Summer Treatments: Cowshed @ Soho House

Remember the episode of Sex and the City when Samantha was so desperate to get into the Soho House that she stole a Brit’s pass to gain access to the ever-exclusive roof-deck pool?  Well Samantha didn’t know that the real draw in the summer is the Soho House’s spa, Cowshed!

Cowshed, which also happens to be a British import, began in 1998 at Somerset’s Babington House, and was one of the first spas to focus its product line on natural, plant-based ingredients.  Combining nature and luxury, Cowshed has perfected signature treatments that are particularly good for the summer season.

Starting the summer with a good wax and a great pedicure is oh-so-important, so I paid a visit to Cowshed to kick off my summer beauty regimen.  My appointment with the lovely Elena Capo did not disappoint!  Though I arrived a bit  behind schedule, I was able to unwind for a few minutes in the spa’s relaxation room, where I sipped tea and nibbled on tiny and very delicious meringues.

After a few minutes of calm I undressed for my Brazilian bikini wax.  Not to go into too much detail, but over the years I’ve learned that every waxing technician has a different technique, particularly when it comes to waxing the derriere area.  I’ve heard (and experienced) some horror stories when it comes to that particular subject; everything from tales of acrobatic-legs-in-the-air waxing to being told to get on all fours.  But I was pleasantly surprised when I was simply asked to roll onto my belly and seconds later the whole experience was over!

Next I was led to a private cove where I picked my polish, which I happily noted was “big 3 free,” meaning that it didn’t include the three most talked about toxic ingredients generally included in most nail paints. Then I quietly flipped through magazines on a tuft of pillows while enjoying a salt scrub and polish.  After my peaceful pedicure, I was ushered back into the relaxation room where, much to my surprise, I closed my eyes and woke up close to 15 minutes later with dry toes and no stress about stepping back out into the rainy evening!  They weren’t kidding when they said relaxation room!

The Cowshed brand has several locations, including a Cowshed spa in Berlin and a soon-to-be-opened location in Miami.  Learn more about Cowshed’s summer treatments like waxing, body scrubs, and manicures and pedicures.  Soho House New York, 29-35 Ninth Ave. New York, NY 10014; (646) 253-6111