The 25 Best Spas in NYC, from Affordable to Luxe

• Price: $$$
• Location: 88 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013
• Highlights: full body massages, thermal baths, facial masks
• Best for: couples

“You're transported into another world as soon as you enter the doors at Aire Ancient Bath. This spa screams luxury from the jump. The locker room is actually the brightest area in the entire spa. Everywhere else is perfectly dimmed and candlelit, so you can escape alone or with a partner.

When you first enter the bath area, they make you feel right at home. My partner and I loved that we could tour the baths and the sauna at our own pace. All the baths offered something different—one was nearly 102 degrees, one was 50 degrees, one of them was infused with Himalayan salt, one of them had jets, so you get even more relaxed as you go. I got pretty sweaty as we explored each bath, but thankfully, there was always cold water on deck and hot tea ready after a cold plunge. 

No phones are allowed in the spa area and only whispers are permitted, so you quickly lose the concept of time. My partner and I tried the ‘Escape Together 45’ package, where the massage therapists were attentive and checked in on how we felt throughout the entire treatment. If you want a deeper pressure, they'll go deeper; if you want it soft, they'll go soft. Overall, this was the most romantic experience I've ever had, and my partner and I felt totally comfortable throughout our stay.” — Destinee Scott, Associate Sales and Deals Editor

• Price: $$$
• Location: 1227 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
• Highlights: massages, saunas, facials, snow room, salt room, wellness amenities
• Best for: recovery

“There are standard hotel spas and then there’s this collaboration between health and wellness brand Exhale and Virgin Hotels. The day pass, also known as the ‘Recovery Day Pass,’ allows you to have unlimited access to all the spa amenities: saunas, snow room, fitness center and more. You can also add services (like massages, facials, body treatments) to your visit. I got the ‘Tranquility’ full body massage, a traditional Swedish massage that includes aromatherapy oils, which was so calming and a relaxing way to start my day. 

There were other rooms like the Snow Room (which FYI is the first European snow room in the U.S.), saunas and more. I went to the Salt Room, which is made for recovery, improving mood and reducing stress. I sat in their comfy chairs that were heated and vibrational before placing a LED face mask and compression boots on. I actually never tried compression boots before, so I didn’t know what to expect. Let me say, it definitely got me to fully relax. I don’t want to exaggerate, but I did feel a bit lighter and more rested afterwards, so it’s definitely worth checking out.” — Chelsea Candelario, Associate Editor

• Price: $$$
• Location: 11 Howard Street, New York, NY 10013
• Highlights: private infrared sauna, lymphatic drainage treatments, complimentary shower
• Best for: private saunas

“I was familiar with HigherDOSE through their LED mask and mat, so I was intrigued to go to their space located in 11 Howard Hotel. The wellness spa is all about getting you hot hot hot—and it definitely did the job. I was first treated to their ‘Get Sculpted Lymphatic Drainage Body Treatment,’ which covered me in a Zechstein Sea Magnesium body wrap for a deep detox. For the next 50 minutes, a mix of the body wrap and the skillful hands of my massage therapist helped release any muscle tension and calm down my body. 

But the next step is what makes HigherDOSE stand apart and why I’m itching to go back. After the massage, you are walked over to a private sauna room where you’re treated to a full body experience. You can choose from different light therapies depending on your mood, body or skin. I was able to plug in an audiobook and just relaxed in the little sauna room all alone. I like the privacy of it all, and while you only need to spend 25 minutes in there, I never felt rushed to leave the room. I was sweating so much by the time I got out! Luckily, the room has a private shower so I was able to refresh before starting my day.” — Chelsea Candelario, Associate Editor

• Price: $$ to $$$
• Location: 1114 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10028
• Highlights: acupuncture, facial treatments, massages, cupping treatments
• Best for: acupressure 

“Whether you visit the Noho or UES location, be prepared for a holistic wellness experience. Ora combines traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture with modern techniques. The treatment uses 12 to 25 needles, which are placed on specific areas around your body for 30 to 60 minutes. This popular service focuses on pain, digestion, immunity and mental health. Even teens can get in on the self-care train with an acupuncture service dedicated to youngsters, so that everyone in the family can practice some de-stressing together. 

The space also offers facial treatments, massages and cupping services. I tried the full body treatment, where they combine acupressure, Shiatsu and classic Swedish massage techniques. My masseuse was so helpful in explaining the areas she was focusing on and how they would help me relax and regulate my breathing. Her soft tone mixed with the music was a calming experience. Plus, after you try the service, you’re given a tea or tonic to support your healing process.” — Chelsea Candelario, Associate Editor

• Price: $$ to $$$
• Location: 112 Andes Road Governors Island, New York, NY 10004
• Highlights: sauna rooms, outdoor heated pools, eateries, relaxation lounges, massages, facials
• Best for: spending a day outside of NYC

“Governor’s Island is home to loads of fun and relaxing activities, including their luxury spa: The QC NY. It’s a wellness retreat located right on the island with impeccable views of the Manhattan skyline. There’s so much to explore such as the saunas, steam rooms, relaxation lounges, Vichy showers and baths. It’s a pretty spacious space, so you never have to worry about huge crowds. I’ve visited the spa twice and it honestly feels like you’re in your own bubble. It’s so quiet and serene here. 

I went during the winter, so I was able to cozy up in the fireplace room, soak my feet in the baths or sip some wine (while wearing a comfy robe). I also went in the summertime, where I lounged by one of the two outdoor pools and took in the views. There’s also plenty of places to just sit around and nibble on healthy snacks. Plus, being in Governor’s Island, you can finish at the spa and enjoy everything else the island has to offer.” —  Chelsea Candelario, Associate Editor

• Price: $$ to $$$
• Location: 12 W 21st Street, New York, NY 10010
• Highlights: ice baths, group classics, cryotherapy, infrared sauna 
• Best for: full body treatments 

“I loved how personal I was able to make my sauna experience. I felt like I had a lot of the place to myself. I only noticed people coming in after both of my treatments were done. Early morning seems like a solid time to visit as it's quieter and you can really enjoy the quiet and solitude.

I loved that I could do things in whatever order I wanted and could spend as much or as little time in the sauna, shower or room. I ended up going in and out of the sauna to cool off and used the scented towel quite a bit. It was such a cool idea to keep your temperature regulated during the treatment and to cool down after a nice warm shower, post-sweat. After the sauna, I headed to my 11-minute breath work class, which took place in a room with the shades drawn and a fireplace blazing. There were several cold plunge pools situated with space in between for yoga mats. Once I finished the hypnotic breathwork session, I took a cold plunge and braved a 6-minute session in 39 F water. I was terrified of this, but it felt amazing, even if I was numb in my feet for a little while after. They also provided little water shoes to help keep some circulation in your feet while you're in the tub. You also worked with a spa attendant who coached you through the grueling 6-minute class.” — Delia Curtis, Assistant Editor

• Price: $$ to $$$
• Location: 246 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
• Highlights: relaxation lounges, sauna, steam room, salt chamber, massages, facials
• Best for: quick refresher

“Once you enter the seventh floor of The Dominick, you are faced with a lovely and calming space. The Sisley Paris Spa has a nice lounging area, where I sat comfortably before I was taken to my ‘Signature Massage.’ I’ve had a plenty of massages over the last few years, but this one was, by far, the best one. This treatment is customized to fit your specific needs. I told my massage therapist that my upper back has the most tension and they made sure to focus on that area and put enough pressure without it being painful. 

The spa also has a sauna, steam room and salt chamber to fully immerse and lay back for a couple of hours. I also love that they have a bunch of packages like ‘Ultimate Relaxation,’ (a body ritual and facial) and ‘Well-Being Ritual’ (phyto-aromatic facial and ritual) that I will surely be returning to try out soon.” —  Chelsea Candelario, Associate Editor

• Price: $$$ to $$$$
• Location: 700 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019
• Highlights: facials, massages, body treatments, private spa suite, fitness center, pool, sauna, steam rooms
• Best for: prenatal treatments

“I last visited the Peninsula Spa about 10 years ago, but it has long been remembered in my mind as one of the best massages I've ever had. What stands out the most is the skilled staff and how trained they are when it comes to tailoring your experience to properly address any pain points and special needs. 

For example, I was just beginning the second trimester of my pregnancy during my visit and my spa therapist was communicative about everything from the pressure to my comfort level throughout. The location is gorgeous and ornate—and spacious, too. The relaxation lounge offers plenty of privacy, and there are a range of sweet treats (think macarons!) to enjoy post-treatment. I never felt rushed and truly felt like I could shut the city out during my appointment, which is hard to do in midtown Manhattan 

Overall, my ‘Prenatal Massage’ was an experience where I could truly drift off. The therapists are also highly knowledgeable. My masseuse spent a good amount of time on my outer legs (the TFL and IT bands), which I didn't realize was an area so affected by pregnancy.” — Rachel Bowie, Senior Director of Special Projects & Royals

• Price: $$$ to $$$$
• Location: 33 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
• Highlights: facials, body treatments, massages, acupuncture, cyrotherapy, infrared sauna, IV drip
• Best for: variety of services

“It’s located a short elevator ride from the hustle and bustle of Hudson Yards. The spa offers a huge range of services, from facials and massages to temperature therapies and IV drips. The spa also has the friendliest staff. Everyone I met was beyond helpful and super informative, especially when I didn't know about the benefits of a particular service. 

I barely waited before I was whisked away for a tour of the facilities, featuring a beautiful locker room, calming waiting area and, of course, the relaxation pods that are a true highlight. They are a fabulous way to relax while you wait for your treatment (or in-between treatments). These cozy private pods allowed me to stretch out and kick my feet up—all with a view of the Hudson River. The atmosphere while I was lounging in the pods was relaxing, quiet and a perfect way to get me in the right headspace for my spa day.

The detox therapy is also truly invigorating. I tried the MLX i3Dome, which is an infrared bed that not only delivers color therapy (you choose the color based on where your wellness priorities lay) but also allows you to sweat out the toxins. Yes, it’s really really warm and, yes, I sweat a whole lot. But I left the treatment feeling energized and refreshed. Plus, the IV treatment was a great way to round out my spa day. I got to relax in one of the pods as I received my IV drip treatment (there is a huge menu of options to choose from). The facilities are comfortable, clean and an ideal setting for a day of relaxation and pampering.” — Philip Mutz, VP of News and Entertainment

• Price: $$$ to $$$$
• Location: 80 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023
• Highlights: fitness center, pool, tea lounge, massages, facials, body wraps, body scrubs
• Best for: personalized treatments

“The spa facilities, which are located just off the Mandarin Oriental lobby on the 35th floor of the hotel, are really something. The locker room area even features a beautiful tea lounge (with a fabulous view), a steam room and a vitality pool so I could have a soak before or after my treatment. The reception area was quite calming from the get-go, and I was immediately brought a pair of comfortable slippers and a tray of tea. 

The waiting room before my treatment was comfortable and quiet—but I wasn't there long before I was taken to my private spa suite for my ‘Ayurvedic Ritual Experience.’ I really enjoyed the fact that my treatment felt customized to me. My therapist went super in-depth about what I was looking to accomplish with my spa day, and really dove into what might be the most beneficial elements to include in my treatment. The specific treatments that the spa offered surprised me as they go beyond just your typical spa day splurges.

This treatment lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes and is quite comprehensive. After a foot rub/scrub while we discussed my specific wellness needs, I then got to enjoy a full body exfoliation, body wrap, hot stone massage and a Shirodara Treatment, which is essentially the slow dripping of medicated oil onto my forehead (sounds strange, but I highly recommend it). I left feeling relaxed, refreshed and my skin felt incredible. My ‘Ayurvedic Ritual Experience’ was one that I knew I couldn't get elsewhere—and the spa menu offered several such unique experiences that I hope to try in the future.” — Philip Mutz, VP of News and Entertainment

• Price: $$$
• Location: 2 E 15th Street, New York, NY 10003
• Highlights: sound bath, signature facials, sauna, steam room, on-site restaurant, acupuncture, IV therapy, classes
• Best for: all in compass wellness

“As its name suggests, The Well is a veritable wellness oasis, offering everything from mindful movement classes and meditation sessions to acupuncture treatments, IV drips and more. With an East-meets-West wellness philosophy, the spa goes far beyond plain ol' massages and facials, taking an ultra-personalized approach to every client’s needs. I've attended one of the sound baths and gotten one of the best foot massages of my life at The Well. 

Every treatment and experience provided is really about tapping into your needs, both physically and spiritually. When booking any treatment, guests have the opportunity to pop into the dry sauna and cavernous steam room before or after, as well as enjoy complimentary bone broth, tea and infused water in a zen, crystal-accented waiting room.” — Stephanie Maida, Senior Commerce Editor

• Price: $$$
• Location: 1571 McDonald Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230
• Highlights: body treatments, facials, signature therapists, IV therapy, cryo treatments, restaurants, indoor pool
• Best for: best friends

“My friend and I decided to do a staycation in NYC and World Spa was at the top of our list. Once we got there and put on our robes, there was so much to do! While she got her treatment, I explored the massive space. There are so many sauna rooms and relaxation lounges that I never felt overcrowded. There’s also a giant indoor heated pool that we spent hours in just relaxing and chatting away. 

I tried the ‘Thousand & One Nights treatment,’ which is one of their most popular body treatments—and I definitely understand the hype. It’s truly a head-to-toe experience that I’ve never done before. I was washed down and a mask was applied onto my entire body before I was moved over to the sauna for about 20 minutes. Once I returned to the private room, I was covered in a mud mask and body wrapped for another 20 minutes or so. My specialist also spent time massaging my body and scalp and walked me through the whole process. I felt like I was floating on a cloud when she was done. My body felt squeaky clean and so soft.” —  Chelsea Candelario, Associate Editor

• Price: $$$ to $$$$
• Location: 377 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10013
• Highlights: royal treatments, facials, massages, body treatments
• Best for: most luxurious treatments

Before catching a show at Radio City, head over to Spa de La Mer for some much-needed peace and quiet. Located in the Baccarat Hotel, the spa aims to keep the mind and body in harmony. Check out signature offerings like ‘The La Mer Miracle Broth Facial’ that combines facial massage techniques and gentle extractions to bring balance to your skin. Or consider the ‘Four Hand’ massage that keeps the weary traveler in mind and provides you with two (yes, two) therapists to work on every nook and cranny of your body at the same time. The price tag may be high, but the luxurious treatments are oh-so worth it.