An unlikely gift guide
A cure for writer's block and little bit of upward mobility
This week, our editors share their picks for shopping—or not—this holiday season.
1. Do something a little woo-wooie once in a while to get out of your head ($$$)
This month, I got a “Medicinal Muse” massage at the spa at the Chelsea Hotel. Regardless of whether or not you believe in the spiritual and/or physical power of holistic practices like massage and aromatherapy, any amount of time spent in a place where Patti Smith once lived has to be good for you.
The Medicinal Muse massage is billed as their “cure for writer’s block” to give you “untapped access to your artistic channels” and includes a sound bath, lots of hot stones and lavender sachets placed on your chakras, full body pressure-point release massage, and reiki-style energy movement.
It costs $205.00 and I’d do it again.
The spa opened in January 2024; it’s housed on the 11th floor of the hotel, in the spaces that used to be artist lofts. If you time your booking well, you may have the whole spa to yourself, as I did. There are cozy robes and slippers, a dry cedar steam room, a shower steam room with good toiletries like hair oil and face toner, lemon mint water dispensers in the lounging areas, and a basket of individually wrapped bamboo hairbrushes by the full-length mirror—with good ambient light—in the women’s locker room. They also have a patio with a view of the Empire State Building.
After my massage, I walked down the 11 flights of stairs and took pictures of all the artwork on the walls (my favorite is the 4th floor). Then I had a glass of red wine and some anchovies at El Quijito, one of the three bars on the lobby level.
I cannot tell you if my writer’s block is cured, but I am currently writing this, so it doesn’t not work.
—Marisol Aveline Delarosa
2. Aim high ($$+)
I’m reaching with my holiday wish list this year … for a climbing gym membership. For too long I’ve dreamt of kicking it with the trendiest recreational fitness enjoyers in the Big Apple, only to be daunted by the mountainous membership prices. Who says a humble Blink Fitness membership–holder can’t aspire to the highest crimp on the bouldering wall?
—Alex Rossen
3. Get some distance and pay (almost) nothing for peace of mind ($)
As a new resident of New York City, I have spent quite a bit of time exploring the major tourist attractions: typically overcrowded and underwhelming. But the $4 East River ferry ride that I took to Dumbo left me in awe. I got on just in time for sunset and was mesmerized at the view of the city I now call home. Being removed from the chaos—and watching it all from the water—has something in it for everyone. Nothing that I’ve experienced in New York yet has topped this.
—Hannah McIntyre