The best spas in NYC

This Spanish import brings the traditional bath experience to New York with the first overseas location of its luxury mini-chain. The basement level of the gigantic three-story space houses the spacious, open room of baths, which consist of hot, cold, saltwater and multi-jet pools alongside steam and hot-stone rooms. And did we mention the private red wine baths? 

This Tribeca spa certainly wins for most impressive interior: The swimming pool is actually inside a 250-year-old bamboo farmhouse that was reconstructed inside the hotel. Upon entering the area, past the glass-encased gym, and through the locker room, meet the floor’s focal point: a tranquil lantern-lit pool. The services are no less luxurious; the traditional shiatsu massage is performed on a tatami mattress, and the room even features a private bathing tub.

Treat yourself to the height of luxury at the five-star spa tucked inside Mandarin Oriental Hotel located 35 stories above Manhattan. The spa's design honors the brand's eastern culture and heritage with plenty of opportunities for holistic rejuvenation in a tranquil, meditative setting.

Offerings include massages (including a special aromatherapy version), skin care (such as the Force of Nature facial), Thai foot therapy, body scrubs, scalp treatments, and a restorative detox wrap. There's even a Digital Wellness Escape, a restorative treatment concentrating on the head, eyes, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet, aiming to ease the stress and strain resulting from the frequent use of digital devices. 

The delight doesn't stop when your treatment ends. Afterward, stop by the relaxation lounge, which offers astounding views of the city. Don't miss the amethyst crystal steam room infused with aromatherapy in the separate men's and women's wet areas. 

The elegance and rejuvenation of a European spa is on Governors Island, but with New York City flavor. It’s immediately clear when you enter the spa that it was made to feel like home. From its cozy reception area decorated with custom-made furniture from Italy to its welcoming relaxation spaces with plush leather chairs and massive pillows you can sprawl out on, it feels like you’re staying at a retreat with New York Harbor views.

Choose from a 25-, 50-, or 75-minute massage ($100-$250). Then, you are set free to roam the spa, which is full of relaxation rooms (each with its own meticulously curated personality, scent, and music), themed saunas, Vichy showers, infrared beds, foot baths, hydro jets, steam baths and other amazingly lush experiences.  

This expansive wonderland in College Point, Queens, has taken on near-legendary status in NYC, partly for its quirky layout and partly because it attracts a diverse following, with frat boys and families among the patrons.

On its first floor are separate nude bathing and showering areas for men and women. To meander through the rest of the complex, you'll don special "uniforms" (pink tees and orange shorts for ladies, gray shirts and blue bottoms for gents). On the second and third floors, you'll find a coed, year-round outdoor water park (bathing suits compulsory) with all manner of heated jets, whirlpools and showers.

Inside, there are seven themed saunas; one might have healing minerals in it, while another may feature colored lighting (you select the therapeutic illumination yourself). Bring some friends and make a day of it; once you pay the entry rate, you can have a crazy adventure while snacking on dumplings.

Rego Beauty Spa is beloved for its incredible massages, including its hot-stone, shiatsu, Swedish, Ayurvedic massages, for singles and couples. This high-demand spa is both affordable, clean and comfortable and has a friendly staff and receptionists. Make sure to book in advance as appointments fill up quickly!

World Spa is a new 50,000-square-foot space in Brooklyn bringing a slew of authentic spa experiences from all around the world smack-dab in the middle of Brooklyn.

Visitors get to indulge in Eastern European banyas (Russian steam baths with wood stoves), Finnish saunas, cleansing Himalayan salt therapy sessions, Turkish and Morrocan hammams (types of steam baths), Japanese onsens (hot springs) and much more. 

The decor matches the authentic vibe as well, with handmade Moroccan and Turkish tiles across certain areas and original Kelo pine from Northern Europe as the base material for the various banyas and saunas. 

House of Pietro Simone takes its name very seriously, offering plenty of plush seating on a beige jute rug surrounded by neutral furnishings and verdant plants hanging from pristine shelves full of the skincare guru’s line.

Simone, who has more than 16 years of commercial experience and expertise including brand training through Mariabruna Beauty where he worked closely with luxury labels like La Mer, La Prairie, and Carita, told us he is more concerned with the health of the skin and body rather than chasing nebulous anti-aging goals. Instead, he focuses on a more well-rounded approach to treating patients, using what he finds are the best, sustainable treatments and products, no matter where in the world they originate. 

Based on the theory that water brings health, this Noho mainstay is outfitted with a popular water lounge that boasts subterranean pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a three-and-a-half-story waterfall. Spa services run the gamut from facials to massages, but all products used are plant- or marine-based.

O.K., so technically this spot isn't in NYC proper, but to experience the country's largest and most accommodating Korean Spa, it's worth the quick jaunt to Jersey. It's unlikely that you'll even cover the whopping eight floors of treatments that this relaxation arena offers, including nine pools, seven sauna rooms, a restaurant and adjoining hotel. But we dare you to try.

Among the highlights at this full-service facility are the spectacular rooftop infinity pool, which offers an untouchable view of the NYC skyline; a volcanic sand treatment using rare lava sand imported from Japan; and a scorching charcoal sauna. In summer months, the outdoor pools easily beat the sardine baths of the city, and the indoor saunas will reinvigorate you no matter how brutal the winter gets. There's really no reason to leave when you're in the K-Spa equivalent of Disneyland.

Guests at the Ritz-Carlton, New York Nomad looking to keep up with their fitness or self-care routines are also in luck. The 6,800-square-foot signature Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Center can be found on the lower level with eight treatment rooms as well as separate sauna and steam rooms.

Luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader’s signature facial, The Method, is available to book as well as classic deep tissue massages and more. (Exclusive scents and oils are also on hand inspired by the surrounding Flower District.) Meanwhile, the on-site fitness center is open 24-hours a day with a variety of exercise equipment including Peloton bikes.

Tucked away in an otherwise stark neighborhood, this stunning new spa offers an embarrassment of riches to guests of all genders, with customized facials, acupressure, massages and more. Before your treatment, you can enjoy fruit and snacks in a plush waiting room, then speak with your specialist. The signature facial involves a skincare consultation and facial reflexology that will leave you feeling radiant; and the sugar polish will leave you feeling smoother than ever. 

Brooklynites don’t want for anything these days—not even a luxurious day spa. Located in Greenpoint, this small spa offers a full-size menu of indulgent services: facials, body scrubs, massages and reflexology, all at comparatively gentle prices.

Try a detoxing facial or "Pure Qi Detoxifying" package that includes a 60-minute body wrap, a 60-minute anti-stress massage and 40-minute reflexology session. You can add hot stone massage to any service for an extra perk.

You'll forget that you're even in Manhattan within moments of entering this peaceful, opulent spa. With complimentary champagne, walls of flowers and 6,500 feet of silence, the state-of-the art facility will cool down even the most frantic of New Yorkers. The treatments are certainly more souped-up than ever: With an hour-long Black Orchid facial that helps the skin repair its own wrinkles; a comprehensive, two-hour Body Lift massage in the scent of your choice with an included face mask  and many more. 

This swanky hotel spa blends Asian, European and Ayurvedic philosophies for services that pamper guests inside and outside. To be truly transported, book the Escape from the City: a four-hour treatment featuring an exfoliating body wrap, a holistic massage,and a remodeling facial.

One of downtown's most beloved spas, this spot is especially known for its relaxed and comfortable environment. Only have a lunch break to spare? Book one of the Mini Escapes, which encompass anything from massaging a troublesome muscle knot to clearing your pores, all for 30 minutes.

This Brazilian spa offers an oasis for Astorians looking to get some primping and relaxation done. Located on busy Steinway Street, once you step into the salon-spa, you're whisked into dark, private rooms where you can enjoy incredible facials (from acne relief to microdermabrasion), massages (Swedish to sport) and a number of beauty care services, including waxing, eyelash extensions and more. It's a clean, contemporary and professional one-stop-shop you can count on when you need some me-time.

Full-body pampering without breaking the bank is the name of the game at this popular Park Avenue retreat. A dozen different massages are available and special packages for gentlemen, moms-to-be and brides are also on offer, making it a spot that (nearly) every New Yorker can enjoy.

This small, intimate spa near Union Square focuses primarily on massages, facials and body scrubs, but the staff is best known for personalized attention. Every massage is tailored to your needs, but don't miss the Head-to-Toe Spa combo, which includes any 60-minute massage, any 60-minute facial and a salt scrub for arms and legs.

Nalai means serenity in the language of the Lenape people, the original inhabitants of New York City. And guests will certainly feel calm when they enter this peaceful space on the 25th floor of the Park Hyatt New York. Services here are truly unique: Pre-arrival consultations mean that each treatment is tailored just for you.

This downtown spot distinguishes itself from the crowd with its sheer breadth of services. Not only does it offer therapeutic bodywork and facials, but there's also makeup application and waxing, private classes in yoga and pilates, and more. Make note, though: This haven is for women only.

The only outpost in the Northeast of the cult skincare spa is at the appropriately lavish Ritz-Carlton hotel on Central Park. Book the 50 Central Park Signature Ritual for the ultimate massage featuring scents derived from the lush greenery just across the street. Bonus: If you buy La Prairie products the same day as your service, you're treated to exclusive offers.

How do Russians survive the winter? With plenty of steam rooms, dips in ice water and self-flagellation with birch leaves. And you can find all of that and then some at this Brooklyn joint, which features everything from a giant circular Jacuzzi to two ice-water tile pools to an ice sauna.

This Americanized, upscale take on the traditional Russian bathhouses that dot the borough just might be worthy of the Kings County name. Feel revived by the Turkish steam room, soaking pools, Russian or Swedish saunas, and jacuzzi in the tricked-out wet room.