NEW YORK (AP) — Grand Central isn’t exactly known as a temple of tranquility and relaxation.

But from Oct. 31-Nov. 3, when the Spa Experience comes to the landmark train station, busy commuters and visitors to the city will be able to chill out a little and sample a massage before running for the 5:17 train home to the ‘burbs.

Fifty destination spas and spa beauty companies will have booths at the Spa Experience, from Miraval, Life in Balance, the Tuscon, Ariz., spa, to the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla.

The event is free and open to the public.

A spa retreat centre will offer private areas where visitors can receive a sample beauty treatment or mini-spa treatment for free. There will also be some giveaways and samples, and a number of retailers at Grand Central will be offering tie-in discounts to beauty products, food and other merchandise.

In addition, guests will be able to learn more about the spas, book trips or buy a gift certificate from Spa Finder, redeemable at 3,500 spas worldwide.

The first Spa Experience was held this past July in Aspen. “It was such a success that it is expanding to a two-day event” in Aspen next year on Aug. 9-10, said Patrick Kowalczyk, spokesman for Spa Finder.

If the Grand Central event is successful, “Spa Finder will consider whether to expand to other destinations in 2008 and 2009,” Kowalczyk said. San Francisco, Chicago, and Dallas are under consideration as possible hosts for other events, he added.

The Spa Experience at Grand Central will take place 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2 and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Nov. 1 and Nov. 3.

Details at http://www.spafinder.com/thespaexperience.com.

Popularity: 27%

Categories: SPA NEWS