It was a quick one, this last trip to New York, but that didn’t stop me from trying to fit in all my favourite goodness within a 48 hour span. Admittedly, I was there for longer than 48 hours; however, I had the weekend free to explore with my soul sister Annika (who you might have met on snapchat – snap.kate – or instagram last weekend).
Alright, let’s get to it!
Fave Natural Beauty Spots
Yes, there are a great many places to stop and find natural beauty products around the city, but these are my favourite stops that I rarely miss each time I’m in the city.
Pratima Skin Care & Spa in Soho
I’ve been using Pratima’s products on and off (in between testing) for a long time, and this time I had the pleasure of experiencing the spa – and also picking up some of my old favourites.
I had an Ayurvedic facial with products chosen specifically for my skin type (when you visit the spa, you fill out a questionnaire that helps the aesthetician select the right products for your dosha).
The spa is tranquil and beautiful, located right in Soho, so very convenient to slip in after your shopping in the morning.
Above are some of my favourite Pratima produts – including the Pitta Essential oil and the Liposomes. Liposomes is an antioxidant serum (Vitamin C packed) that literally “transports” the essential oils deep into the skin, helping to renew cells, stimulate collagen and minimize skin “imperfections.”
Following my treatment, I was feeling all glowy, so I took a selfie. The treatment was very gentle, but still included extractions and these awesome heated gloves and heated bed (which is quite relaxing, even that it’s so warm outside). My skin was left seriously luminous – see below sans makeup before bed.
PH7 Nail Salon in Brooklyn
A cool, new little find in Brooklyn is the Ph7 salon. They carry all 3-free and 5-free polishes as well as natural skincare for the feet and hands. You can get a basic manicure for only $18 USD and basic pedi for $30 USD.
You can find this cute little salon on Grand Street or online here.
ABC Carpet & Home on Broadway
The main floor is a mecca for green beauty – think RMS, Kahina, Tata Harper, Herbivore, and the list goes on and on and on. Needless to say, this should be on your list next time you’re in Manhattan (they also have locations in the Bronx and Delray Beach).
Best Yoga Studios in NYC
Alright, NYC needs a new studio like it needs… well, nothing. That being said there are some selected faves that make most yogi-turists’ lists when they’re in the Big Apple. Here are my top picks, supplemented with some favourites from my dear friends and the owners of Leela Yoga in Oslo.
Sky Ting Yoga
Located in China Town, Sky Ting is a mainly vinyasa based studio – each teacher combines vinyasa style blended with several other styles, which may include Katonah, Pranayama, Meditation, Kundalini and Classical Hatha. Check out their schedule here.
Laughing Lotus
Located in Chelsea, this studio is focused on fun and being free to express yourself in your practice. Most of the classes are vinyasa style with great play lists. You can also find Laughing Lotus in Brooklyn (Williamsburg).
The Class with Taryn Toomey
I never got to this class – or rather, The Class, but my fellow yogini and bestie Kelsi raved about it. Taryn Toomey is quickly picking up awareness outside the bounds of NYC. The class is a “75 minute cathartic mind-body experience.” The site states: you shake, you pulse, you bounce, and you use sound to break open and activate stagnant “layers” in the body where stress, tension, and emotions are stored. I can’t wait to be back and try it out for myself.
Golden Bridge Yoga for Kundalini
For those of you who are interested in Kundalini Yoga, check out Golden Bridge! For those of you that aren’t familiar with kundalini, it is a physical and meditative discipline that combines postures (asanas), breath (pranayama), and the chanting of mantras. The studio was founded by Gurmukh, who began by teaching in her home in 1992, Golden Bridge is one of the most well-known kundalini studios in the US.
Fave Wellness Restaurants & Cafes in NYC
Just like the number of yoga studios, the wealth of wellness eateries is massive. Here are *a few* of my favourite quick eats and dinner spots around the city. Not all are vegetarian, but the ones that aren’t are very “friendly” to us veggies – meaning you can find really delicious vegetarian dishes on the menu. Again, this is a quick selection, so comment below with your faves so I can try them out on my next stop to NYC.
Juice Press
The easiest grab and go spot – juices, smoothies and acai bowls all quick and ready to go. It’s the perfect spot when you haven’t a minute to lose – which kind of feels like “all the minutes” when you’re in NYC. My favourite juice is Mother Earth, which is mainly greens, and USDA Organic. Love.
The Fat Radish
Photo from @thefatradish
I’ve eaten here once, and I will be back. While The Fat Radish isn’t a vegetarian restaurant – in fact it is far from – but, they have amazing vegetarian options on the menu. Think Roasted Squash with dandelion pesto and Heirloom carrots, avocado, crispy kale and Hijiki salad. This is the perfect spot to suggest if you’re dining with some of your less veggie-friendly friends – or, if you’re not a veggie, you’ll also find lots of health-conscious options on the menu. :)
Dimes
Photo from CleanFoodDirtyCity.com
I’m loving Dimes – a self proclaimed “eclectic, health-conscious Californian-style fare dished in a minimalist, white-&-blond-wood space.” And yes, that is exactly what it is. Stuffed mushrooms with hazelnut pesto? Yes please! Packed with veggie and non-veg options galore, another great option when you or your friends aren’t “veggies” but love your veggies. ;) They also have a market across the sweet in Chinatown, which is packed with organic products from skincare to local farm fresh fruits and veg.
The Butcher’s Daughter
A regular spot when I’m in the city is the Butcher’s Daughter. Why? They consider themselves a “vegetable slaughterhouse” – alongside also being a juice bar and cafe. Come here for the best in smashed avocado toast, green juices and coconut cardamon chai tea. Seriously good stuff. Don’t miss this spot.
Dirt Candy
Photo from dirtycandynyc
Dirty Candy is one of the best know veggie restaurants in NYC. The food is fantastic. Seriously. Located in the East Village this restaurant has grown in the past few years after much demand for more space. Check out their menu here, and book a table – space is tight.
Bare Burger
Bare Burger is not a vegan or vegetarian joint, but when you’re hanging with carnivores, my goodness is this burger the best. A collard green’s wrapped sweet potato burger that was somewhat life changing. I’ve tried to recreate this since getting home and have failed miserably. Not sure what the secret ingredient is, but this one is a must, must, must! Find them all around the city.
Just for Fun
Little Lions Cat Cafe
Yup, there is a cat cafe in NYC and for just $6 USD you can go drink tea with them for 30 minutes. Needless to say, this was my highlight. The cats are all rescued from shelters and most have a pretty lovely temperament.
Fire Island
Just a little boat, taxi and ferry ride away from Manhattan is Fire Island – an awesome spot for a day at a beach that feels like you’re south of Europe (aside from all the English being spoken around you). It only takes about an hour and a half to get there, and is totally worth the day trip.
Well, that’s my rundown, but what I would love to hear from you? I would LOVE to hear about your favourite spots (beauty, yoga, eats and anything else that might be right up my wellness alley). Share in the comments below!
X
K
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