USP The first of the renowned spa chain and skincare brand, Bliss SoHo succeeds in offering super-effective services in a fun, "no attitude" atmosphere. Situated in the Notting Hill of New York, it fully encompasses the "SoHo feeling": relaxed, modern and trendy.

AMBIENCE Expect Ella (Fitzgerald) instead of Enya; irreverent instead of austere; inviting instead of intimidating, and lots of latitude instead of attitude. The moment you walk through the large, glass doors you are welcomed into a brightly lit reception area that has clearly been designed with the term "bliss" in mind. There are calming blue lights, feathers on the floor, glitter in the tiles and cherubs on the ceiling.

The changing rooms are modern with a dreamy palette of sea-green glass tiles and limestone. Once in the showers you are surrounded by a punchy bed of grass tiles and a photographic aerial of fresh green grass. It's a very engaging visual experience that feels as though you’re having a shower al-fresco! Throughout the spa you can hear the cheerful tunes of Gershwin and Ella Fitzgerald. I was shocked to hear jazz during my treatment but it added a nice edge, different to mellow spa tunes.

EXPERIENCE New York makes me think, "rushed" - will the therapist have time for me? Thankfully, she did. I chose the Fully Loaded Facial, which takes the facial experience to another level. Every product used was suited to my skin type, this ranged from a fruity acid wash to a creamy cleanser. After a thorough cleanse, a thick seaweed mask was painted on my face and left for ten minutes. My skin felt like it had taken a dip in the sea and emerged renewed and hydrated. It was cool and refreshing, total relaxation.

As if cleansing and rejuvenating my skin wasn’t enough, the therapist went on to perform a relaxing neck and shoulder massage. So relaxing that I found myself slipping into a light sleep, I think I was dreaming about eating chocolate; yes, the massage was that relaxing. I was awoken by the feeling of a gentle foot massage. But it didn’t end there. She began working on my scalp with an acupressure application of enriching oils, conditioning cream and a stimulating massage. The Fully Loaded experience finished with a blast of O2 spray - an oxygen vacuum packed with vitamins, minerals and detoxifying properties.

FOOD I spotted a plate of apples at the front desk but from there onwards I forgot about being healthy. The waiting area welcomed me with a delightful plate of treats: brownies, an array of cookies, a cheese and cracker platter, cucumber slices and an assortment of olives. It might as well be a whole day of treats, right? So, I indulged, "Big Apple"’ style. To drink, there is a selection of teas, lemonade and water.

IN-CROWD A mixture of hip regulars, locals and young tourists. In keeping with the area, celebrity clientele includes, Liv Tyler, Mariska Hargitay and Molly Sims.

WALLET WATCH The Fully Loaded Facial is 1hr 40min and cost $195 (£97). The Bliss Basic Facial is 1hr and costs £50. All products used are available to purchase. The Love Handler treatment tackles the spare tyre and cellulite with a vacuum-assisted massage and adipose-assaulting essential oils (60 minutes for £65).

NEED TO KNOW Bliss SoHo, 568 Broadway 2nd Floor, NYC NY 10012 ([001] 212 965 8599; www.blissworld.com/spa/)

For more than 200 independent spa reviews worldwide: timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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