12 Of The Best NYC Spas For Massages, Relaxation & Self-Care (2024)

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety can pile up quickly, even during a simple daily routine! Not to mention the hustle and bustle of living in the city, which can take a bit of a toll on even the most stoic professionals. Thankfully, a city as exciting and diverse as New York always has sanctuaries of calmness that can serve as an escape from the chaos (even if it’s only for a little while). When you’re in need of a massage in NYC, we’re here to guide you to the doors of some of the very best. These are the best spas in NYCto get you back to feeling like yourself!

1. QC New York, Governors Island

Just a five minute ferry ride from Downtown Manhattan sits QC New york, one of the most enchanting spas the city has to offer. With over 20 wellness experiences including spa pools, saunas, massages, steam rooms, relax rooms, and more, it’s the ultimate self-care destination. Perfect for a couple’s getaway or simply a day for revitalization, you can do just about any kind of spa treatment imaginable. Check out QC New York’s offerings here.

📍 Governors Island, 112 Andes Rd

🚇 New York Ferry

2. Aire Ancient Baths, Tribeca

Boasting many spas around the world, the Aire Ancient Baths is a must-see and one of the best NYC spas. Here, you can receive either a 30, 45, 60, or up to a 75 minute massage–but the massage is only half of the dazzling experience. The atmosphere of this spa is unmatched, taking place in a cavernous space lit with gentle lanterns, salt lamps and candles. This is the perfect place for you or with a lucky partner to indulge in the ultimate pampering.

This spa’s unique selling point is their treatments based on the bathing traditions of ancient Greece, Rome, and the Ottomans. Every massage here is paired with the element of water to wash your body and spirit clean. Massages are paired with treats like the Ancient Thermal Bath to ensure that every last ache pain and discomfort are long gone by the time you leave.

📍 88 Franklin St

🚇 Closest subway station: Franklin St (1)

3. Grand Central Bodywork, Midtown East

If you need a massage in NYC that combines the convenience and class that define the spirit of the city, Grand Central Bodywork is a must-book and one of the best NYC spas. As the name suggests, Grand Central is only steps from the famous station, off of 7th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas.

The pampering starts the moment you walk in the door with a calming atmosphere, relaxing music, and complimentary champagne service. The specialty massages here range from Swedish massages to deep tissue massages. Plus, their usage of pure grape seed oil and Thai jasmine bamboo oil, you’re sure to feel relaxed and refreshed.

📍 135 W 29th St, Suite 403

🚇 Closest subway station: 28th St (1)

4. Chelsea Wellness, Chelsea

For a spa treatment combining traditional, modern, natural, and urban elements in effortless harmony, Chelsea Wellness offers the best massage in NYC for you. Also found off 7th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas, you’ll find some of the widest variety in treatments around, from pure relaxation massages, to specialized athletic massages for people living more active lifestyles. They also offer options for foot reflexology, deep tissue, and hot stone massages to heal your muscles at every level.

For even more customization, there are salt, aroma, and hydro options which add a more natural take on healing that truly feels utterly natural. Best of all, sessions can run as short as just 10 minutes or up to 90, promising you flexibility to what fits your needs.

📍 133 W 25th St

🚇 Closest subway station: 23rd St (1) & 28th St (1)

5. World Spa, Brooklyn

Spend a day at this 50,000-square-foot spa in Brooklyn where you can try out authentic banyas, Finnish saunas, Turkish and Moroccan hammams, cleansing Himalayan salt therapy, Japanese onsens, a not-to-be missed infrared room and so much more. It’s eye-popping decor is beautiful and the treatments here are divine. They also have body treatments, massage therapies, and cabana body work you can experience too. Check out World Spa’s offerings here.

📍1571 McDonald Ave, Brooklyn

🚇 Closest subway station: Avenue N (F)

6. Banyan Tree Thai Spa, Chelsea

When a traditional massage just might not be enough to undo the most stubborn knots in your muscles, you’ll need a Thai-style massage. Combining massage, yoga, and acupressure, the very best way to experience this ultimate art of healing is at the Banyan Tree Thai Spa. At this spa, you can savor a Traditional Thai massage, deep tissue massage, or even a unique Four Hands massage for maximum tension relief.

If that’s still not enough to undo those pesky knots in your muscles and mind, indulge in a signature combination massage. Blending elements of a traditional Thai massage and deep tissue massage techniques, it’s sure to leave you with a healthy glow as you step back out the door.

📍 121 W 27th St, Suite 206

🚇 Closest subway station: 28th St (1)

7. Thérapie Clinic, Flatiron

NYC gets a little taste of the top med spa from Ireland & UK and they just opened their first U.S. location here in NYC! One of the things that makes Thérapie Clinic unique is that they offer laser hair removal services and it’s one of the most affordable options in NYC (as low as $27). They can also treat all skin types. Some of their clients even claimed the laser hair removal treatment is a painless process. Additionally, anyone who follows Secret NYC on Instagram can get a free underarm laser hair removal treatment when booking a free consultation (offer ends November 30th).

Thérapie Clinic is considered Europe’s #1 MedSpa, they offer a range of other services including Skin (Clear + Brilliant/Hydrafacials, Body (CoolSculpting) and cosmetic injections. Guests can also snag deals on these treatments and get $100 off any of these services over $500. Treat yourself and make the holidays the season of self care!

📍 12 W 19th St.

🚇 Closest subway station: 14th St./6th ave. (F/M/L)

8. Nuansa Spa, Midtown East

For a massage that’s equally atmospheric and unique, Nuansa Spa is like no place you’ve ever seen. Located in the Diamond District, you’ll find options here that you won’t find anywhere else. From the “Walking On Air” massage, to the “Dear Mother-To-Be” massage, you can’t go wrong here.

Other options like the “Healing Swedish Flow” and “Awakening That Yoga” are also invigorating, and are perfect for relaxing or boosting your energy to new heights. Combined with calming modern lighting, plush seating, and fresh flowers everywhere, Nuansa truly is an urban oasis.

📍 605 Fifth Ave, Floor 5

🚇 Closest subway station: 47-50 St/Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M)

9. Mahalo Massage NYC, Union Square

If you’re looking for the very best NYC spa that might combines massages and therapy, Mahalo Massage NYC is your perfect place. Located in Union Square East, a trip here requires trust, openness, and a willingness to truly surrender your aches, pains, and worries to your trusted practitioner. Though you can specify the base type of massage you want, the main option here is the Mahalo Signature Intuitive Massage. In other words, your trusted massage therapist reads your body’s tension points and knots in the moment, and decides the best combination of techniques to heal you.

For other specialty options, you can start with a base session of an Intuitive Prenatal Massage for expectant mothers, or Craniosacral Therapy for anyone seeking a healthier flow in their craniosacral system. No matter what, though, you’re sure to have one of the most complete and personalized massage sessions of your life.

📍 32 Union Sq E

🚇 Closest subway station: 14 St-Union Square (4, 5, 6)

10. Hideaway Spa and Lounge Wall Street, FiDi

As its name suggests, Hideaway Spa and Lounge Wall Street is a place to settle in for a massage if you’re a stressed-out resident. This FiDi spa is our pick for the bankers and businesspeople pulling some of the longest and most stressful hours. Providing personalized care, private rooms, soothing music, and flickering candles, every experience at Hideaway is truly enhanced.

The rooms here are also specially designed to block out as much of the sound from the bustling Financial District as possible, ensuring you a completely refreshing and serene experience.

📍 108 Greenwich St, Floor 4

🚇 Closest subway station: Rector St (1)

11. Blossom Spa, Midtown East

For a spa with extended amenities and services you won’t find anywhere else, Blossom Spa provides a comfortable space to unwind. Here, you’ll find a bit of extra pampering from the moment you step in the door thanks to a complimentary green tea and bottled water. The special features here include private lockers, stand-up showers and table showers, as well as both individual and couple massage rooms for every client’s comfort.

Unwind with the common yet classic Swedish or deep tissue massage, or try a true Asian-inspired Shiatsu massage. The latter uses acupressure across the body’s meridians to both help energy flow around the body, as well as relieve pain and stress.

📍835 3rd Ave, 2nd Floor

🚇 Closest subway station: Lexington Ave-53 St (E, M)

12. Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel, Greenwich Village

Situated in The Greenwich Hotel is Shibui Spa, one of the best NYC spas with expertise in tons of traditional healing practices. Here, you’ll find the natural core elements of wood, water, and stone all incorporated into their massage and various treatments.

Choose between one of their 9 massage options that combines different techniques and elements to give you a different feeling based on the plan. Each plan comes in either a 60 minute or 90 minute format, depending on how long you’re looking to go! Be sure to check out their website to make your reservation before you go.

📍 377 Greenwich St

🚇 Closest subway station: Franklin St (1)

13. Body By Brooklyn, Clinton Hill

Body by Brooklyn has to be our pick for one of the best NYC spas, and it’s because of its various options. This Black-owned business offers an all-day spa, lounges, bathhouses, massages, and so much more.

In terms of treatments, reward yourself with a facial or massage, that are very affordable compared to many competitors! If you’re looking to step up your game, consider indulging in one of their other amenities like their steamy Wet Room, Dry room where you can relax, or even their VIP room which is the perfect romantic getaway for couples.

📍 275 Park Ave, Brooklyn

🚇 Closest subway station: Clinton-Washington Ave (G)

14. WTHN, Flatiron

WTHN is designed as an immersive experience to foster the deepest relaxation featuring heated tables, aromatherapy, a wellness lounge, and more. The studio offers cupping and acupuncture with healers that are super knowledgable, and both leave you feeling completely relaxed and serene. The studio is also filled with various wellness products available to purchase, such as ear seed kits, herbal remedies, beauty tools, and more.

📍 20 W 22nd St

🚇 Closest subway station: 23 St (F, M)

Looking for more ways to relax beyond the best NYC spas? Try out one of these lovely bike ride spots around the city to unwind!