New York City Guide

Rescue Spa
29 E. 19th St., Flatiron, New York, NY 10003
What it is:
A full service day spa delivering restoration and rejuvenation with a focus on skincare. Created by celebrated esthetician Danuta Mieloch, it offers facials, peels, light therapy, micro-current, ultrasound etc, plus the usual hair and beauty treatments including hair removal, manis, pedis, lash and brow treatments.
What we like about it:
This salon promotes clean beauty, using natural, organic and plant-based ingredients.
Our favorite:
The Rescue Facial is super-relaxing and is finished with LED technology which recharges your skin cells down to the deepest layers, helping boost collagen production and circulation, reducing stress and leaving you feeling more energized. We love seeing Diana for her facial massages, using her expert lifting and sculpting techniques.
Aire Ancient Baths
88 Franklin St., Tribeca
What it is:
A bath house with a range of baths including Ice baths, salt baths, and hot baths, offering a menu of treatments, massages and experiences.
What we like about it:
It’s so atmospheric - originally a textile factory back in the 1880s, the exposed brick and candlelight really add to your experience.
Our favorite:
The iconic thermal tour (Hot Bath, Cold Bath, Warm Bath, Bath of a Thousand Jets, Steam Room and Salt Bath) followed by the Orange Garden experience - using their signature aroma, you get a body massage, face massage, gua sha, face mask and scalp massage.
World Spa
1571 McDonald Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230
What it is:
A super spa offering a range of bathing rituals to revitalize and rejuvenate you - Turkish and Moroccan tiled hammam rooms, baths, Finnish saunas, a Himalayan salt room, Japanese onsen pools, Eastern European banyas, saltwater swimming pools and the Jacuzzi. Choose from the add-on treatments that include facials, body treatments, and massages and scrubs.
What we like about it:
You can spend four hours here and leave totally rejuvenated.
Our favorite:
The most amazing hammam ritual which involves a steam with black seed soap, then a delicate kassa glove exfoliation and hydrating ghassoul mud. They then gently pour perfumed oil mixed with warm water over the body, leaving your skin feeling revitalized, revived, restored and glowing. We also love the infrared treatment, the snow room, and the steamroom and sauna.
Aura Wellness
49 W. 33rd St., Koreatown
What it is:
A Korean Spa with specialist grottoes to promote healing and wellness. Choose from the Hwangto dry grotto / Crystal and Jade dry grottoes / Crystal and Jade steam grottoes / Stone ice grotto and combine with one of their massages or facial treatments.
What we like about it:
This unique midtown spa works on mind and body using an East meets West range of treatments and techniques. You can pop in for a lunchtime ‘sweat’ or book yourself in for a whole day of pampering.
Our favorite:
The Shiatsu massage really focuses on detoxing and de-stressing, leaving your body and mind reinvigorated. For the face, we love the photo rejuvenation light therapy treatment, which uses different wavelengths of light to target the different layers of your skin and is suitable for issues such as acne, rosacea, fine lines, uneven skin tone, broken capillaries etc.
The Piper Centre for Internal Wellness
425 Madison Ave 14th floor, New York, NY 10017, United States
What it is:
The center specializes in a range of treatments including colonic hydrotherapy, Chinese herbology, lymphatic draining, acupuncture and detox programs. It was founded by Tracy Piper who is a licensed massage therapist and acupuncturist, Chinese herbologist and certified colon hydrotherapist, who has over 25 years of extensive training in Eastern and Western health practices.
What we like about it:
Their holistic focus on mind, body and spirit.
Our favorite:
A 30 minute skin brushing session which is a lymphatic massage performed with a natural dry bristle brush. It removes dry skin cells, reduces the appearance of cellulite and gives a big boost to your blood and lymph circulation. We also love the acumassage where you have the acupuncture first then an hour-long massage session.
Gravity East Village
515 E. 5th St., #1A, East Village
What it is:
A wellness center that specializes in cleansing and rejuvenation via colon and hydrotherapy sessions. Services include gravity-based colonics (where there is a simultaneous in-flow and out-flow of water), coffee enemas, detox and diet workshops, infrared saunas, therapeutic massage and reiki sessions.
What we like about it:
It’s not just about treatments. They’re passionate about nutrition and living well. They share additional info on their blog and podcasts and run affordable, online classes such as Juice Fasting & Blended Smoothie Cleanse and Springclean Yourself with Raw Food.
Our favorite:
The gravity colonics because it gently removes toxins, food residue, metabolic waste and industrial pollutants from the body. Plus all GM newbies get the opportunity to learn ways to improve their digestion.
Higher Dose SOHO
Inside 11 Howard Hotel, 3rd Floor, 11 Howard Street, New York, New York 10013
What it is:
Infrared sauna and lymphatic drainage treatments for the face and body with a range of at-home wellness devices including their infrared sauna blanket, the red light face mask, and infrared PEMF mat.
What we like about it:
After a long flight, or a busy day, and on a gym rest day it’s great to sweat it out in the sauna, and come away feeling clean, more focused and revitalized. They offer intro deals and bring-a-friend discounts.
Our favorite:
The infrared sauna session (choose from 30 or 60 minutes) is super relaxing and is great for detoxing, circulation, skin purification, cell health and burning calories.
FaceGym
1427 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021
What it is:
Founded by former beauty and wellness columnist Inge Theron, this is a gym studio for your face. It’s part of the LA-London-Sydney-NYC FaceGym empire, where trainers perform a range of workouts and use the latest technology and high-performance skincare products to lift, sculpt, tone and tighten facial muscles.
What we like about it:
It has a menu of workouts available for everyone, and offers a range of add-on technologies including innovations in lights and lasers, radiofrequency and cryotherapy,
Our favorite:
Their Signature Sculpt massage is a “work out for the face” that’s great for lifting and depuffing. Add on hydration restoration or a vitamin shot for an extra boost! They recommend waiting 2 weeks after botox and 1 month after filler before getting one of their facials.
NYDG Integral Health & Wellness
119 5th Ave 2nd fl, New York, NY 10003
What it is:
Dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology, aesthetics (facial and body contouring), cryotherapy, phototherapy, IV therapy and primary care and preventative medicine.
What we like about it:
The place and the team of doctors and medical assistants really care about you, and celebrate each step you take.The whole experience is truly uplifting, giving you a huge confidence boost - it’s good for the soul as well as the face and body.
Our favorite:
The Cryo Facial Treatment is a multi-step process to purify the skin and perfect the complexion. You get a deep cleanse, gentle microdermabrasion, cryotherapy to soothe and refresh, a Colbert MD illumino Anti-Aging Brightening Mask and LED light therapy.
Dear Sundays
51 E 25th St, New York, NY 10010
What it is:
A wellness-inspired non-toxic nail salon with its own range of products.
What we like about it:
The founder, Amy, has created a peaceful haven that is more than a salon. You can even listen to guided meditations while you have your treatment.
Our favorite:
Their anti-aging Rose Extract Manicure is a fabulous experience involving an infusion of rose petals and hydrating coconut milk, followed by a gentle orange-peel scrub. You then get a 10-minute aromatherapy massage using rose essential oil, followed by a cooling spritz of rose water mist, and a perfect nail polish to finish.
IMD Beauty Spa
1481 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10028
What it is:
A health and wellness spa that specializes in detoxifying the body through lymphatic drainage massages, infrared sauna treatments and more.
What we like about it:
Founder Irani Makimoto-Domino designed the spa with a holistic approach to beauty and wellbeing and has dedicated over 35 years to the art of nurturing the body and soul.
Our favorite:
The Brazilian Signature Lymphatic Drainage treatment - a magnesium thermal wrapped infrared sauna session and lymphatic massage - leaves you with tighter, toned skin, increased circulation, a boost to your immune system and a reduction in the appearance of cellulite.
Clean Market
240 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022
What it is:
A wellness center offering Nutridrip IV drips, lymphatic drainage, infrared sauna and cryotherapy.
What we like about it:
Great ambience and service, spotless facilities, and the staff are warm and caring, guiding you through every step.
Our favorite:
The infrared sauna is amazing and so relaxing. The sauna rooms are private so you can control the temperature to suit you - plus you can even connect your own playlist via the bluetooth. We like to grab a match at their match cafe afterwards.
Ricari Studios
WSA Building 161 Water St, New York, NY 10038
What it is:
This ‘sci-fi’ massage was a cult in LA before it arrived in New York some five years ago. It uses advanced technology with a device that rolls over the skin for a sculpted body, which boosts blood flow and circulation, enhances lymphatic drainage, tones the skin, and leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
What we like about it:
You can choose from a face, body or both for treatments that leaves you feeling amazing and wanting to continue to take care of yourself after your visit.
Our favorite:
The Odyssey, for two hours of bliss from head to toe.
The Well
2 East 15th Street, New York NY 10003
What it is:
A stone’s throw from 5th Avenue, The Well brings together several healing practices including Chinese medicine and acupuncture, an IV, bodywork and facial treatments.
What we like about it:
They have a team of health coaches to provide lifestyle and nutritional advice (plus some great content on their website), classes such as yoga, barre and vinyasa flow, and there’s a wellness cafe.
Our favorite:
It’s always tempting to book out half a day to allow enough time for a class, a steam and sauna, a treatment and then a visit to the cafe. Cupping is great for boosting circulation and working on tension. The Marma Point Scalp Massage is so therapeutic - it includes a wonderful warm oil scalp massage and a variety of pressure techniques on your face, head, neck and shoulders.
ORA Space
1114 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10028
What it is:
Luxury acupuncture space. Treatments include acupuncture, cupping therapy, acupuncture facials and deep tissue massage to help alleviate a wide range of health issues such as nerve pain, gastrointestinal problems, mental and emotional disorders and women’s health needs.
What we like about it:
It’s perfect for a wellness day - holistic, luxury healing
Our favorite:
The acupuncture facial - it takes a little over an hour but you get traditional acupuncture combined with microcurrent technology, gua sha or facial cupping, LED light and lymphatic facial massage. You’ll leave with a healthy, youthful complexion, especially as the final stage involves a refreshing anti-aging tonic.
Joanna Czech
34 Howard St 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013
What it is:
Facial spa and skincare boutique, created by celebrated skincare guru, Joanna Czech. It specializes in sculpting facials, body massages and treatments including LED therapy. Joanna also has studios in LA (where she often prepares A-Listers for red carpet appearances) and Dallas.
What we like about it:
The personal approach - from initial consultation with an esthetician and a discussion about your current beauty routine, to an overview of the range of treatments to help you reach your short and long term beauty goals.
Our favorite:
All the facials are wonderful but The Ultimate Facial with Joanna, is of course unbeatable! She combines her famous manual massage with treatments to lift and sculpt, depuff where needed, and hydrate your skin. You come away restored and glowing, and full of invaluable advice.
Remedy Place
12 W 21st Street, New York, NY, United States, 10010
What it is:
A social wellness club, created to offer New Yorkers a healthy space to connect and relax. With its infrared sauna, IV tunnel, red light bed, hyperbaric oxygen chamber and ice bath studio, It offers a range of experiences from technical to holistic, including lymphatic compression, cryotherapy, acupuncture, cupping, group classes and more.
What we like about it:
The architecturally inspired interior is stunning - the all-gray decor was chosen to suggest balance and neutrality. Plus there’s a great nutritional bar.
Our favorite:
The Contrast Suite (this is one where you take a friend or partner) - the room has an infrared sauna, a shower and two ice baths. A friendly instructor helps you through the six minute ice plunge then leaves you to relax and chat in the sauna for the next 30 minutes.
Casa Cipriani Spa
10 South St, New York, NY 10004
What it is:
Sometimes referred to as the city’s most exclusive hotel spa, this is a luxurious retreat where you can relax and indulge yourself. It offers a range of massages, wellness experiences and beauty services, including eleven different facials.
What we like about it:
If you’re booked into one of the hotel suites, they’ll even come to your room for your massage, or IV drip - perfect if you’re in need of some tlc.
Our favorite:
See Samantha for her wonderful Agent Nateur Facials and their microcurrent Agent Nateur facial. And try their cryo-chamber (The Chill). Just three minutes and you’ll get a full body detox, an increase in collagen production, a reduction in any inflammation and a nice little metabolism boost.
Shafer Clinic
535 5th Ave 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10017
What it is:
An aesthetics and cosmetic surgery specialists, offering both surgical and non-invasive (such as chemical peels and exfoliation) procedures including a range of injectables, laser treatments, chemical peels, exfoliation, metabolic aesthetics like immune system support, and a menu of face and body lifts including thread lifts. They are passionate about achieving natural looking results.
What we like about it:
The warm and friendly team who are experts in the treatments they carry out, extremely knowledgeable and provide five star customer service.
Our favorite:
See Edyta for the best facials! Beloved by celebrities and magazine beauty editors, her lift, sculpt and slap technique and ‘magic hands’ are famous for transforming the face. No wonder she has such a loyal following.
Aida Bicaj
30 E 67th St 5th floor, New York, NY 10065 (this Tribeca spa is the newest one)
What it is:
Aida Bicaj has been called New York’s Skincare Whisperer and has been in demand for over 30 years. Treatments for the face include deep cleansing, hydrafacial, micro-needling, double lift, Biologique Recherche remodeling facial and oxylight sessions.
What we like about it:
The team of fantastic estheticians really know how to treat and enhance your skin, their techniques can lift and tighten the face as effectively as a surgical procedure and they’ll suggest a really effective set of products and a regimen to follow at home.
Our favorite:
See Agata for micro needling - this treatment will stimulate collagen production for firmer and more elastic skin with reduced fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you with a glowing, healthy complexion.
Jenna Perry Hair
347 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
What it is:
Jenna is a celebrity hair colorist and this salon - which specializes in color, cuts and styling - is said to have some of the coolest girls in town on their books.
What we like about it:
Think industrial glamour - white brick,exposed piping, huge mirrors, and shiny shiny everywhere! The team is super friendly.
Our favorite:
From a bang trim to a color transformation, we’d trust this team with anything! There’s also a great range of recommended products.
Sally Hershberger Salon
25 W 26th St 2nd floor, New York, NY 10010
What it is:
The great news is that there are actually TWO Sally Salons! Created by celebrity stylist Sally Hershberger, who also has a salon in Los Angeles, you can book in with Sally at the W 26th salon (known as Nomad), or at the 17 East 71st Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10021 (known as Uptown NYC) where you can also see the wonderful Sharon Dorram who is the queen of color. Influential, in demand and beloved by the movie and fashion industries, Sally famously created Meg Ryan’s signature choppy style.
What we like about it:
These guys are experts in cutting, coloring, knowing what will suit your face and staying at the forefront of global hair styling.
Our favorite:
Styling and coloring that lasts, from a team that really do deserve their title of hair artists. Their expertise means they’ll work out how to enhance your natural hair and talk you through how to care for and maintain your style before you leave.
Café Kitsune
550 Hudson St, West Village, New York, NY 10014
What it is:
Part of the global Kitsune empire which has stores in Paris, New York City, Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, and Los Angeles, this all day cafe and wine bar serves up classic pastries and cakes with its own famous blend coffees.
What we like about it:
It’s warm, welcoming and cozy. Architecturally, the building dates back to 1861 and has been gorgeously designed to deliver a Parisien vibe, decked out with velvet banquettes and bamboo chairs, and features huge windows which are great for people watching.
Our favorite:
The croissants and pains au chocolat are a work of genius and look ‘almost’ too good to eat! Pair them with a latte or matcha for your mid morning Village stop.
Ralph’s Coffee
160 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
What it is:
A classy coffee shop which is part of the Ralph Lauren
What we like about it:
While Ralph himself may not be serving you, he has been very much involved in developing the blends and creating a beautiful classy and vintage space where you can relax as you take a break from shopping. It provides a superb view of the stores along 5th Avenue.
Our favorite:
The coffees and matchas are every bit as good as you’d hope for, and the cookies and muffins are perfect for a treat. The flax banana walnut muffin, in particular, is a must. Plus you can treat yourself to a souvenir mug, tote or water bottle to remind you of your visit.
East Village Organic
124 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
What it is:
Beloved by locals, this organic health food store in the heart of the East Village has its own juice and smoothie bar.
What we like about it:
It’s the perfect spot to stock up on organic, seasonal produce, homemade soups and hummus, ready-made sandwiches and acai bowls. We love that the owner works in the store and is passionate about what he sells and uses himself.
Our favorite:
Do not, whatever you do, leave without treating yourself to one of their amazing smoothies! There are so many flavors, including superfood and super protein options, to green energy and berry boosters.
Gotan
130 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013
What it is:
A coffee shop serving seasonal, healthy food and snacks with a range of hot and cold coffees, chais, and matchas.
What we like about it:
Housed in a historic Tribeca factory building, it has stripped back to brick walls, long, wooden tables and exposed metalwork. It’s a great vibe for a NY coffee moment.
Our favorite:
The oatmeal health bowl (served until 11am) will set you up for a day exploring the city: coconut milk, honey, seasonal fruits, berries, coconut flakes and seeds. If you drop by later, the fattoush salad is bursting with Middle Eastern flavors!
Bonberi Mart
321 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
What it is:
A plant-based convenience store that’s big on eco-responsible offerings: famous for its grab and go salad bar and grain bowls, cold-pressed juices and smoothies.
What we like about it:
They create dishes which are designed to aid digestion and boost cleansing, which also taste superb. The household items are non-toxic.
Our favorite:
The Ashram Bowl (think kale, seaweed, edamame, avocado, tempeh meatballs, and a tamare/sesame vinaigrette) or pick up a tub of pink hummus or spicy guacamole.
LifeThyme Natural Market
410 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011,
What it is:
A health food store with its own juice bar and vegan bakery. It’s a great place to stock up on groceries, supplements and household items if you live or work in the city, or are staying in a rental for your visit.
What we like about it:
They are passionate about enabling healthy living in NYC. They sell organically grown fruit and veg which supports the local farming community. Plus they deliver to all major hotels!
Our favorite:
The organic roasted vegetables, fresh, crunchy salads and their homemade hummus.
Mr Chow
324 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022
What it is:
Since 1979 this famous, high-end Chinese restaurant has served authentic Beijing and original recipes and has been the venue of choice for some of the most prestigious parties hosted by New York’s fashion designers, museums and creative artists.
What we like about it:
The chic ambience, attentive staff, the interior design.
Our favorite:
We love the squab and glazed prawns to start, followed by the Beijing duck and, for dessert, the berry tart. Their signature lychee martinis are worth a try too!
Cha Cha Matcha
477 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
What it is:
The guys behind this brand wanted to offer a caffeine boost that was a little different to regular artisanal coffee shops. Their menu offers matcha and matcha soft serve, even a matcha lemonade, alongside a range of coffees and protein, probiotic and energizer beverages.
What we like about it:
Their matcha is high quality, ceremonial grade, and tastes nice and earthy. You can ask for decaf versions. They sell some really cute merch.
Our favorite:
The iced matcha chai latte.
The Fuel Stop
200 Central Park S #102, New York, NY 10019
What it is:
Founded by nutritionist and wellness lifestyle coach, Mila J, this boutique wellness center offers regenerative treatments including IV and NAD + therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, detox, cryotherapy and facial rejuvenation.
What we like about it:
Their philosophy centers on the body being an amazing healing machine and they focus on the brain and the body with their advanced, innovative services.
Our favorite:
The needle-free CO2 Carboxy Facial Therapy leaves your skin looking so radiant. It Improves elasticity and tone, reduces puffiness, stimulates blood circulation and metabolism, leaving your complexion clear, glass-like and bright.
Happier Grocery
365 Canal St Ground Floor, New York, NY 10013
What it is:
Often called ‘the Erewhon of New York’, this grocery store specializes in organic, local, seasonal produce, with a great community vibe.
What we like about it:
Their products are sustainable and ethically-sourced - there’s a wonderful range of fresh produce, meat, dairy and their pre-prepped marinated, roasted or sauteed vegetable dishes are perfect for a quick and healthy supper. The BevBar serves coffees, teas, matchas and smoothies, if you need a boost during your day.
Our favorite:
The organic juices and the frozen yogurt alone make it worth a visit.
The Vitamin Shoppe
931 8th Ave NW corner of 55th & 8th, New York, NY 10019 (plus 5 other locations in NYC)
What it is:
Possibly the largest range anywhere of vitamins and supplements, protein powders and bars, natural beauty and skin support products,including Agent Nateur holi (mane) and holi (radiance), aromatherapy, and more!
What we like about it:
Welcoming and knowledgeable staff who really listen and make excellent recommendations to support your health. Keep an eye out for special offers too.
Our favorite:
The free one-to-one online nutritional coaching session, to help you reach your personal fitness and health goals. This can cover meal planning, lifestyle changes, supplements you may need and tips to improve your health. You can then shop in-store for your vitamins and supplements.