A day of self-care on the Upper East Side

Transform your next New York visit into a thoughtfully curated journey to rejuvenate the mind, soothe the soul and awaken the senses. Recalibrate your spirit with a day of indulgent self-care near The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel.

From the tranquillity of The Surrey Spa featuring Sisley, to the avant-garde resonance of sound therapy at Sage + Sound, each experience is a deliberate step away from the predictable. This is not just a day of pampering - it’s a journey that invites you to explore, to wonder and to emerge transformed.

Sounds inviting? Let's begin your day as the city stirs, when the light is soft, and the streets hum with possibility.

Step 1: Morning spa session, courtesy of Sisley

Our day of self-care starts a few footsteps from your room, at The Surrey Spa. Drawing on the expertise of Sisley, our on-site spa offers a sanctuary of indulgence that feels both timeless and effortlessly chic.

We recommend a Black Rose Replumping Facial and Scalp Massage. A ritual that combines the nourishing power of black rose and hibiscus extract with a soothing scalp massage, one session will rejuvenate your spirit and restore the natural glow of your skin.

After that, enter deep relaxation in the Salt Tepidarium. Here, warmth isn’t just warmth - it’s a soft embrace of mineral-rich air that feels like the pause between breaths. The space cocoons you in comfort, leaving guests restored, radiant, and ready for the day ahead.

Step 2: Take a peaceful walk in Central Park

When you've reached wellness nirvana, what could be better than a stroll in the park? Felicitously, Central Park is an oasis at the heart of New York City and it's a short walk from the hotel lobby.

Start at the Mall, where the cathedral-like canopy of elms forms a living gallery of light and shadow, and the air seems to hum with quiet sophistication. Follow the path north to Bethesda Terrace and feel the city’s pulse soften into something more intimate, more serene.

At the Terrace, take a moment (or linger) beside the Angel of the Waters fountain and let tranquillity take over as you share her gaze across the shimmering lake. Admire the beautiful and intricate Minton tiles - their vibrant patterns, a whispered secret from the past.

If you can tear yourself away from the street performances and elegance of Bethesda, delve a little deeper into Central Park. Take in the whimsical vantage points of Belvedere Castle, or wander through gardens that feel like stolen moments from Florence, Versailles, or the English countryside.

Step 3: Sound therapy and meditation at Sage + Sound

As the afternoon unfolds, it’s time to let your mind wander and your senses recalibrate with a sound therapy session at Sage + Sound - a sanctuary where modernity meets mysticism in the most unexpected ways.

For the uninitiated, sound therapy is an innovative wellness technique that draws on the delicate interplay of sonic frequencies, drawing from the precision of science and the poetry of ancient Reiki traditions. The Upper East Side's Sage + Sound is one of the world's great sound therapy centres.

At Sage + Sound meditation isn’t just practice; it’s an art form. Sessions take place in a serene and softly lit space with a backdrop of Tibetan singing bowls - gently soothing your mind as you meditate and recharge. The air carries the faintest whisper of lavender, completing a symphony of senses - sound, scent, and serenity.

Each session is orchestrated by practitioners who seem to understand the unspoken rhythms of your being - guiding you through a regenerative experience as you rediscover the quiet magic of listening.

Step 4: Savor a mindful dinner

Eating well is an essential part of any self-care routine. Mindful dining on the Upper East Side offers a kind of alchemy, transforming moments into memories. Feel free to discover your own place of rest and refinement. However, in our opinion, two favorites stand out.

Firstly, at Café Boulud the art of dining feels like a conversation rather than a performance. Run by legendary French chef Daniel Boulud (creator of the Michelin-starred Daniel restaurant), this cafe is refined but approachable. It's a relaxing place where masters weave seasonal ingredients into celestial dishes.

The menu is a love letter to nature’s cadence, shifting with the months so that every visit feels like rediscovering an old friend with new stories to tell.

East Pole is another local gem we adore, where chefs fuse simplicity and creativity. The farm-to-table philosophy isn’t a trend here, it’s a quiet commitment to letting ingredients speak for themselves. Linger over each bite, each sip, as the evening unfolds at its own unhurried pace. It’s not just a meal; it’s a reminder that the best things in life are savored, not rushed.

Both restaurants provide more than sustenance. They offer a refuge where you can reconnect with the joy of discovery. And isn’t that what self-care is all about?