USP Any skimping on interior design is more than made up for the skilled and compassionate staff.

AMIENCE There's a slightly scruffy Seventies feel to this third-floor spa, which is essentially a beauty parlour, so there were treatment rooms but no facilities such as sauna or gym.

EXPERIENCE The skilled and friendly staff transcend the down-at-heel atmosphere. Treatments were well executed and effective. My nail polish shone like a Porsche and lasted a week and a "European style" facial made me feel ten years younger.

FOOD Not really a food place but it does lovely herbal teas.

IN CROWD Ladies who shop till they drop — and then get a manicure; it’s two minutes from the shopping mecca of Fifth Avenue.

WALLET WATCH Nails, facial and a 30-minute massage cost me $118 (£65). No wonder New Yorkers always look better than we do.

NEED TO KNOW Dorit Baxter New York Day Spa, 47 West 57th Street, New York (001 212 371 4542; www.newyorkdayspa.com)

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