The best spa hotels in NYC

Traditional Chinese medicine guides the holistic all-body treatments at this luxe Columbus Circle hotel. East Asian-inspired treatments include body massages with custom-blended essential oils as well as 'time rituals', which tailor experiences according to a body’s specific needs. The Spa also offers a nearly three-hour Thai Yoga Journey that includes a soothing herbal bath, compression massage and full-body stretching. 

The Greenwich Hotel’s subterranean Shibui Spa is a cozy, cavernous escape from the nearby Financial District. Mimicking the warm, low-lit style of the lobby, the space has all bells and whistles but still manages to not be ostentatious. Stand-out treatments include the Healing Birch massage that utilizes birch, shea, peppermint, and helichrysum oils to reduce inflammation and dry skin; the oil-free traditional Japanese Shiatsu, performed on a traditional tatami floor to stimulate energy flow. End your decadent day with a dip in the heated swimming pool.

Formerly based in what is arguably NYC's most famous fancy hotel, the Guerlain Spa had to find equally as opulent surrounds to move into when the Waldorf Astoria closed for refurbishment (set to reopen in late-2021). The Plaza was a likely candidate, so patrons can continue to enjoy uber-luxury, such as the spa’s signature two-masseuse, four-hand Imperial Relaxing Massage, and the Abeille Royale Honey Repair, which utilizes honey concentrate harvested from Guerlain’s bees––raised on the French island of Ouessant no less––to see to fine lines.

Up on the 21st floor, the spa at The Peninsula offers a much-needed respite from the hectic pace of New York City life. Maximize your relaxation with a three- or four-hour treatment, like the Escape From the City package, combining a 60-minute exfoliating body wrap, 90-minute holistic massage and 90-minute facial. Ayurvedic therapies also appear in many of the spa’s offerings. Arrive a full hour before your treatment begins to take advantage of the spa’s sauna, steam rooms, ice fountain and Asian tea lounge.

Bamford Haybarn launched at Brooklyn's 1 Hotel in 2017 and boy are we glad they did. Decked throughout in warm, natural wood (there's even what looks like a tree trunk in the lobby), it simply oozes calm. Founded by Carole Bamford, the spa is dedicated to sustainable and holistic living and utilizes its own organic skincare range. You can enjoy a spot of yoga or meditation here, opt for a massage and facial, or book a personal treatment especially tailored to you. Afterwards, head up to the rooftop bar, which offers spectacular views of Manhattan. 

The Equinox hotel's slogan is "a place where compromise doesn't exist", and they're not wrong. It's a luxury hotel with a spa that offers a whole host of tailored treatments to make you really feel like you're staying in luxury. The facilities are complete with technology-driven therapies designed to enhance your health and performance, like the infrared sauna offering. They also have an amazing superfood menu if you fancy a bite to eat after your relaxation, where you can choose anything from superfood latte, to energising fruit bowls to rasavada cocktails. 

Unlike most NYC spas, Exhale puts just as much emphasis on high-quality fitness classes as it does on splurge-worthy treatments. In other words, get ready to sweat before sinking into that much-deserved massage or facial. Exhale offers barre, cycling, yoga and holistic wellness packages; even its spa treatments are fitness-inspired, including the customizable Power Facial that promises to whip sun damage, acne flare-ups and other skin concerns into shape.

The ilaOnly Spa at Lotte New York Palace is equipped with everything you need to get some breathing space from the fast paced nature of the city. Their signature CBD Energy Boosting Massage will release you from any anxiety and awaken your mind, while the If Skin Could Sleep facial will rebalance your chakras. You can also find a first class gym here during your stay, where you can use their Peloton bike to get your heart beat racing and give their app a try were you can track your performance.  

After a day of exploring an ever-hectic Manhattan, treat your body to a bit of down time in The Langham's classy spa. It's the exact same one as they have in their London hotel—Chuan Body + Soul—and standards are just as high in both. The main inspiration here is taken from Chinese medicine, with a nod to the five elements—fire, earth, metal, water and wood—not only in the treatments, but also the earthy decor. Relieve muscle tension with the aid of bamboo in the Urban Detox Ritual or take a meditative moment in the Himalayan salt sauna.

At the Marmara Park Avenue hotel, they pride themselves on giving you the full luxury experience. The hotel and spa sits in a richly historied 21-story building that dates back to 1927. Try out their Turkish bath where you can purify your body from toxins, and fortify your immune system. Or, you can give their gym a try, full of cardio and weights equipment to get your endorphins up. They also offer deep Tissue, sports, swedish and prenatal massages. This luxury hotel offers you everything you can imagine and more.