When I heard about Numero Water Boutique, I had to go.
Before I continue writing, allow me to add two important disclaimers. One, I’m half Japanese and two, I have been a patron of many Asian spas…in Asia. When I was remodeling my house, I ripped out pages from Asia Spa Magazine for inspiration. I expected Numero to be decorated like a spa in Asia Spa Magazine, which thankfully it was. Also, I did receive the foot bath complimentary.
Numero has a great location on India Street in Little Italy. I went on a Saturday, which is when the farmer’s market runs. I keep forgetting to go to the farmer’s market there but when I remember, I’ll duck into Numero to grab some green tea and have a footbath. Anyway, as I walked upstairs into the boutique I noticed the zen, minimal decoration. They have beautiful, contemporary teaware and dishes, books, kimono fabrics, jewelry and artwork for sale. I immediately recognized some teaware as Hakusan. If you ever have the privilege of visiting Tokyo, I highly recommend visiting Hakusan. It’s a little bit off the beaten path in Aoyama but worth the visit. I left Tokyo with several pieces but if it weren’t for the fact that I didn’t know how to effectively get large quantities of fragile items back to the US eventually, I would have purchased more. So, I was sold on Numero as soon as I saw the Hakusan.
After browsing the facilities and chatting with the very nice staff, I settled into a footbath. You have a footbath while sitting on a large white sofa that has a view of the hustle and bustle down below on India Street. I chose dried lavender and jasmine oil for my bath. They use the same wooden tubs that Hong Kong foot reflexology spas use for foot baths. I soaked and read books about green tea. I will say that if you choose dried lavendar (one of my favorite scents) it’s a teeny bit hard to clean off afterward because the petals are so small. They have other flowers to choose from. Now, you absolutely must keep in mind that you are not soaking in San Diego tap water. Your feet are in mineral water imported from Mt Fuji. It just feels….well, different. Soft. It was enjoyable, to say the least!
After my footbath I had my very first ever water tasting. Numero is, after all, a Water Boutique. The three waters offered by Numero Water derive from three separate sources in the foothills of Mt. Fuji Japan, a region located on the Izu Peninsula and recognized as one of the greatest natural resources in the world. The water sources pass through a natural geological purification formation tens of thousands of years old. Each type of water tastes slightly different and has different benefits.
Numero 29 seems to be their “everyday” water that suits everybody. It’s one of the softest waters in the world and very easily absorbed into the body. Look for it soon in restaurants.
Numero 51is great for athletes because the bicarbonate in it helps buffer lactic acid generated during exercise that causes cramping. Numero 51 is from Hakone which is a place I’ve always wanted to spa.
Numero 76is the one I took home. It’s naturally enhanced with metasilicic acid which helps promotes healthy skin, hair and nails. Apparently, Japanese women like to wash their faces with it. Must be nice!
Numero has a tea room in the back where they will make you hot or cold tea to sip there or take away. It’s very, very good green tea. One thing I miss about Hong Kong is having cold green tea sold like soda is here. I’ve sipped a ton of good green tea in my lifetime. I wrote about the benefits of green tea previously. If you’re at Numero, try the pear flavor. As soon as they get it back in stock, I’m going to purchase it.
They have a room designed for Japanese tea ceremonies, which they are just starting to do. On Thursdays, they host an Ikebana flower arranging class for $15 plus materials. THAT is a bargain. I’m going to attend one on 9/24. They host other informational sessions like Feng Shui. They are building their list of services, aside from the footbaths, but right now this also includes foot reflexology and accupuncture. Living in Hong Kong, I’ve done a lot of both. Foot reflexology, I’m convinced, is what saved my feet from swelling up a size when I was pregnant. Every time my shoes felt tight, I’d go get some. Try it! I hope that Numero posts a full menu of services and price list on their website soon. I think this will help get people in the door. I bought a reflexology treatment at Numero through their BuyWithMe.com promotion so I’ll write about that when I go.
Numero Water is also dedicated to preserving the environment and reducing its carbon footprint by being a CarbonFree® Partner with Carbonfund.org and using promotional paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or made from 100% recycled material.
So if you’re thirsty in Little Italy, head up to Numero for a drink and give your feet a break while you enjoy it! And pick up some Hakusan.
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