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  1. Clay

  2. Exhale Mind Body Spa

  3. The Spa at Equinox

  4. Fit Spa NYC at Hype Gym

  5. Patrick Melville Salon & Spa at Equinox

  6. Paul Labrecque Spa and Salon at Reebok Sports Club

  7. The Spa at Chelsea Piers

Best gym spas

Get your endorphins the relaxing way at one of these havens located inside NYC fitness centers.

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RECOMMENDED: Fitness guide to NYC

Clay
If you're young, single and hip, book a spa service to gain access to this clubby fitness haven and meet like-minded locals. The boutique health club caps its membership at 1,500 people and attracts freelance artists, dancers, actors and fashion stylists with its Zen, gallery-like aesthetic and free Wi-Fi. You'll actually want to curl up with your laptop at the fireside leather sofa, sleek organic juice bar and cafe, or rooftop sun deck (open from March through November), where sunset yoga classes are taught and massages can be booked in the three private cabanas. Once you check in, you'll be given a Longchamp bag stuffed with your robe and sandals. On your way to the spa through the locker rooms, you'll pass the four private unisex dry saunas and another snug lounge that contains a complimentary-use computer and flat-screen television. You won't be disappointed by the body rubs given by therapist Leo Ranieri, whose hypnotic voice, strong hands, and use of stretching and deep-breathing techniques will put you in a words-slurring state. Best-sellers include East Meets West massages (60 mins, $115), which involve a sensual combo of shiatsu, Swedish and aromatherapy methods; and Integrated Body Work Therapy sessions (60 mins, $125)—a customized service that can involve anything from deep-tissue massage to Thai stretching. Deal with dull winter skin by scheduling the Perfect Seasonal facial (75 mins, $150) that includes extra extractions and the use of a hydrating Sonia Dakar green-tea mask, or a mandarin-and-sandalwood-scented Warming Cashmere salt scrub (60 mins, $105) that concludes with a massage using a mother of pearl cream infused with algae extracts, crushed pearl and coral powder. Mention TONY to receive 10 percent off all services and a full-access one-week guest pass (worth $100) through January 31. 25 W 14th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-206-9200, insideclay.com)

Complete Body & Spa
While there may not be a lounge and cucumber water, folks looking for a no-fuss atmosphere and results-oriented services will be satisfied at this straightforward spa. A major draw at the Midtown East site (there are also locations in Chelsea and the Financial District) is that you can make your trip a staycation: When you book a treatment, you also gain access to the penthouse gym (normally $30 for a day pass); year-round, retractable-glass-roofed pool area (where there's a Ping-Pong table); spacious sun deck and weekends-only outdoor juice bar. During the day, the cherry-wood-walled, Italian-marble-floored spot is taken over by young families and senior citizens working out or grabbing complimentary coffee (available from 5am to noon on weekdays and 7am to noon on weekends). But in the evenings, it becomes a prime pickup scene, with cute guys lifting weights and chic gals hitting the treadmills or taking Pilates classes. The spa consists of just two treatment rooms, outfitted with sea-blue walls and calming murals of beach scenes. Ladies can book a Le Grand Classique basic facial (60 mins, $125) and gents can sign up for a men's skin fitness facial (60 mins, $125) with Scarlett Johansson-look-alike Natalia Lehman, who will exfoliate and hydrate your mug using Yonka plant-based products, then give you foot, arm and scalp rubs. If you're hurting from a sports injury, therapist Fred Anguera will take you over to the physical-therapy area and demonstrate stretches you can do on your own before kneading every kink out of your bod. Go for a Swedish deep-tissue massage (60 mins, $100) that includes having hot towels placed over your aching muscles, or change it up by trying warm-bamboo (60 mins, $125), hot-stone (60 mins, $125) or shiatsu (60 mins, $100) rubdowns. Waxing ($10--$90), spray tans ($25), skin-softening milk-and-honey body wraps (30 mins, $60) and sea-salt body scrubs (30 mins, $60) are also available. Mention TONY for 20 percent off all spa treatments at this location through January 31. 301 E 57th St at Second Ave (212-777-7703, completebody.com)

Exhale Mind Body Spa
Although there are five NYC branches of this global yoga-spa chain, the Columbus Circle location is the most impressive with its glorious views overlooking Central Park, 16 therapy rooms and extensive treatment menu. The diverse services include acupuncture massages (60 mins, $150), Shellac gel manicures ($55) and dry citrus sugar scrubs (60 mins, $145). Change into your spa robe in the butter-yellow wood bathroom, where you can also test the house-brand grooming goodies (such as shampoo and body lotion, $19 each); if you like them, you can buy the products at the large boutique near the entrance, which also offers trendy garb from DV Dolce Vita ($120--$160) and BB Dakota ($40--$120), as well as fitness gear by Zobha and Lululemon ($30--$150). Then, sit in the Moroccan-themed lounge with a gratis cup of tea in your hand and a heated cinnamon-and-lavender-scented pillow around your neck as you wait for your name to be called. We recommend getting the mind-numbing Fusion massage (60 mins, $130) with technician Konstatine Varvaris, who will use Swedish therapies and aromatherapy oils to put you in such a physically relaxed state, you may want to go straight to bed. 150 Central Park South between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-561-7400, exhalespa.com)

The Spa at Equinox
The largest of the 19 luxe Equinox gyms in the city, this 55,000-square-foot location also boasts one of the biggest spas. Grab a gratis scone and tea from Alice's Tea Cup (available Fridays through Sundays) and listen to the celestial music playing in the waiting lounge, where you can recline on fluffy sheepskin-covered chairs and mauve sofas. What makes the Equinox spas unique is that each staffer is allowed to incorporate his or her own techniques into the treatments. For instance, when we tried a basic facial (60 mins, $175) that uses Tata Harper's all-natural products with Ceshada Chambers, she added on a complimentary high-frequency service that involves rubbing a buzzing, UV-lit wand over the skin to disinfect it. Bring your bestie or lover to try a couples' massage (50 mins, $220) in the VIP room, equipped with two massage tables, a flat-screen TV and a large private shower. Other notable services include spray-tanning sessions (40 mins, $90) using SUN by Sun Laboratories formula; Cellulite-Fighter body wraps (80 mins, $155) that are said to firm skin using algae, marine and botanical extracts; and 24-Karat Gold Signature facials (50 mins, $165) that include a mask infused with gold powder and silk extract to tighten your epidermis. The best perk is that no matter what service you book (including a simple eyebrow wax, $30--$40), you'll get access to use the members-only gym, so you can take an awesome Spinning class and then rinse off in the showers using Kiehl's products. Mention TONY to receive 10 percent off all services booked through January 31. 1429 Second Ave at 74th St (212-249-3917, equinox.com)

Fit Spa NYC at Hype Gym
Moscow native Anna Sayfullin has been working as an aesthetician since 1999, and she currently runs this one-woman spa (although freelance therapists are often brought in). Located inside a modern fitness center connected to a Kip's Bay residential building, the cozy spot consists of two fuss-free rooms (one for facials and the other for massages). But clients—the majority of whom have followed her here from past gigs—come for her seasoned skill set and use of top-notch products, such as SkinCeuticals clinical skin care and Australian-imported stripless hard wax. Prices are fair for services such as Essential facials (60 mins, $95) that include customized masks, Brazilian bikini waxes ($65) and Swedish massages (65 mins, $95). Although Fit Spa's clientele largely consists of women, men shouldn't be shy about visiting Sayfullin for deep-pore-cleansing facials (75 mins, $120), and brow ($18) and back ($65) waxes. Note that booking a service does not give you access to use the gym, but you can shell out $10 for a day pass to check out the blue-hued facilities and outdoor courtyard used for training. Mention TONY for 20 percent off all services booked through January 31. 480 Second Ave at 27th St (212-213-0424, fitspanyc.com)

Green Fitness Studio
It's not just the lime-and-forest green palette that make this industrial space—complete with a lovely outdoor garden that doubles as a party spot for art exhibitions and live music—green. The refurbished machines, recycled-rubber-tire flooring and infrared saunas are all testament to the gym and spa's commitment to being eco-friendly. Most of the members come from nearby Brooklyn neighborhoods to enjoy yoga classes in a transparent-roofed studio or organic juices ($5--$8) from the Verde smoothie bar. Since the spa is up-and-coming (it opened in 2010) and currently consists of just one full-service treatment room, the real draw here is that if you book a service, you can check out this totally original gym for free (normally $15 for a day pass). Break a sweat during a training session with Ryan Shollenberger (30 mins, $25), then unwind with an all-natural service, such as organic facials (60 mins, $45), organic enzyme peels (60 mins, $50) and cranberry antioxidant body scrubs (50 mins, $60), that use vegan and gluten-free products from Pangea Organics. Considering the wallet-friendly prices (we're talking $8 for an eyebrow wax and $35 for a Brazilian), you can score multiple services for the typical price of one. 232 Varet St between Bogart and White Sts, Bushwick, Brooklyn (347-599-0663, greenfitnessstudio.com)

The New York Palace Spa and Fitness Center
While the prestigious Palace may be one of the swankier hotels in Manhattan, the staff at this sophisticated, candlelit spa is nothing but hospitable and down-to-earth. The simple yet elegant five-room haven is wrapped around a fully equipped gym with views overlooking St. Patrick's Cathedral. Spagoers receive gratis access to the fitness center and can borrow complimentary workout clothing, sneakers and headphones. The clientele is a mix of local business execs (the gym's members are 80 percent men) and wealthy vacationers. Join the elite group for a workout or a steam in the locker rooms before indulging in popular treatments such as the aromatic hot towel massage (50 mins, $170), which uses arnica floral oil to relieve sore muscles (we suggest booking with longtime employee Pamela Fabi). Pretend you're on holiday by splurging on the Jet Lag therapy service that includes a 50-minute facial and 50-minute Lypo-Active treatment to replenish dry skin (110 mins, $290), or rejuvenate your feet with a combo pedicure and peppermint foot rub (110 mins, $220). Facials, including the Palace's signature version (25 mins, $110), incorporate products from Naturopathica, an organic line based in the Hamptons, and Phytocean marine lotions from France, which you can also take home ($28--$75). Mention TONY to receive $20 off all services booked through January 31. 455 Madison Ave at 50th St (212-203-7777, newyorkpalace.com)

Patrick Melville Salon & Spa at Equinox
British boxer-turned-hair-guru Patrick Melville has set up his sole hair salon on the same level as Equinox Rockefeller (formerly the Sports Club/LA). The upscale space is best known for its organic hair coloring ($150--$350), a process that involves the use of 100-percent biodegradable application pads and a formula made up of natural ingredients such as coconut and olive oils. Take a seat in one of the seven styling chairs for a haircut (women $127--$296, men $88--$196), blowout ($68--$76) or Kerastase conditioning treatment ($35--$50), or get your tootsies polished (60 mins, $56) with Essie lacquer in the two-chair pedicure room, hidden from the salon by a beaded curtain. You can also have your makeup professionally done by Dexter Phillip ($150--$450) of mineral makeup line Dex New York, which is exclusively sold at Patrick Melville and contains products named after NYC neighborhoods (such as Tompkins Square Park mauve eye shadow, $18; and Mott Street Cherry red lipgloss, $18). Booking a service also provides you access to the members-only Equinox gym, where you can snag a complimentary heather-gray cotton tee and shorts in the locker rooms for working out in. Have your date meet the newly made-over you at the swank Pulse bar and restaurant (located adjacent to the gym) to sip a glass of wine ($8) while watching the ice-skaters at Rockefeller Center. Mention TONY to receive 10 percent off all services booked through January 31. 45 Rockefeller Plaza between Fifth and Sixth Aves, third floor (212-218-8650, patrickmelvillesalon.com)

Paul Labrecque Spa and Salon at Reebok Sports Club
If not for the sign out front, you might think you stepped into the marble-floored lobby of your rich friend's fancy apartment building instead of a high-rise that houses a subterranean gym. Pretend you got lost on the way to the basement spa so you can wander around the five fitness floors to catch a glimpse of celebs such as Ethan Hawke, Cyndi Lauper and Kevin Bacon working out or basketball players shooting hoops in the glass-encased court (ladies, if you were wondering where all the tall, handsome men in the city hang out, it's here at 7pm on weeknights—you're welcome). Relax in the steam room, sauna or whirlpool before your treatment—you'll get gratis access to these amenities (but sadly, not the members-only gym) even if you book a mere manicure (45 mins, $35). Since there's a ten-chair salon where you can get cuts ($85--$500), blowouts ($60--$175) and lemongrass-formula deep hair conditioning treatments (30 mins, $55), it's possible to be pampered from head to toe under one roof. Lie down in one of the seven spa rooms for detoxifying seaweed body wraps (45 mins, $135) and deep-tissue massages (60 mins, $130). Our favorite indulgence is an oxygen facial (60 mins, $160) that plumps tired, postparty skin at the hands of Alona Shimonov, who will painlessly purge your zits. Grab some grub, such as tangy chopped Asian chicken salad ($9) served in a chilled bowl, at the caf on your way out or a fashionable goody from the Paul Labrecque boutique. Offerings include Three Dots ribbed tees ($62), Reebok men's sports garb ($20--$48) and house-brand beauty loot ($18--$112) including Straight Finish smoothing hair spray ($18) and Volume conditioner ($20). 160 Columbus Ave between 67th and 68th Sts (212-988-7816, paullabrecque.com)

The Spa at Chelsea Piers
When it comes to being a mecca for sports in NYC, no venue competes with Chelsea Piers. And when you book at least $75 worth of spa services, you get a free day pass (normally $50) to use the vast facilities, including the indoor pool, window-walled cycling studio overlooking the Hudson River, five basketball courts and volleyball sand pit. The spa is broken up into two areas: A small hut where the front desk and two manicure ($30) and pedicure ($40) stations are located, and a larger complex connected to the changing area featuring the eight treatment rooms and relaxation lounge. Marathon runners flock here for sports massages (50 mins, $115), since the therapists will work in tandem with trainers to better understand your body's needs, and if you bring in your race number, you'll receive 10 percent off any service. The spa is also equipped to deal with other athlete problems: Back facials (50 mins, $120) target outbreaks caused by body sweat, reflexology (25 mins, $75) helps with foot cramping, and Structural Integration (75 mins, $160) realigns the body with hands-on physical prodding. But even if you're not a fitness buff, you can still lose some water weight by scheduling a seaweed body wrap (60 mins, $140) with the knowledgeable Sasha Beloussova, who has been working here for 12 years. After your treatment, steam, shower then socialize at the Sports Center Caf, which boasts a sushi and juice bar, or on the spacious sun deck. Mention TONY when booking any service more than $100 to receive two free day passes (each worth $50) for return visits through February 29. Pier 60, 23rd St at the Hudson River (212-336-6000, chelseapiers.com)

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