The Best New York City Spas to Treat Yourself Soon (2023)

When it comes to old-world New York glamour, nowhere does it better than the iconic Carlyle Hotel. You likely know Bemelmans Bar, with its whimsical murals painted by one- time Carlyle resident Ludwig Bemelmans; or the Cafe Carlyle, the grand dame music venue that hosts a rotating line-up of talented live performers from all walks of life. But not as many know that this discreet mecca of the Upper East Side is home to one of the best spas in NYC, the Sisley-Paris Spa. Right off Madison Avenue but tucked on the third floor of the hotel, this calming refuge is worlds away from the energetic sounds and sights of cosmopolitan life. The treatments are luxurious and the space, like the hotel itself, is designed to feel more like a private residence than an ordinary spa. Expect an oasis within dark-lacquered wood walls, and treatment rooms with Carrara marble countertops and English chandeliers. The purpose here is nothing other than to relax, and make yourself at home.

Sisley-Paris Spa at The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, 35 E 76th St. BOOK

The Greenwich Hotel is a destination unto itself, right in the heart of TriBeca. Rich, warm hues exude laid back, relaxed vibes—with a roaring fire to cozy up to in winter, and a lush courtyard to enjoy come summer. This is also home to the exceptional Shibui Spa, with a seasonally-driven menu of holistic, earth-driven treatments. From the roof of the 250-year old Japanese farmhouse that adorns the spa's pool and lounge area to the exceptional treatments, everything in Shibui is a thoughtful fusion of ancient techniques and modern practices, with a keen reverence to nature present throughout. Try the aptly named Diamond Multisensorial lifting treatment, that harnesses Marine DNA; or, opt for the Omakase massage for a truly bespoke spa experience. Trust us, this is the type of place where it's worth letting the experts take the reigns.

Shibui Spa at The Greenwich Hotel, 377 Greenwich St., BOOK

Thoughtfully designed by one of London’s most revered designers, Joyce Wang did a remarkable job creating an ultra-chill, sumptuous, recovery-driven spa which lives within the new Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards. Integrative wellness is the name of the game for Equinox, and their treatments here, and at their spa locations across the world, are designed to rejuvenate, recover, and restore. The Spa by Equinox Hotels is a natural extension of the iconic brand; the guest experience revolves around movement, nutrition, and regeneration—with the high-tech spa serving as the focal point. The most notable treatment from their robust and impressive spa menu is the exclusive Wave Table. Designed for sleepless travelers, a 30- minute session replicates 3 hours of sleep to help recharge overworked, time-zone-ailing guests. Paired with a cryotherapy facial, infrared sauna session, and a Jet Lag vitamin drip, this spa should be every business traveler's first stop before heading to key meetings in NYC.

The Spa by Equinox Hotel, 33 Hudson Yards, BOOK

While The Peninsula may soar above 5th Avenue, this plush spa’s signature offerings and vibe give it a very intimate feel. The service itself is synonymous with what you expect from the Peninsula; gracious, discreet, and luxurious. The Peninsula Spa menu includes the classics like Swedish massage and deep cleansing facials (featuring cult-favorite brands like Biologique Recherché), but the treatment offerings really shine with their specialties, like a cryo facial that uses cold techniques to rejuvenate and repair the skin. Since rest is hard to come by in the city that never sleeps, try the Sleep Support Therapy treatment that fuses ancient Ayurvedic practices, full body Marma Massage, and potent aromatic actives designed to balance emotions and reduce stress and anxiety.

The Peninsula Spa at The Peninsula New York, 700 Fifth Ave., BOOK

Already a Francophile’s dream in the heart of Manhattan’s chaotic midtown, the stunning Baccarat Hotel was the ideal setting for French heritage skincare brand La Mer to make their entrée into the NYC spa scene. The decadent spa within the hotel and residences transports guests into the immersive, highly curated world of La Mer. Decorated by Parisian design duo Gilles & Boissier, Spa de la Mer is adorned with a checkered, marble-tiled, 50-foot pool, sea kelp murals, and ambient light resembling a posh European seaside retreat. Making waves for their anti-aging innovation, treatments like their Miracle Broth Hydrating Facial and the time-transcending Genaissance Facial are superb, and the Four Hand Body Massage led by two therapists working simultaneously is a must for time-strapped travelers. This oasis in the heart of the bustle of Manhattan is a standout—and a must.

Spa de La Mer at the Baccarat Hotel & Residences, 28 W. 53rd St., BOOK

It's all about you at this stunning, yet discreet, standout on the Upper East Side just steps from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park. While The Surrey is worthy of a trip on its own for the exceptionally executed food at Cafe Boulud and the sensuous setting of Bar Pleiades, the intimate and luxurious Cornelia Spa here doesn’t miss a beat. Treatments are bespoke to the client and start with consultations, where your therapist aims to get a real sense of your wants and needs. Appointments here are dotted with fun extras, like amuse bouche tastings and a trip to the private Bouquet Bar. Not up for a full day of champagne and pearl scrubs or caviar facials? We're not sure why not, but the spa offers a selection of "In the Moment" mini treatments, like a 30-minute reflexology break. This is a veritable oasis uptown, so expect high touch, Relais & Chateaux-grade personalized service and private treatment areas. For those looking for some peace and quiet after their treatment, Cornelia Spa even has a private library to read, relax, and unwind in.

Cornelia Spa at The Surrey, 20 E 76th St., BOOK

Entrepreneur Kimberly Ross’ new boutique acupuncture spa ORA in NoHo fuses luxury with ancient tradition. Created to elevate traditional techniques with the goal of their feeling less intimidating and more convenient for the modern New Yorker’s routine, all sessions begin with an herbal drink and end at the tranquil tea and tonic bar for a holistic mind, body, and soul experience. ORA was designed in collaboration with architectural powerhouse Rockwell Group to create a serene, healing environment, and the meditative, sleek design of the space pays homage to its Chinese roots with details such as hand-painted ceramics, red lanterns in each treatment room, and Chinoiserie-inspired motifs.

ORA, 9 E. 4th St., BOOK

An urban retreat in Midtown Manhattan, the Park Hyatt has proven its continued commitment to luxury and high-end experiences—and Spa Nalai is no exception. In addition to the standard spa treatments you would expect from a five-star hotel, their 'Treatment Artisans' are also trained in recovery tools for frequent travelers, like cupping, reflexology, and manual lymph drainage. Beyond the tailor-made treatments, the spa boasts outstanding amenities including a saltwater lap pool, whirlpool, eucalyptus steam room, and a high-tech fitness center where guests can enjoy a Peloton or Mirror class before their treatments.

Spa Nalai at Park Hyatt New York, 153 W. 57th St., BOOK

Now more than ever is the time to disconnect, breathe, and realize the transformative effects of unplugging. New Yorkers who spend too much time hunched over their laptops or cradling their phones flock to this luxe spa for their neck, shoulder, and hand-focused Digital Wellness Escape. If you're looking for a particularly lavish retreat, try one of The Spa’s holistic wellness rituals like the three-hour Thai Yoga Journey that uses Thai yoga massage to help you find balance inside and out. And if cocktails are your thing, their discreet speakeasy, The Aviary, is a worthy stop post-spa for some of the more innovative cocktails in the city.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle, BOOK

Stepping into the belly of this converted textile factory in TriBeca is like stepping back in time to a classic Roman bathhouse—or, at least, our scrupulously clean, opulently- appointed fantasy of a Roman bathhouse—which is probably far chicer. Lounge like an emperor on heated marble stones or soak in one of the six candlelit specialty pools (ranging from hot to icy, plus a salt water floating pool and a bubbling jet pool). For full decadence points you'll have to try their renowned Red Wine Experience: a 30-minute soak in a Spanish tempranillo grape concentrate (complete with scalp massage) followed by a full body massage with antioxidant-rich grapeseed oil.

Aire Ancient Baths, 88 Franklin St., BOOK