(Don't) B bougie...

...Or at least that's what my girlfriend told me when I arrived at Green Phoenix Spa.

Here's the story...I decided to try a new spa during Spa Week (which ends on April 22nd, so book your appointments if you haven't already). My usual Enya-playing, Fiji-water with orange-slices serving, white robe and matching slipper spot, Oasis Day Spa, is a constant throughout the year, so I took my girlfriend's suggestion and tried out Green Phoenix for a change of pace. She didn't tell me much, but promised I'd be impressed by their techniques.

When I arrived at the spa, which occupied the 2nd floor of a building with a bodega, key shop, or maybe a sandwhich shop underneath it, I didn't know what I'd gotten my self into. After checking in and waiting for the service, I immediately started texting and and blaming my girl for this misstep. All she said was, "Have you had the service yet?...don't be bougie."

Deciding to let the work speak for itself, I sat back and observed the women, all dressed in matching green scrubs, as they quietly buzzed around the modest setting. After being escorted to my "room" which was a sectioned-off curtain with a bed, reminiscent of a (non-private) hospital room, I just closed my eyes and obediently got on the table. That's when the magic began... The expert hands of the aestitician hit every pressure point, left no region untouched, and pummeled me to the point where it just hurt so good. At that point, I had totally forgotten my foreign surroundings. Although she left for 2 minutes to answer the door in the middle of my service (a bit short-staffed), it gave me a chance to reel from the euphoric state she put me in.

Sometimes the 60-minute massage leaves you wondering why you just paid $95 for something you could have employed your significant other for at no cost. But Green Phoenix gave me the most bang for my buck, and then some. It was a low-frills experience, but more than made up for it with the high-quality of work. It was a classic case of under-promising and over-delivering.

It might not be too late to try out the massage for $50 (otherwise $60) during Spa Week, but don't delay. I've also heard wonderful things about the facial, which is next on my to-do list.

(I've gotta thank my girl Chauncie, at VIBE, for the recommendation. Sorry for doubting you!)