Discover the best spas in New York City for facials, massages and total relaxation…
New York might be the city that never sleeps, but that doesn’t mean some much-needed R&R isn’t on the (treatment) table, especially if you are visiting during New York Fashion Week this year.
We’ve reviewed the fashion set’s favourite escapes from the busyness of the shows as well as the best places for tailored high-tech facials and the latest longevity-boosting experiences. Whatever your plans while visiting New York, these six spas offer indulgent relaxation and results-driven treatments to leave you feeling truly renewed.
Aman Spa
Do spas in New York come more exclusive than Aman New York on Fifth Avenue? The fashion set certainly doesn’t think so. There’s hardly a better place in the city for a recharging refuge, which is why it is possibly the best spa in NYC if you’re seeking total privacy and five-star treatments. One of the best features is that your spa experience is timed so you can enjoy all the facilities without bumping into anyone else – no queuing for a lounger or space in the sauna required. With three dedicated spa floors, a visit to Aman New York really is the opportunity for a head-to-toe MOT. For relaxation, you can’t miss the signature soothing massage, and of course a dip in the 19.5-metre heated swimming pool, lined with private day beds that look out across the iconic Manhattan skyline. If results-driven treatments are your aim, the packed menu features leading therapies such as Hydrafacial and Morpheus8 too.
Read our full review of the Aman New York spa.
Bamford Wellness at 1 Hotel, Brooklyn Bridge
Who knew you could escape to the peacefulness of the English Cotswolds (where Bamford was founded), while in New York? Bamford Wellness in NYC can be found at the 1 Hotel, at the base of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. It’s one of the best spas in NYC for those looking to stay cocooned in calm for as long as possible – especially ideal if you’re in town on a busy work schedule. Treatments include facials and some of the best massages NYC has to offer, featuring the brand’s award-winning natural products – and the best part is you’ll emerge from your treatment room feeling reenergised not groggy. The spa also features New York’s first Hammam Flotation Therapy experience (which allows you to enjoy a soothing feeling of weightlessness on the treatment bed), alongside other high-tech additions including hot and cold stone massages and infrared treatment blankets.
The Well
Designed as a complete 360-degree wellness reset, The Well may be nestled in the heart of Manhattan but you’ll feel any busyness of mind melt away as soon as you arrive. Not just a haven-like sanctuary for relaxation, The Well is helping redefine selfcare, easily earning a place among the best spas in NYC (with the mind-soothing colour palette to match). What it does particularly well is that tricky blend of rejuvenating spa treatments that suit everyone from wellness beginners to spa obsessives, with cutting-edge fitness facilities and integrative health services to push your head-to-toe wellbeing to the next level. Personalisation is central here too. The expert team will craft you a bespoke wellness journey that caters to your every need, ensuring an experience that is as indulgent as it is transformative. That includes bespoke bodywork sessions, signature Skin Health facials, energy healing and acupuncture, plus health-boosting treatments such as IV drips and fitness coaching. All designed to revitalise your mind, body and soul.
Shibui Spa at The Greenwich Hotel
You might not expect to stumble across a traditional Japanese farmhouse in Tribeca, but that’s exactly the delightful experience you get at The Greenwich Hotel’s Shibui Spa. When you step through the doors, you are met by the soft glow of lanterns, the sight of rustic wooden beams, and the sounds of peaceful flowing water – transporting you away from the city outside and bringing you back to a sense of calming balance. Blending traditional Japanese therapies with modern luxury, there’s a simplicity to the surroundings (and the treatment menu) but in the best possible way. The standout feature is the lantern-lit heated pool positioned below the vaulted ceiling, where you can float into deeper relaxation; the classic healing massage – often ranked among the best massages in NYC – is exactly what you need to melt away tension; and the traditional Shiatsu balances the body’s energies with expertly applied pressure, mimicking the effect of acupuncture without the needles.
Remedy Place
Find the quiet stillness of traditional spa spaces a little off-putting? Remedy Place is quickly becoming an American institution, perfect for anyone who is on the lookout for a spa that lets you recharge with friends. Plus, it’s home to all the very latest facilities for wellbeing, so offers more than the simple chance to lie by a pool. Dubbed the world’s first social wellness club, the first outpost was in West Hollywood – a space that quickly became known as one of the best spas in any city not only thanks to its state-of-the-art treatments, but also because of its atmosphere that encourages busy city dwellers to connect as they unwind. The New York City location then followed, hitting the wellness headlines (and making it onto this list) with ease due to its celeb-backed ice baths and hubs for recovery (from stress and fatigue), including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, IV drips and group healing sessions all on offer. There’s a Soho location now too, which is becoming particularly famous for wellness seekers who want to swap nights at the bar with social sauna sessions.
Guerlain Spa at The Plaza HotelÂ
Want to experience one of the best facials in New York City? Insiders know to head straight to the spa at the iconic Plaza Hotel. Offering the highest tier of relaxation in Manhattan, the tranquility and timeless glamour of the space is as you’d expect from a partnership with the luxury French beauty brand Guerlain, and in the spa you can find indulgent beauty rituals that are incredibly personalised – whether you’re seeking a radiant glow or deep relaxation (or both). A standout treatment is the Orchidée Impériale Prestige Facial, which uses Guerlain’s luxuriously nourishing products, alongside specialised massage techniques to lift and sculpt your skin. Have more time? Upgrade to the Cocoon Impériale, which also includes a relaxing massage and body polish. After three and a half hours of pampering you will look and feel on top of the world, so you’ll definitely want to book in if you’ve got a big fashion-focused event coming up.
FAQs
1. What types of spa treatments are most popular in New York City?
As a busy, multicultural hub, New York City is home to just as wide a range of treatment options. Popular choices include deep tissue massage for stress relief and luxury facials using high-end skincare brands, as well as body scrubs and wraps. Increasingly, wellness experiences are popular too, especially hydrotherapy circuits, acupuncture or infrared saunas.
2. How much does a spa day in New York City typically cost?
Prices can vary widely depending on the spa’s location and level of luxury. You can expect to pay from around $120 to $200 for treatments, with all-inclusive packages upwards of $400.
3. Do I need to tip at spas in New York, and how much?
Yes, tipping is customary at NYC spas unless otherwise noted. Standard gratuity is 18–22% of the treatment cost so do factor that in when choosing your treatment. Some high-end spas automatically add gratuity, so check your bill before adding extra. Cash tips are always appreciated, but most spas now allow tipping by card as well.
4. What should I bring to a spa in New York City?
Most spas provide robes, slippers, and towels, so you won’t need much, although check the spa website just in case you need to bring your own or would need to pay a fee to rent them. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit if you plan to use the pools, saunas, or hydrotherapy areas.
5. Do I need to book spa treatments in advance?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekends or popular hotel spas as treatments or slots for the pool and hydrotherapy areas can get booked up fast. Some neighborhood spas and bathhouses accept walk-ins, but for massages, facials, or full spa days, it’s best to book at least a week in advance to secure your preferred time.
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Lead image: Aman Spa in New York
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