20 Luxe NYC Spa Experiences That Will Transport You Out of the City

Yes, New York is the “city that never sleeps,” but even those of us who dwell in this bustling town get tired sometimes. While a good brunch spot or a weekend getaway from the Big Apple is nice, nothing beats a moment of pampering. From a soothing facial at Joanna Vargas Day Spa to a fresh mani and massage at Chillhouse, it’s time to treat yourself without having to leave the city. We didn’t want to add more to your plate, so we did the research for you and found the 20 best spas in NYC to book some much-needed relaxation time (because you deserve it).

Located just a few blocks away from Union Square is Ohm Spa. Not sure where to start? Get a facial consultation where a licensed professional will recommend a service depending on your needs (i.e., a deep pore cleanse, a lactic acid peel or a CBD therapeutic service). But if you’re looking for a full-body experience, consider a Swedish massage, the ‘Powergun Active Sports’ massage or bring in your significant other along for a couple’s massage.

205 E. 16 St.; 212-845-9812 or ohmspa.com

Founded by esthetician Danuta Mieloch, Rescue Spa’s mission is to make clients “feel their best through restoration and rejuvenation.” Pick a facial, body work treatment or massage, while indulging in luxe beauty brands like Biologique Recherché, Vintner’s Daughter and Christophe Robin. But what really sets them apart is their advanced tech treatments like radiofrequency, laser and light treatment. You’ll also find other amenities like manicures, makeup and hair services, in case you’re looking for a full self-care day.

29 East 19th St.; 866-772-2766 or rescuespa.com

Originally a textile factory back in 1883, this Tribeca landmark is now home to Aire Ancient Baths. Explore the ancient thermal bath package that lets you check out all seven number baths before enjoying a 60 minute full-body massage. Or make it a date night with the ‘Love Together’ service that offers a massage for two, access to the different baths and a fresh juice to cap things off. And if that’s not enough to entice you, the bathhouse also offers a ‘Wine Bath’ experience where you can submerge yourself in Spanish red grapes for 30 minutes. Talk about “wine-ing down.”

88 Franklin St.; 646-503-1910 or beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-newyork

“Nalai” means serenity in the language of the Lenape people, so you can expect to experience ultimate Zen when you step through the doors of The Spa Nalai at the Park Hyatt. For 60 minutes, indulge in deep muscle relief with the ‘Nalai Signature,’ alleviate stress with the ‘Renew’ treatment or let any kinks melt away with the ‘Warm Stone Therapy.’ Add in a few essential oils and you’ll be relaxed in no time.

153 West 57th St.; 646-774-1234 or hyatt.com/en-US/spas/Nalai-Spa

Shibui Spa’s philosophy is centered around balance. Nestled inside the Greenwich Hotel, their offerings are rooted in ancient Japanese traditions, nature and modern techniques. Try the ‘Oxygen Awakening’ (a facial with an oxygen-boosting peel, massage and finishing mask), the ‘Omakase’ (a bodywork session that combines a variety of therapies and oils) or an ‘Onsen Ritual’ (that gives you access to their bathhouse). All of the services are superb, but it’s their expansive collection of amenities and tranquil facilities that have visitors returning over and over again. The spa also includes a heated swimming pool, five treatment rooms, a traditional Japanese soaking tub and a relaxation lounge.

377 Greenwich St.; 646-203-0045 or thegreenwichhotel.com/shibui-spa/

A visit to Mandarin Oriental’s spa also includes unparalleled views of the NYC skyline. There are six treatment rooms, a vitality pool, a steam room, a tea lounge and VIP suites (for private treatments). Book the ‘Restorative Detox Wrap,’ a treatment to brighten skin, improve energy and detox the body overall. Or add the ‘Digital Wellness Escape’ to your schedule for a much-need break from all screens for an hour.

80 Columbus Circle.; 212-805-8800 or mandarinoriental.com/new-york/manhattan/luxury-spa

Would you ever expect an A-list spa to be directly across the street from one of the biggest and busiest libraries in NYC? Well, Joanna Vargas Day Spa is just the escape you need from those busy streets. Founded by Joanna Vargas, a celebrity facialist and founder of her eponymous skincare brand, this hidden spot features facial and body treatments that soothe, refresh and relieve any need. Keep it classic with a purifying facial, a deep massage or a scalp treatment to start. And when you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, consider hi-tech picks like the ‘Emsculpt’ (a body contouring treatment), the ‘Power Nap’ (a full-body LED session) or the ‘Ballancer Pro’ (a touchless lymphatic drainage massage).

501 5th Ave.; 212-949-2350 or joannavargas.com/pages/new-york-spa

Since 2007, Spa Castle has been providing reprieve for New Yorkers and tourists alike. With a combination of Asian and European influences, the Queens location focuses on enhancing your mental, physical and social well-being. It’s possibly the largest spa in the city with four traditional baths, eight sauna rooms (ranging from color therapy to cold stimulation), six hydrotherapy pools (indoor and outdoor), two dining areas, three resting spots and a bar. And let's not forget the additional treatments (like a full body scrub) that you can add on.

131-10 11 Ave, College Point, Queens.; 718-939-6300 or ny.spacastleusa.com/

If you’re looking for serenity, luxury and variety, then Oasis Day Spa has you covered. The Park Avenue location includes everything from massages to waxing. Whether you’re a bride-to-be (the spa package comes with a body scrub, massage and botinol facial which is a clinical treatment to lift and firm the skin), an athlete (their body therapy option gets you a deep tissue massage with some targeted Theragun time) or a regular facial fan, there’s something for everyone. The spa is also known for their invigorating body scrubs and luxurious wraps that involve a Vichy shower, essential oils and intensive exfoliation.

One Park Ave.; 212-254-7722 or oasisdayspanyc.com/

This Soho nail-salon-slash-café offers everything on your list of favorite things to do while winding down. We’re talking a full-fledged coffee parlor complete with wellness tonics like ‘Galaxy Ninja’ (a blue matcha and mint CBD combo) and ‘Strawberry Szn’ (a strawberry tea with mint CBD), rooms for a variety of massages and facials ranging from the “Chill Pill,” “Make Me Glow” and “Mama Needs to Chill” and a full nail bar that offers classic manis, gels and nail art.

75 Varick St.; 347-537-5742 or chillhouse.com/

If claustrophobic city streets are getting to you, this 6,500-square-foot spa in New York’s infamously grand Plaza Hotel might be just the ticket. The spa itself offers everything from hot-stone massages to its signature black-orchid facial. Then, once you’ve been kneaded and steamed to your satisfaction, add a waxing service or get your makeup done by the experts. Then spend the rest of the day exploring the Plaza, home to the famed Eloise store and the Palm Court, which offers high tea daily.

1 W. 58th St.; 212-872-7200 or guerlainspas.com

If you’re looking for a totally immersive spa experience, Haven Spa has many offerings: It’s a full-service blow-dry bar, nail salon, facial studio and massage parlor rolled into one. It also specializes in super-specific treatments like ‘Fire and Ice’, a facial technique that uses masques and botanicals to cleanse, smooth and soften the skin; ‘Hammam,’ a Middle Eastern-inspired exfoliating and moisturizing full body experience and ‘Geek Massage,’ an intense combination of therapeutic stretching and targeted deep-tissue work that focuses therapy on the upper body—back, shoulders, neck, chest, head and arms.

250 Mercer St.; 212-343-3515 or havenspa.nyc

Formerly known as the Cornelia Day Resort, the Cornelia Spa at the Surrey offers five quaint and peaceful suites that ooze the sophistication and relative calm of the posh neighborhood in which it belongs (aka the Upper East Side). Be sure to ask for the ‘Champagne Aroma’ massage, a treatment infusing a Champagne serum that hydrates, destresses and smooths the skin. And of course, a complimentary glass of champagne afterward. Stress = gone.

20 E. 76th St.; 212-288-3700 or thesurrey.com