TOP SIX WELLNESS SPAS IN NYC

We’re one month into 2020, which also means that we are diving deeper into winter and the chillier temperatures. If you’re like me and have previously experienced seasonal depression, then you know that this time can be rough. I have always been an advocate for mental health and self care and this is the year that I am prioritizing that even more. Wellness is the key to finding balance, connection and peace with who you are, where you’re at in your life, and how you show up in the world. As a New Yorker who wakes up to the constant commotion and movement of the city, it’s important to find time to recenter yourself and recharge.

I know we all have busy schedules and sometimes we neglect setting time for ourselves, but I have come to realize that if you put yourself first, you are actually then able to be more present and productive in other aspects of your life. Thankfully, there are several wellness spots and treatments that can help you become a better you.

TOP SIX WELLNESS SPAS IN NYC

MODRN SANCTUARY:

Located in Flatiron, Modrn Sanctuary is a holistic wellness sanctuary for healing centered around a Himalayan salt room. Upon arrival, you can expect a sense of zen and whatever worries you have before stepping out of the elevator will surely disappear. You will be greeted with a sense of warmth and find peace by the end of your visit. The best part about this center is that there are a countless number of services to choose from including iv drip therapy, sensory 7, somadome, cryoskin body conturing, modrn massage, thermismooth, face bar face massage, infrared salt sauna and their famous himalyan salt room.

Modrn Sanctuary prides itself on energy of the center. Our Sanctuary was built around the idea of “HOME” and consider our team of practitioners family. Together we work to heal, beautify, and increase the health and wellness of our incredible clientele. With the most extensive curation of services and unique treatments in NYC we hope to continue growing our family with YOU!

I started my visit with the Sensory 7, which is “an immersive experience that combines seven healing modalities into one treatment for rapid rejuvenation.” It was a unique experience because you start by choosing which chakra you want to target meaning you become more in tune with what’s happening in your life, so you can better assess what you’re looking for. The session lasted 30 minutes and I had sound therapy through my headphones. The bed is also heated and throughout the session, there was vibration that plays along the binaural beats, opening the body to heal and align. Some of the benefits of Sensory 7 include better sleep, reduced anxiety, increase energy, clarity and focus. I also experienced the cryofacial, which uses cool temperatures to widen the blood vessels, increasing blood flow. At the end of the treatment, my skin was glowing and it was evident that the increase in oxygen improved my skin elasticity and radiance!

Since Modrn Sancutary is known for their salt room, I was looking forward to Salt therapy the most. It is also called halotherapy, which “is a holistic method that reproduces the natural micro climate of a salt cave by dispersing saline aerosol in a high concentration in a room whose surfaces are covered with layers of salt.” My first reaction stepping foot in the salt room is that I was about to enter a sacred place. I spent 30 minutes in silence and absorbed the salt microparticles and can instantly feel a sense of detox and purification. There are many benefits to salt therapy including enhancing the immune system, increased lung capacity, focus and concentration and it has also be known to treat a variety of skin concerns. I left feeling like my whole body was rejuvenated and I could breathe better and easier.

I ended my visit with somadome, which is meditation and light therapy in a pod. Like Sensory 7, you begin by choosing what intention you are looking for. In the 20 minute session, you will experience deep relaxation and a safe haven for your mind, body and soul. It was an incredible experience and I would highly recommend this treatment if you want to reconnect with yourself or looking to manifest your intentions into reality!

12 West 27th Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212-675-9355

NATUROPATICA:

I recently discovered the brand Naturopatica and I have been obsessed with their products, especially their Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm. When I realized that they had a spa in their flagship Madison location, I had to check it out. The holistic health center offers body and skin therapy. I decided to try their Chill Body therapy:

“Using our exclusive Chill oil and targeted balm, this regeneration therapy helps relieve sore, over-stressed muscles and reduce cellular oxidation following strenuous exercise.”

In addition to prioritizing wellness, I also value fitness, so this treatment is great for people like me who have been working hard on their fitness goals but need some recovery. The CBD oil that this spa uses is like no other and it was the first time that I experienced a massage with CBD. I have to admit that I definitely dosed off a few times during the session but I think that just goes to show how relaxed I was! If you guys are looking for a brand that is clean, effective and holistic, then be sure to check out the wide range of products at Naturopatica and of course try their spa as well!

667 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10065
646.313.3712
MadisonSpa@Naturopathica.com

BATHHOUSE:

As a recently new Brooklyn resident, I was happy to stumble across Bathhouse.

Located in a converted factory in the heart of Williamsburg, with a sleek modern interior, Bathhouse focuses on highly functional modalities. We incorporate ancient wisdom with the best of contemporary recovery practices in a socially engaging environment.

I have been to bathhouses in Europe before but never one in New York City and to be quite honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I spent a Friday morning experiencing the facilities including three pools (cold plunge, hot pool, and thermo-neutral), steam room, dry sauna, and tropical sauna. Surprisingly, I had a great time and loved the calm and quiet atmosphere of the baths. It was great to be able to listen to my body and choose the facility based on my mood. I startedoff with a 20 minute sweat session in the sauna to remove my body toxins. I then proceeded to the cold plunge to “cool down.” I simply dipped my body in and then had to get out because I’m a huge baby when it comes to the cold. I enjoyed the majority of my time at the thermo-neutral bath and then ended my time at the hot pool.

To know that there’s a bathhouse in Williamsburg is extremely satisfying. It’s convenient for me to go to and I can see myself returning should I need a little me time. There’s also membership options so if this is close to where you live or work, it’s a great place to check out. There’s also a restaurant connected to the bathhouse and the food there is delicious and healthy! The staff are also very friendly and they are constantly cleaning the spa, so I felt at ease knowing that it was sanitary.

I went with a friend but this is a great experience you can do alone as well. It wasn’t that crowded when I went and I am assuming they do cap it at a certain point to avoid over crowdedness but overall, I really enjoyed the vibe here and I would consider this somewhat of a hidden gem in Williamsburg!

103 N 10th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11249
1(929)-489-2284

CHILLHOUSE:

Chillhouse, as the name suggests, is a modern place designed for relaxation and self care. The Lower East Side location is a duo cafe and spa, offering nail, body and facial treatments.

All chill, with only the frills you actually care about. Your face deserves skin treatments with a zero-BS approach: attainable, straightforward and effective. Our Chill Face program is relaxation and results rolled into one comprehensive experience —  that’s the #restingchillface way.

The Make Me Glow facial came highly recommended, so I decided to try this treatment. The facial is intended to recover, brighten and revitalize your complexion through deep exfoliation and hydration, all using Dermalogica products. I have been to a few events at Chillhouse before and loved the vibe so it was no surprise that I had a great experience!

I was brought to the facial room and made myself comfortable by laying on the heated bed. My esthetician was attentive and did wonders for my skin in terms of exfoliation and hydration. At the end of my treatment, I could literally see my skin glowing and the best part was that I didn’t have any make up on and I was confident in my bare face. I received this treatment a few days before leaving to Tulum and I think it was a great idea to do it right before vacation!

The best part about Chillhouse is definitely the vibe. It doesn’t feel like an upscale spa but it also doesn’t take away from feeling calm and at ease. I also learned that you can be a member of the Club Chill, which gives you discounted services, membership perks and benefits. If you are huge about self care and find yourself using many of their services or interested in using their services, then this is something you should consider!

*Chillhouse was also nice enough to provide me with a code MARIANN20, which grants you all a discount of $20 off any first service at Face + Body Studio.

149 Essex St
New York, NY 10002
1(646)678-3501

SHAPEHOUSE:

Unlike the other wellness places I’ve highlighted above, Shapehouse is an urban sweat lodge and as you can imagine, this is the place to sweat! I want to emphasize that there are different forms of wellness treatments that can help you put your best foot forward. Do I think relaxation is a huge component to wellness? Yes! And for those who want to connect with their inner selves more, the previously highlighted treatments will definitely help you get into a more zen body and headspace. However, for those who are looking for another treatment that promotes endorphins, I think Shapehouse is the answer!

I personally love sweating and that’s why I love working out! The treatment at Shapehouse is like nothing I’ve experienced before because they use FAR infrared sweat technology:

FAR infrared is a radiant form of natural energy. FAR infrared cannot be seen, but can be felt as a nourishing heat that safely penetrates the skin to increase core-body temperature. This results in an intense, detoxifying, health-boosting sweat that helps you look and feel healthier, happier, and brighter.

My whole body was covered by a FARinfrared blanket except for my face and I tried to relax in the 55 minute session. Throughout that time, you are actually encouraged to watch Netflix to basically ease your mind and get rid of distractions. The first 40 minutes were fine because I personally think I handle the heat well. However, the last 25 minutes I could feel my body definitely heating up and by the time it hit 45 minutes, I was definitely ready for it to be over. When I finished, I felt like I just finished an intense workout because my whole body was drenched in sweat. Interestingly enough, I felt amazing afterwards and I left my session feeling energized without engaging muscle tension or mental strain. I also can’t even begin to explain the amazing sleep I had that night!

It is recommended to go at least 3-5 times in a week to fully experience the results and that’s exactly what I did. I cannot rave enough about the treatment and this is a win win for those who want to feel their best and look their best without committing to an exercise regime or workout plan.

34 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011 

GOKU SPA:

I have always been fascinated by anything and everything related to Japan so when I found out that Goku Spa is offering a special promotion in which they’re allowing customers to pay whatever they want for their “Ultimate Sleep” massage (from now until March 15th), I thought this was too good to be true.  The top-tier treatment service normally costs $150 and has three other locations in Japan with a 540,000-person waiting list.

Atsumi Kaneda, founder of New York City based Goku Spa, explains

Our hope is for New Yorkers to be at ease as we share exactly what this “Ultimate Sleep” is. When people experience an emotion they have never had, the reaction is priceless. We are so confident that our success will translate here in New York that we took on the challenge of the $0 and up model. This means that it is up to clients to determine the value of the hour-long “Ultimate Sleep” spa session.”

So what exactly can you expect from the Ultimate Sleep massage? I would say you truly have to experience this yourself because it was a treatment that I cannot accurately describe in just words!  The space itself is a dream and when you first arrive, you will be completely zen. The staff is beyond welcoming and your body and mind will easily prepare itself for relaxation. I went on a rainy day so I was already in that gloomy mood and the thought of napping seemed glorious.

I was instructed to change into their comfortable top and sat in a chair in a secluded room. I didn’t know what to expect and wasn’t sure if I would actually fall asleep but boy was I wrong! My massage therapist used a special technique that was composed of twenty-one types of strokes. She applied pressure and used her fingers in a certain motion to my scalp, facia, and muscles of my head, which allowed for more blood circulation. I don’t know what happened after 20 minutes because I was completely transported into another world and I think I took a nap? Or I actually slept? All I remember was dozing off and then being conscious at the end of the one hour session.

I never experienced anything like this and it’s truly a special treatment. The fact that Goku Spa is now in New York is a huge blessing because I think we can all use this tremendous relaxation. I know that a lot of people can agree that their sleeping routine can improve. I now understand why Atsumi Kaneda decided to do this unthinkable promotion. The treatment is worth the $150 price so if you want to take advantage of the pay what you want offer, you have a month to book your visit now!

18 W 38th St #2fl
New York, NY 10018
(929) 336-3088