Just steps from Union Square Park lies a jewel of a spa. Lena Makushina and her sister Olya Piccirrillo have created an intimate and unpretentious peach-colored retreat for beautifying the face and body. Both women are trained in European skincare, and Lena worked at the nearby Bliss Spa for six years before opening Maksim in January 2000. They use in their services a variety of products including Karin Herzog, Sesha, and Cellex. Their Basic Facial draws a loyal following--we're not sure if it's the technique or the products used, but we fell in love with the pampering treatment as well. The duo offers sublime facials, massages, body treatments, and waxing. Also offered is an unusual reiki massage with reiki master Tamara Fogel that rebalances the body's energy reserves by doing a bit of ethereal roto-rooting on your chakras.