56: Scalp and face massage
240 E 56th St between Second and Third Aves, No. 2W (212-755-5589, gracefulspa56.com). 45mins, $50. After asking if I wanted to include neck as well as scalp (I said yes), the massage therapist began working on my upper back with the heaviest pressure I’ve ever experienced—in a really good way. . She combed through my hair, covering the extent of my scalp, and worked over all the muscles of my face—pushing firmly on my temples, rubbing the muscles under my cheekbones, tugging on my ears.
Best part: Who’d have thought that firm karate chops directly to the top of the head would actually be invigorating?—AM