Whenever I think of a spa visit, I picture tranquillity and relaxation; a haven from modern life where I can be pampered and insulated from stress. I work hard and I expect my spa treatments to do the same! Though the concept of peace and seclusion isn’t normally what springs to mind when you picture New York City, it has some of the best spas in the world on offer. That demanding New Yorker attitude means the focus here is on excellent treatments that yield great results. So check out these options when looking for New York Spas.
Paul Labrecque Spa and Salon
The marble floors in the lobby of this spa hint at the high-end nature of the venue. The spa is in the basement but the five floors above house fitness suites and a glass-encased basketball court. Definitely worth getting lost on your way to the spa in order to have a peek! A-list stars including Kevin Bacon (people have compared me to Kevin Bacon – more on that another day) and Cyndi Lauper are members of the club so you could run into them on the way to your pedicure. There’s a steam room, sauna and whirlpool available to relax you before your treatment; these facilities are free when you book a treatment. Sadly the gym is members only but who wants to pump iron when you could be relaxing? There’s also a salon so you can leave the building looking groomed and glamourous, pampered from head to toe under one roof.
The Waldorf-Astoria Guerlain Spa
If you’re looking luxury and some serious glamour, the Waldorf-Astoria Guerlain Spa is the perfect option. Located just off Park Avenue (think close to amazing shopping), the treatment rooms here are about the same size as some studio apartments in the city. The entire spa is 14,000 square feet and manages to be a calm and tranquil bubble amidst the hectic city streets. From the moment you step inside it feels like New York is a million miles away. The treatment rooms come complete with their own private bathroom, shower, locker and vanity area. To be honest, I was tempted to just stay and hope they didn’t notice their new resident. Guerlain products are at the premium end of skincare and you will leave here looking refreshed and revitalised. The therapists are highly trained and will discuss your needs with you before planning your treatment. Get ready to feel like a Rockefeller!
There are many more spas in New York City but these are two of my favourites. The focus on speed in the city means a lot of spas are committed to getting your treatment completed as soon as possible, but sometimes it’s nice to relax and forget about watching the clock. The focus in these spas is on relaxation and downtime so embrace it; leave the city that never sleeps to everyone else for an afternoon.
