With the release of the new Sex and the City 2 film, many tourists may be looking to New York as a backdrop for their upcoming girls’ getaway. A city of Cosmo martinis, designer shoe stores and posh lounges, Manhattan is the perfect pick for a girl-themed vacation. If you’re pressed for time, here’s a jam-packed itinerary for the short-term visitor.
Hip Hotel:
Among New York’s long list of hip hotels, the Crosby St. Hotel offers quaint, immaculately designed accommodations in Soho. This funky pad draws fashion magazine editors, models and executives alike. Matthew McConaughey was even spotted there a few weeks ago. http://www.firmdale.com/index.php?page_id=31
Official Sex and the City Tour:
On Location Tours offers a 3 1/2 hour guided bus tour of Sex and the City’s filming locations. See 40 hot spots including: Tiffany’s on Fifth Ave, where Charlotte gets engaged to Trey; the Pleasure Chest where the girls buy the “Rabbit”; Magnolia Bakery, where Carrie tells Miranda she has a new crush; and Carrie’s apartment in the trendy West Village. If you’re not up-to-speed on your Sex and the City trivia, fear not. Clips from the show play on tv screens overhead. If you’re a big Sex and the City fan, this tour is a fun glimpse into the real places behind your most loved fictional characters. www.screentours.com
Retail Therapy:
Not far from boutique-saturated Soho, the Young Designers Market has a great selection of one-of-a-kind jewellery, hats and clothing. Open from 11-7pm, it’s located at 268 Mulberry St (between Prince and Houston) and entrance is free every Saturday and Sunday. From there, go bargain hunting for designer discounts at Filene’s Basement (4 Union Square at E. 14th) or Century 21 (22 Cortlandt St. btw. Broadway and Church St.) For high-end apparel visit Fifth Avenue’s Takashimaya, one of the world’s largest chains of department stores.
Spa Divas:
After a long day of sight-seeing and shop-til-you-dropping, take some time for a Vitamin Infusion Facial at the Mandarin Oriental’s five-star spa. The relaxation begins a suggested 40 minutes before your actual treatment, with “heat experiences” – a bubbling pool of mineral water and a steam room that channels the healing powers of an amethyst crystal. The facial itself includes a collagen mask and a series of nutrient-infused creams massaged into the skin.
Trippy Theatre:
From the creators of the smash hit “De La Guarda”, comes “FuerzaBruta,” a theatrical extravaganza of sound, light and waterworks. This wordless show has the audience standing for 60 minutes, moving around the space, as fit performance artists writhe and run to techno music and strobe lights. With strong imagery that blends aerial with aquatic, it’s Cirque du Soleil on speed. If you don’t mind waiting in line, $25 rush tickets go on sale two hours before the performance. www.fuerzabruta.net
Hunkmania:
It’s Raining Men at Hunkmania. This male review, specializing in bacherlorette parties and girls’ night outs, has “certified hunks” taking their clothes off for an energetic crowd of screaming, tipsy women. The raunchy entertainment takes place at Club Duvet, where rippling abs, bulging biceps and over priced drinks are part of the package. Never-the-less, watching faux firemen and ninjas get down to their boxer-briefs is a fun, harmless way to let loose and get wild with the girls. Sex and the City Styles. Check out www.hunkmania.com
