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I used to think that a state of complete relaxation and zen could only be achieved by taking a plane ride to a remote location in the countryside or a rainforest. Thankfully, I’ve discovered a luxe spa right here in New York City that’s just as skilled at undoing all my stress as any exotic wellness destination. I’m not the only one: Many Allure editors have had the privilege of traveling to beauty and wellness hubs across the globe (Costa Rica, Korea, France, Japan, to name a few), but we’ve found that some of the best spas are right here in our home base and the surrounding area.
With services ranging from high-tech massages to luxe pedicures and decadent baths, our favorite spots are as diverse as they are soothing. But they do have a few things in common: a calming atmosphere, highly trained professionals, effective treatments, comfy robes, and great-tasting cucumber water (kidding, but also…not kidding).
Transparently, many of us have visited these destinations, courtesy of brands or the spas themselves. But we’ve all returned (or will) to these spots on our own dime because they’re just that good. Here, eight spas in the New York City area that we think are totally worth it.
Annie Blay, associate beauty editor
Courtesy of Annie Blay
I’ve been to the Naturopathica Spa in Tribeca about four times now, and it never gets old. Many know Naturopathica for its botanical skin- and body-care products, but not many know that the brand has two spa locations in New York City. The one at the Nexxus Club is a calming oasis, conveniently located just a few blocks from the Allure office, which is perfect for when I need the knots in my back sorted out after a long workday (office chairs will do a number on the lumbar region). I love getting the Nourish massage, which uses Swedish techniques to relax sore muscles. This treatment also features Naturopathica body products chock-full of essential oils like lavender and mint. The scents, along with the massage, are so relaxing that I almost always fall asleep.
Sisley Spa at the Dominick Hotel
Courtesy of Annie Blay
Courtesy of Annie Blay
“The Sisley Spa at the Dominick Hotel in Soho will always have a special place in my heart. I enjoyed a luxurious massage there with my mom to celebrate my birthday back in 2023 and it's been one of my favorites spas in the city ever since. The space has a calm and relaxing vibe complete with saunas and steam rooms in separate gendered areas. There is also a common lounging room which is perfect for taking a nap between your sauna session and your scheduled treatment.” —Annie Blay
Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director
Courtesy of Sarah Kinonen
Courtesy of Sarah Kinonen
Hands (and toes!) down, my favorite spa in the city is the Shibui Spa in Tribeca. It’s located on the bottom floor of The Greenwich Hotel, and it’s just this peaceful little pocket of New York City that hides some of the most talented therapists who give the best deep-tissue massages I’ve ever experienced. Because I work out a lot and stretch—never—I always ask for integrated stretching to be added into my treatment. It’s not particularly relaxing to have my limbs pretzeled in every direction, but I always manage to fall asleep. Go figure.
Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
Courtesy of brand
Water is key to my relaxation. If my vacation days don’t include a beach, I don’t want them! In New York City, there are very few opportunities to submerge myself under the waves. That’s why I love AIRE Ancient Baths (there’s a location on the Upper East Side and one in Tribeca). The primary experience is a series of pools similar to those in Roman times. There are hot, tepid, and cold water pools. And a Jacuzzi-like experience with jets and a saltwater floating pool. Of course, there are also the consummate steam and sauna rooms. The whole place is dimly lit and scented with eucalyptus. Walking into the bath space is like being in an underground cave—without the slippery moss and dangerous stalagmites. I typically start with the sauna or the hot water pool, then do a cool plunge before hitting the jets and finishing my afternoon floating all my worries away. Any way I want to interact with water, I can! If I have time, I also schedule a massage to bring my treatment full circle. I took my mom to AIRE, and she loved the full offering to help with her persistent knee and back pain.
Dianna Singh, features director
Courtesy of Dianna Singh
It’s become a bit of an annual tradition for my mom and me to visit Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, to celebrate her birthday and mark the end of summer. This time around, I had the immense pleasure of visiting the hotel’s Ocean & Harvest Spa, which is just as warm and inviting as its name implies. The space spans 12,000 square feet, but feels more like a home—albeit one that has a light-filled relaxation lounge with ocean views. The Glow Up Facial—which incorporates a brightening vitamin C treatment—is the perfect post-summer skin reset.
Kassidy Silva, social director
Courtesy of Kassidy Silva
Courtesy of Kassidy Silva
The minute the dry air creeps in at the beginning of fall, I know it’s time to book a facial. For my fellow dry skin ladies, look no further than my new favorite spa in New York City, the Guerlain Spa. You feel pampered from the moment you step through the front door (it’s inside the Waldorf Astoria, after all) to the moment you grab a car home. The bright and airy space can suck you in to relax for hours. I opt for the sauna or steam rooms, spending most of my time lounging on the Moroccan hammam. There’s also a “snow cave” for cold-therapy experiences, which I am simply not brave enough to try. What can I say? I want to be warm and pampered, not cold, no matter the health benefits that come from it. For treatments, there’s nothing like the Golden Hour facial, which will leave you glowing, hydrated, and without a spec of dryness to be found.
The Spa at Fouquet’s Hotel New York
Courtesy of Kassidy Silva
“After seeing the Spa at Fouquet’s New York hotel in Tribeca pop-up on my Instagram feed a dozen times, I was dying to experience it for myself. So, when the brand Native invited me to come in for a treatment to test out their new fall line (the Fall Citrus & Suede body lotion is divine), I jumped at the opportunity. I’m happy to report that the spa was everything I hoped it would be. Nestled in the bottom floor of the hotel, the warm, intimate vibe hits you as soon as you walk inside and continues throughout the experience. The 60-minute Diane Barrière Signature Massage untangled every knot in my body. Not to mention, the indoor pool, sauna, and steam room are the perfect way to end your relaxing retreat.” — Kassidy Silva
Congress Hall
Courtesy of Kassidy Silva
Sometimes we all need to escape the city, and my favorite retreat is the Sea Spa at Congress Hall—a quintessential summer relaxation spot with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. It's just a two-and-a-half-hour drive away in Cape May, New Jersey. I prefer to spend the morning lounging by the pool, taking a quick walk across the street for a stroll on the beach, and then heading back in for a 60-minute full-body massage and a speedy mani or pedi to top it off. The spa is whimsical, bright, and holds all the vintage charm of the 209-year-old hotel, while still housing all the modern amenities I’m looking for. Oh, and you must visit the Blue Pig Tavern after any treatment.” — Kassidy Silva
Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
Courtesy of Jesa Maria Calaor
There’s nothing a visit to Hotel Chelsea Spa can’t make better—a stressful day, a birthday, or even a totally normal Tuesday. I’ve gotten massages at this gorgeous space, and they have all rocked my world. I usually start with a foot cleanse, which immediately puts my mind at ease. I've had masseuses at other spas touch my feet before trying to touch my face, and I’m still traumatized! Then I move into some of the best 90 minutes of my life. It’s a massage that works deep into my sore muscles with relaxing essential oils. My masseuse checks in (but not too often) to make sure I’m comfortable with the pressure. It’s so good that I’ll catch myself drifting off and even starting to snore. If massages aren’t your thing, the spa’s menu is extensive and includes facials, hair and scalp treatments, Reiki, and more.
