The best spas in NYC to visit to get R&R

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. Best of all, its heated pool looks out over those views all year round.

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

Try this: My favorite, the Vichy showers, are the most relaxing offering that I try to experience them when I arrive and before I leave.

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.

Try this: Enjoy a private red wine bath at the Tribeca location, which is a 30-minute soak in red wine followed by a 15-minute cranial massage, and a 60-minute relaxing full-body massage with grapeseed oil, plus a tasting that includes cheese. Yes, please!

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. 

Try this: Don't miss the amethyst crystal steam room infused with aromatherapy in the separate men's and women's wet areas and stop by the relaxation lounge, which offers astounding views of the city. 

Passing the front desk and entering into the inner sanctum of Haven Spa completely removes you from the chaos on Mercer Street. The calm and luxurious waiting room/lounge, supplied with drinks and snacks, prepares you for the relaxing services ahead. Once out of your clothes and in a supplied robe and slippers, you are escorted to your service, which will undoubtedly be top-tier. Haven is specialized in traditional body treatments, waxing, electrolysis and laser hair removal, skincare, hand and foot care, massage - solo and couples, express treatments and it has steam rooms within its men’s and women’s locker rooms. Owned by Gabrielle Ophals and Audra Senkus from Queens, Haven is truly a welcoming and cozy spa that'll make you feel like you matter.

Try this: The new "The Jock" athletic recovery massage with therapeutic cupping is super helpful after an intense workout. We felt instantly lighter.

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. 

Try this: Book the traditional shiatsu massage, which is performed on a tatami mattress, and the room even features a private bathing tub.

This expansive wellness 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.

Try this: Grab some dumplings while on-site to enjoy while you are between saunas.

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. 

Try this: Go during the week when tickets are $99.

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!

Try this: Get a couples massage here!

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. 

Try this: Tell Pietro exactly where you'd like your skin to go and he'll make a plan for you.

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 spa services that run the gamut from facials to massages. All products used are plant- or marine-based.

Try this: Head to its three-and-a-half-story waterfall that overlooks the jacuzzi and cold plunge pool.

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.

Try this: Make a weekend of it and stay over at its hotel.

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.)

Try this: It's a small, intimate spa, so expect to spend a few hours here.

This stunning spa inside 1 Hotel Brooklyn offers an embarrassment of riches to guests 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. 

Try this: For an ultra-decadent experience, the 24k Gold Facial, or the Aromatherapy Customized Massage and Zero Gravity Floatation Therapy.

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 this: A detoxing facial or "Pure Qi Detoxifying" package that includes a 60-minute body wrap, a 60-minute anti-stress massage and 20-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.

Try this: The hour-long Black Orchid facial helps the skin "repair" its own wrinkles or the comprehensive, two-hour Body Lift massage in the scent of your choice with an included face mask.

This swanky spa inside the Peninsula blends Asian, European and Ayurvedic philosophies for services that pamper guests within its 10 treatment rooms, including a spacious Private Spa Suite, men’s and women’s private relaxation lounges, a tea lounge, and changing rooms with luxurious heat experiences. Plus, its facials use products by the French luxury skincare line Biologique Recherche.

Try this: 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.

This Brazilian spa offers an oasis for Astorians (and Upper East Siders) looking to get some primping and relaxation done. Its original location on busy Steinway Street, offers 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.

Try this: Keep an eye out for its monthly specials for beauty and relaxation on the cheap.

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.

Try this: Oasis Express Package is a quick 30-minute Swedish massage and 30-minute Express Facial for $180, giving you a taste of what the spa can do.

This small, intimate spa near Union Square focuses primarily on Swedish, Deep-Tissue and Sports massages, but it's also known for its expert skincare and facial peels. The staff is best known for personalized attention and every massage is tailored to your needs.

Try this: The Ohm Spa 60-60 Package: for $339, have a 60-minute Signature Massage, a 60-minute Signature Facial.

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 oasis is for women only.

Try this: Soho Sanctuary has its own gym for women, so you can work out and then enjoy its relaxing services.

Steam rooms, dips in ice water and muscle-relaxing hot baths—you can find all of this and then some at this Brooklyn spot, which features three Russian steam rooms, a dry sauna, Turkish bath, two ice-water pools, a Jacuzzi, and several other relaxing amenities inside a lodge-like wooden hall. Admission is just $55.

Try this: Book a traditional "platza" service which involves a whole-body massage using a birch "venik."

Make a day of it at this day spa that features a VIP Suite, an aroma steam room, an arctic cold plunge pool, a thermal hot tub, cold showers, a Russian Sauna and Swedish Sauna.

Try this: A CBD Swedish Massage that uses more than pressure to relax your muscles. There's also a chocolate massage for those who want something unique.

In New York City, it can be hard to find an apartment with a nice bathtub you'd actually want to soak in, but LUSH can help you with that. LUSH Spa Lexington has a book-a-bath experience inside a petite pink-and-white bathroom, where a clawfoot tub beckons. Before your bath, a staff member will prepare the water with a Snow Fairy bath bomb, which creates glittery pastel pink water. Plus, they’ll offer a fresh face mask tailored for your skin, a curated playlist and a cup of vegan hot chocolate. 

Try this: Grab one of two facial options—the 30-minute Fresh Facial ($90) and the 60-minute Validation Facial ($160). The spa also offers a service called Tangled Hair, a 25-minute Japanese-inspired experience with massage techniques focusing on the scalp, face, neck, chest, shoulders and arms ($65).

Whisper Wave, located at 89 Fifth Avenue and also at the William Vale Hote, appears like any other spa room—but it’s a different game altogether. There’s a single table made up with silk sheets surrounded by ASMR tools and atmospheric lights and music. Instead of a massage, though, it is all about providing a relaxing sensory experience through gentle, personal attention, delightful scents and soft sounds. (It is a completely non-sexual experience and does not include any massage or spa treatments. You’ll be fully clothed during the experience.)

Try this: Just try the experience in general!