There are countless spas in New York City, including day spas, luxury hotel spas, medical spas, and spas that specialize in Ayurveda. How do you tell which spas are the best? I've compiled a list of great spas in New York City, ranging from relatively affordable day spas to super-luxurious hotel spas.
Best Spas In New York City
Spa at Mandarin Oriental This lavish (and pricey) hotel spa has stellar service and attention to details, like fresh orchids in the treatment rooms. To make the most of it, go ahead of time to enjoy amenities like the "Heat Experience" rooms for men and women and great views. 80 Columbus Circle at 60th St. 212-805 8800, 866-801-8880.
Ohm Spa
Ohm Spa is a serene oasis that allows its massage therapists to customize a treatment and express their own individual style. I had an incredible massage here, and prices are reasonable. It's a true gem, but it's not a place to hang. (You get dressed and undressed in the treatment room.) 260 5th Ave, 7th Flr, between 28th & 29th Streets. 212-481-7892
Spa Chakra on Fifth
The former Cornelia Day Resort has made some changes but is still one of the most elegant (and expensive) day spas in New York. Extras include a rooftop garden where you can lounge in the sun (weather permitting!) and order from the elegant spa cafe menu (with indoor dining). 663 Fifth Ave. 8th Floor,
212-871-3050, 866-663-1700.
Babor at Takashimaya
This is an exquisite little spa tucked away on the 6th floor of Takashimaya, the luxury Japanese department store. 693 Fifth Ave., 212-350-0119.
Great Jones Spa Located in downtown Manhattan, this spa is knows for it "wet lounge solarium" with hot tubs, cold plunge pools and saunas, available to all guests up to two hours prior to and one hour following spa treatments. 29 Great Jones St., 212-505-3185.
Bliss Soho
This is the original Bliss location started by Marcia Kilgore in the mid-90s. It's sleek and modern, but some customers think they push products a little too much during facials. 568 Broadway, Second Fl., 888-243-8825. Other New York City day spa locations includeBliss 57at 19 E. 57th St., Third Fl. and Bliss 49 in the W. Hotel.
Townhouse
This three-story spa that caters to a corporate clientele, down to the leather banquettes and one all-male floor with a barber station. If you don't like people touching you, SpaOceana is a giant hydro-pool that sprays you with steam and oils. 9 W. 56th St., between 5th and. 6th Ave., 212-245-8006.
Juvenex
Juvenex is a Korean spa with unusual saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools, including the Jade Igloo, made from 20 tons of semi-precious stones. It is clothing optional for women only from 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Men and women are allowed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., but bring your bathing suits. 25 West 32nd St., 5th floor, 646-733-1330.
Oasis Day Spa
Oasis provides good spa value, with reasonable prices. 1 Park Ave. at 33rd, 212-254-7722. Two other locations are at Union Square and the Affinia Dumont Hotel at 34th and Lexington. It also has an airport spa at JFK.
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa
This was one of the originals -- a spa before there were spas! It's a bit "ladies who lunch-ish" with a loyal following. 691 Fifth Avenue at 54th St. 212-546-0200
Haven
Haven is a serene neighborhood spa with nice facilities. 150 Mercer St., 212-343-3515.
