During my first few years of living in the city as a college student, I thought spas were exclusively for adults who had their lives together. There was something about the luxury of spending a day at NYC spa or any spa for that matter — that seems unattainable for someone my age.
However, halfway through college, I discovered the holy grail of spas – their capability of removing toxins and tension from your body and gifting you the temporary relief from real life.
After each time at the spa, I felt a sense of bliss and serenity that I didn’t felt before. I felt like I could go into my studies and work with more of a calm state of mind. Spas are really worth the investment since you really reap the benefits.
As a “real life” adult now (aka not a student), I’ve grown to appreciate the miracles that a spa day does more than ever before. Especially as we’re heading full-on into the holiday season and the temperature dropping uncomfortably, a day at the spa not only relaxes you, but it also keeps you warm and cozy.
An Excuse to Escape Real Life
Additionally, as we’re becoming ever-so connected with our phones and social media, a day at the spa can force us to stow away our tech gadgets, and just immerse in an internet detox.
This is personally one of my favorite parts of a spa day – it gives me an excuse to ignore emails, texts, and direct messages, even though it might be just for a few hours.
The ultimate best part is that there are a lot of affordable spas in the city that can get you your money’s worth. You can treat yourself without breaking your bank account.
Also, there are always great deals for spa admissions on apps like Groupon and LivingSocial. I don’t know about you, but I’m such a sucker for a good deal.
So Where Are the Best Spas in NYC?
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge yourself with a well-deserved spa day!
Here’s a list of the best spas in NYC that gives you the best bang for your buck, including reviews from real New Yorkers like yourself!
Ohm Spa
205 E. 16th Street, Suite M2A, NY, NY
Ohm Spa is known as one of the best spa destinations in the city. Its mission is to serve guests who have chronic stress and fatigue. The spa specializes in targeted massages and rejuvenating facials.
They also provide CBD oil based massages, which on their website is described as “the infused massage cream is fused into the skin throughout the session to provide a unique sense of calm and relaxation.”
One TripAdvisor reviewer writes:
“So great to find a middle ground for a massage between the very expensive spas in the hotels and the very cheap in Koreatown nearby. Soothing waiting areas, lockers provided along with robes and slippers make you feel pampered and chilled ahead of the treatment.”
Metamorphosis Day Spa
127 E. 56th Street, 5th Floor, NY, NY
The muted lights and a no-cellphone policy definitely make this spa a tranquil environment. Metamorphosis Day Spa has an extensive menu, offering facials, mani/pedis, and body treatments.
The six-room spa is best known for its extra-gentle waxing, affordable laser hair removal packages, and splurge-worthy couples massages.
A Yelp reviewer says:
“Go here for a massage and ask for Katy S.! She did a FANTASTIC job. Swedish style massage with acupressure. It was both relaxing and rejuvenating at the same time. She helped relieve a lot of the stress and tension I was holding in my back and shoulders. She will customize the massage to take care of the areas you need the most work. I walked in feeling sore and walked out feeling like she worked most of my pain out within an hour.”
Eden Day Spa
388 Broadway, NY, NY
Located in Tribeca, Eden Day Spa combines Eastern and Western spa practices. Their menu offers a wide range of services, from Thai-infused massages to Russian-typed facials, and Asian-style mani/pedis.
Their signature body service is the Sandy Beach Scrub. All you need to do is step into a free-standing deep wooden tub, infused with rose and lemon water. You are going to be bathed, buffed, and brought into a state of bliss.
A praise from a Yelp reviewer:
“Eden Day Spa always been that very stable constant in my life that I know I can rely on for relaxation, for comfort above all other NYC spas. While they have a great selection of services that they have always offered (get my monthly wax, manicure, and deep tissue massage), I am glad to see more modern practices like non-surgical fat freezing. The place is kept very clean and quiet and the sandwiches and pasta are delicious. Facials by Yvette are absolutely spectacular and you can never go wrong with the skincare products they have to offer. Every experience I have here is one to cherish.”
Aire Ancient Baths
88 Franklin Street, NY, NY
This one is especially perfect for a frigid NYC day. Also located in Tribeca, Aire Ancient Baths bring you back in time to the classic Roman bathhouse – only cleaner and modernized.
Their floors are made out of heated marble stones, which will make you feel like a mighty emperor.
They also have six candlelit specialty pools, ranging from hot to icy, and including saltwater floating and bubbling jet pools. With no-cellphone and no-photos policies, your privacy is secured and you can truly escape.
Recently, a TripAdvisor reviewer wrote:
“Overall, the facility is extremely clean. I get a little grossed out to think I’d be sitting in hot tubs with random NYC people. But, it was actually great. You don’t even notice other people because there are so many candles and light music playing that the ambiance rids any idea you’re in the concrete jungle.”
Shibui Spa
377 Greenwich Street, NY, NY (inside The Greenwich Hotel)
The Shibui Spa has an iconic roof from a 250-year-old Japanese farmhouse that hovers the spa’s pool and lounge areas. Their body treatments are holistic and nature-driven, focusing on the well-being of your mind, body, and soul.
In the wintertime, they have a special body treatment with coddling mango butter and Australian clay. The spa was built entirely out of wood, water, and stone – emitting a strong nature vibe.
A Yelp reviewer claims:
“Absolutely an indulgent environment. Perfect for a relaxing evening. My partner and I both received Thai massages. We both very pleased with our service. My masseuse had excellent technique and created a truly calm experience. The hotel itself is beautiful with an old-world touch. I would definitely return.”
