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The idea of climbing into your swimsuit when it’s freezing outside might not sound appealing, but hear me out. These winter spas in NYC make it worth it to brave the cold (briefly) in your swimwear.
With Scandinavian-inspired ethos and design, The Winter Pool House at The Rockaway Hotel and the Winter Spa at The William Vale will help you get into the Nordic hygge spirit for a relaxing escape.
RECOMMENDED: The best spas in NYC
The Rockaway Hotel + Spa's Winter Pool House
The pool area at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa in Queens, a popular spot during the summertime, has transformed into a cozy hideaway. The centerpiece of the Winter Pool House is a collection of outdoor cedar barrel saunas where you can chase away winter’s chill. Plus, the pool has been heated, so you can take a refreshing dip even as the temperatures dip.
Once you’re ready to relax, wrap up in a soft robe and sip some tea in the lounge outfitted with teak furniture and sherpa throws. Express spa treatments, like a chair massage or scalp massage can be added on.
You can book a day pass for the experience, starting at $35. Or make it a staycation and stay overnight at the hotel, which feels like an escape itself with its serene location along Rockaway Beach. Hotel guest get access to The Winter Pool House with their stay.
The William Vale's Winter Spa
Meanwhile at The William Vale in Brooklyn, the al fresco Winter Spa is back for the season. The fourth-floor patio has transformed into an outdoor oasis with open-view barrel saunas and deep-soaking red cedar hot tubs.
In addition to enjoying the health benefits of the spa experience, you’ll also get to admire stunning skyline views. Even though the spa is centered in Williamsburg, it feels like a secluded environment where you can truly unplug. Spa packages are bookable here; a sauna session costs $90 while a sauna and hot tub session costs $130.
Why is sitting in a sauna worth it? As The William Vale explains, "Sauna use can improve overall health, wellness, and performance, reduce stress, relax muscles, aches, and pains, cleanse the skin, aid in recovery after intense physical activity, and induce deeper, more relaxed sleep." That's something we could all use going into 2025.
As for proper use, the spa team recommends using the sauna in 15-minute intervals, followed by a brief 5-10-minute break, and then repeating. Very importantly, remember to rehydrate!
Continue the cozy experience at The William Vale's Leuca Restaurant where you can get a complimentary warm beverage after each spa booking.