After scouring the streets of SoHo, where shopping can be endlessly overwhelming, retreat to this aptly named sanctuary on Mercer Street for some post-shop treatments. Haven is known for its stellar therapists that provide the very best services in an understated setting that encourages tranquility and relaxation. A large reception and retail area leads to the cozy lounge, where guests can sink into plush sofas before, between and after treatments. Fifteen opulently painted spa rooms, all located just off the main hallway, are warmly lit to create a soothing atmosphere. Haven also features a lively and bright area full of manicure and pedicure stations, a wet room for body scrubs and wraps and a discreet coed locker room. Offerings run the gamut from basic to complex; the more interesting are the specialized body therapies. Focused on specific parts, like your back and bum, the treatments borrow from global rituals and are a more luxurious counter to the requisite waxing and nail services most locals come here for.

The Menu: Facial therapies include Rehab, a facial that will bring your skin back from lifelessness in 75 minutes flat, and the Boot Camp, which will whip your face into shape and leave it toned and taut. Other highlights include the Hamman, a twist on a Moroccan ritual using African ingredients and recipes to cleanse and boost the body’s circulation; the Surf & Turf, which involves sea salt and hydrating mud; the Herbal Poultice Massage, an ancient Thai warrior treatment; and prenatal massage for mothers-to-be. Seasonal treatments, like those involving peppermint in winter and lavender in spring, also make guest appearances.

The Must-Have: The almost ouchless waxing services are the claim to fame here. Start off with the Peach Smoothie scrub to set free ingrown hairs and follow with a quick and easy waxing session (they’ll wax anywhere you like). Complete your visit with the Hot Chocolate, an ever-popular treatment that involves being wrapped in a warm milk mask, buffed to perfection with a cocoa and salt scrub and slathered in decadent chocolate-scented cream. You’ll smell good enough to eat!