In her duet "Empire State of Mind" with Jay Z, the lovely Alicia Keys belts out, "Now you're in New York! These streets will make you feel brand new." While Ms. Keys may always emerge from the grit of Gotham sidewalks looking fresh as a daisy, we for one aren't always so fortunate. Far from making us feel brand new, the frenetic streets of New York can leave our feet aching, our hair tempest-tossed, and our serenity frayed.

Thank goodness for the city's lavish full-service spas that transport us from pounding the pavement to the ultimate in pampering. Not surprisingly, many of the best ones can be found at luxurious hotels where spoiling you rotten is business as usual. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will lift you so high above street level (with stellar views of Central Park and the Hudson River) that you'll feel like you're floating on a cloud all the way to the Far East. While the massages and aromatherapy incorporating Asian methods provide expert relaxation, heat experiences like the vitality pool and amethyst crystal steam room melt away any remaining traces of street-induced stress.

For a high of a different sort, you might want to sample the fruits of Caudelie Vinothérapie Spa in the Plaza Hotel. The spa exploits the world's oldest stress remedy: wine. Swap a nerve-jangling New York cab for a soul-soothing Cabernet in the waiting room-cum-wine lounge (there's an in-house sommelier!), and then let the fruits of the vine rejuvenate your skin (and your spirit) with a Merlot wrap or Wine Maker's Massage.

But if you'd prefer to detox from such intoxicating indulgences (not to mention the tailpipe exhaust from the streets), then wellness-focused exhale might be right up your alley. The mind-body spa has a full range of traditional treatments, but their highly acclaimed yoga and Core Fusion classes are the big draw. Between the massages and fitness experiences, you'll emerge with every knot untwisted (if only we could same the same for New York traffic).

Then again, if you don't have time for full-body rejuvenation, there are plenty of stellar single-service spas scattered throughout the city that will have you looking and feeling fabulous in a New York minute. Subway grates may have made Marilyn Monroe more glamorous, but we prefer a blast of air from a professional blow dryer. Whip those windswept locks into traffic-stopping shape at Blow, a blow dry bar that'll leave you looking salon-tastic for days. Or, sit in one of the master's chairs at Frédéric Fekkai for a killer cut and style, not to mention some calm amid hectic Fifth Avenue. For the ultimate in city-that-never-sleeps styling, swing by Hair Party 24 hours, a full-service salon that's oh-so-conveniently open 'round the clock.

But for the hair that you'd rather not be there, New York has got you well covered. Fierce competition among depilatory practitioners means great prices and cutting-edge techniques for your hirsute needs. Shobha leaves no follicle un-groomed with its one-two punch of waxing and threading. Laser hair removal or lavender wax at Completely Bare takes the sting out of the process, while Swarovski crystal body accessories make it chic.

In addition to its hair styling and hair removal parlors, New York is also famous for its corner nail salons. If your toesies have been taking a beating hoofing it down, say, Madison Avenue, you'll be relieved to pop into the nearest branch of Dashing Diva for a pretty pedi. It's la vie en rose inside the salon's bright bubble gum walls–feel free to get "girly girl" with all-out-diva pink polish. Or, take a step into the "softer terrain" of Jin Soon Hand & Foot Spa, where you can soak your weary feet in marble bowls filled with rose petals and then get your digits glammed up with precision polish (they paint right to left, not through the center)–whatever nail color you choose, you'll be reenergized to hit those streets again to paint the town red.

And finally, if you want to put your best face forward, sidestep the pampering and get down to business at cult facialists Ling Skin Care (East-meets-West herbal facials) or Gita Gabriel Salon and Spa (celeb-beloved anti-aging). Their specialized techniques are sure to turn back the hands of time on your skin. In fact, it's spa miracles like these that will refresh your perspective on those New York streets. After a beautification or relaxation experience at any of our spa picks, you're bound to see the Big Apple grid through Ms. Keys's rose-colored spectacles: "street lights, big dreams all looking pretty."

Photo of Shobha courtesy of Shobha