Spicy Black Pepper

In the wake of post-Memorial Day weekend food comas, just about all of us need a little detox.

Yesterday, Banyan Tree Thai Spa, a new outpost of holistic wellness on the lower east side of Manhattan, invited me to try out their signature body treatment: the black pepper wrap. Banyan Tree is innovative in that it mixes Eastern and Western traditions in an atmosphere of almost entirely organic ingredients.

The environment at Banyan Tree is intimate and cozy, a feel very reflective of the neighborhood the spa is nestled in. Upon my arrival I was given a refreshing glass of green-ginseng ice tea, and shown around the facilities before being ushered down to the private oasis in the basement where my body wrap would occur.

The Thai Black Pepper wrap, I learned, is a long-time Thai secret to stimulating and revitalizing the vascular and lymphatic systems. This, as well as the cellulite massage you receive during the treatment, can also energize your metabolism, encourage detoxification, and long-term, help in weight reduction.

A relaxing two hours in a spa that may also kill my butt dimples? Sign me up.

My treatment began with complete disrobement and relaxation in a private alcove. As the first step of the process was administered - a soothing green tea body scrub - I found myself lulling off to the serene music and dimmed lights. The body scrub includes every inch of you (from top to bottom, even my toes got in on the action), and leaves skin baby-soft. This is followed by the massaging in of the black pepper oils, whose spicy heat attacks cellulite.

The black pepper extract mixture is left applied, as my body was wrapped and covered with towels so that I could simmer in it for about 15 minutes. The feeling was warm, a slight slow burn. When the time is over, the peppers are cleared with hot towels, and green tea lotion is applied to the entire body. Toxins leaving may mean peeing for days, but it may just be with the softest skin of your life.

Oh, and my smooth and sexy skin just happens to be a little more toned, no vacuum necessary.
As I walked back to the subway, I had an overwhelming desire to return to my hidden Ludlow street oasis…but alas…our time together will remain a special memory.

Banyan Tree Thai Spa, 122 Ludlow Street, between Delancey and Rivington Streets (212-598-4241 or banyantreenyc.com).