What can you say about Harlem? The energy, the hustle, the blackness, the brownness -- all of these make Harlem what it is today. The unique combination of sizzling style, afro-dynamics, creativity and raw energy has been pulling people Uptown for decades. And guess what? Ain't a damn thing changed.

Every red hot yang needs a cool blue ying, though, so BV decided to explore the soothing side of the Uptown mix, scoping out some of Harlem’s many opportunities to relax and chill. In other words, here's your guide to Uptown chillaxing.

A Place to Lay Your Head
If you want a low-key lay-down while you're in Manhattan, the Harlem Flophouse will do you right. Tucked away on W. 123rd Street, its distressed chic décor is a cross between Mother Dear's house and 'Wallpaper Magazine'. Ambiance oozes from the vintage black books on the shelves, as well as from the well-restored furniture and the polished wood floors. Jazz classics play, and two friendly housecats make it downright homey. According to handsome owner René Calvo, the building was a flophouse in the literal sense way-back-when, with the very down-and-out coming to flop for a small fee. Calvo has more than upgraded the building, but do know that technically, it still is a flophouse: unlike traditional bed & breakfasts, meals are not served (but breakfast is available for purchase). On the other hand, the nightly rate ($100 single/$125 double) is hard to beat in Manhattan these days. There's a spacious living room and cozy parlor, and the bathrooms on each floor are shared European-style (and restored with gorgeous marble and new plumbing). When you do step outside, you're minutes from subways and a blizzard of taxis. (Be sure to ask René for one of his very cute, very useful illustrated maps of Harlem.)

Inner-City Peace
So you're on a mission for tranquility within, hmmm? Well, you're in luck. Ta Yoga House is your spiritual rejuvenation destination above 96th Street. Owner (and yoga instructor) Teresa Kennedy has been making bodies and minds more flexible in her space for two years now. Ta Yoga, Harlem's first yoga studio, offers a variety of de-stressing yoga classes in a warm, bright, polished space; as well, Teresa also teaches in the local community, spreading the good news about yoga's health-inspiring abilities. All the required equipment (yoga mats, pillows, etc.) is provided, and between the low fees and the after-class tea, you're getting a real bargain. Kennedy is not just a gracious and encouraging instructor, but she’s also a certified yoga success story. A former media exec who stressed herself to the point of collapse, she became an instructor after yoga literally saved her life. Once you master the lotus position, ask her to tell you all about it.

Saving Your Face
After you've gotten your inner-self settled down, don't forget to do something to rejuvenate your outer facade. Turning Heads Salon and Spa is an oasis of peace and calm. It's an elegant establishment located right on Lenox Avenue. Owner Shannon Ayers first opened the spa blocks away at the old Harlem YMCA on 135th Street nearly 15 years ago. She bought the current space just before Harlem's recent real estate explosion and the rest is history -- or the future, as it were. Shannon, a consummate hostess, will deliver you to the magically gentle hands of aesthetician Tracy Neely in the instantly calming spa area. There you'll find manicures, pedicures, mind-blowing massages, the luxurious Turning Heads Signature Facial, and a whole menu of other spa treatments. Upstairs, there's an airy salon that bubbles with laughter, hair-smoke and mirrors – much as you’d expect to find in any room full of sisters getting their hair did. When you visit, be sure to check out the collection of antique pressing combs, curling irons and blow dryers, and in the spa restroom, read the wallpaper made from historical cosmetics ads and labels.

Getting Your Fill
The last stop on your excursion through afrocentric repose should be somewhere you can feed on easy Uptown flavor. Chocolat Restaurant-Lounge is the perfect place. Done in mocha tones with deep blue and cream accents, this sleek Harlem bôite even looks delicious. Its contemporary design may surprise you, but no worries: as modern as it looks, it's still very user-friendly. When you sink into a soft banquette and lay back on the sexy fabric wall, you'll see local art hanging before your eyes. As the crowd starts to thicken, you'll see an interesting mix of people who all have sophistication in common: no clumsy tourists or gold fronts here. The service is warm, competent and attentive – which is mos def a triple threat in Manhattan. Chocolat's full menu features delicious "nouveau soul" cuisine, i.e., streamlined versions of old favorites, plus some dishes (like fresh-from-the-net calamari or crispy Caesar salad) that are outside the soul-food box. Proprietor Leon Ellis, who also owns Moca Bar and Harlem Underground, has a background in Food and Nutrition Science – and it shows. When you stop by, be sure to ask for a shot of the decadent Chocolat Martini -- which is served in a very, very edible chocolate cup.




For the Workaholic in You
Oh yeah -- for those of you who just can't chill without checking your e-mail or sending a fax, click here to find out where you can get your electronic fix.




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