A guide to NYC’s premier LGBTQ-friendly spas
Treat yourself to these LGBTQ-friendly NYC spas
Image courtesy QC New York
In the heart of the bustling city that never sleeps, New York City offers an oasis of calm for those seeking a break from the urban flurry. Out Traveler proudly presents a curated selection of the finest LGBTQ+-friendly spas in NYC, where luxury and wellness converge. Experience the pinnacle of pampering with our handpicked selection, featuring – in no particular order – everything from transformative body therapies to restorative facials and much more, all welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.
WORLD SPA
Image courtesy WORLD SPA; Image by Brian Berkowitz
Nestled in Brooklyn, World Spa emerges as an extraordinary wellness retreat, sprawling over three floors. This haven is a melting pot of traditional and international spa practices, offering an exceptional journey through cultures. Visitors are greeted by a stunningly curated space featuring banyas, Finnish saunas, Japanese onsens, and Turkish and Moroccan hammams, among others. This 50,000-square-foot sanctuary, once a mere parking lot, has been meticulously transformed by BK Developers over nearly a decade into a nexus of relaxation and cultural richness.
World Spa invites guests to embark on a solitary journey of self-discovery or share a tranquil moment with a significant other in the serenity of their private couples’ rooms. Guests can indulge in 50- or 80-minute treatments, ranging from invigorating facials to soothing body therapies. A standout is the Venik Spa Treatment, which combines natural elements and time-honored rituals with tree branches and heat to rejuvenate both body and spirit. Beyond treatments, World Spa is a culinary delight offering international, healthy fare, as well as bespoke cocktails and tapas. For those seeking exclusivity, Tuuci-styled cabanas are available for reservation. World Spa also offers membership packages designed for year-round luxury and flexibility. Members enjoy unlimited access and unrestricted relaxation hours, embodying the ethos of World Spa: time unbound.
AIRE Ancient Baths New York
Image courtesy AIRE Ancient Baths New York
Located in the vibrant heart of Tribeca, amidst the dynamic pulse of downtown, lies a sanctuary of serenity: Aire Ancient Baths New York. This unique spa experience, set within a meticulously restored 1883 textile factory, offers an escape to a world where stress melts away. Guests at Aire embark on a sensory journey reminiscent of the Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathing traditions, immersing in a sequence of thermal baths, each offering distinct temperatures and health benefits. These include the Tepidarium (a warm bath at 95°F), Caldarium (a hot bath at 102°F), and Frigidarium (cold baths at 57°F and ice at 50°F). Unique features like the Balneum with a thousand jets, an aromatherapy steam room, and the Flotarium, a salt-rich bath enabling effortless floating, heighten the experience. A dedicated area for salt exfoliation is next to the Flotarium, which perfectly complements the buoyant relaxation experience.
For those seeking a romantic and stress-relieving experience, Aire presents ‘The Wedding Love Connection 60’ package. This luxurious offering includes a 60-minute full-body massage for couples, enhanced with basalt stones and a choice of soothing or energizing oils. Post-massage, couples can indulge in the magical thermal baths, complemented with refreshing fruit juice. Perfect for unwinding before or after a wedding, it’s an idyllic retreat from the whirlwind of celebration planning. The thoughtful service at Aire extends to the changing facilities where the friendly attendants dry and pack your bathing suit post-experience, ensuring a seamless transition back to the world outside.
QC New York
Image courtesy QC New York
QC New York, the inaugural U.S. outpost of the esteemed QC Spa of Wonders from Italy, offers a transformative spa experience right here in New York City. Positioned on Governors Island, this spa haven redefines relaxation with its array of over 20 unique wellness experiences. Guests are treated to Vichy showers, saunas, infrared beds, and tranquil relaxation rooms. The standout feature, however, is the unparalleled breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline, visible from the spa’s gardens and heated outdoor pools. A year-round destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike, QC New York ensures the utmost comfort during winter, with heated outdoor tunnels leading to pools and warm towel racks. With its heated loungers and custom blankets, the Reflection Rooms offer another cozy spot to admire the cityscape. QC New York boasts the city’s singular year-round outdoor pools, a true gem in its luxurious offerings. This feature allows guests to enjoy a unique experience of swimming in heated waters amidst snow or rain, creating a serene and almost mystical environment, perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy moments that are sure to evoke envy and awe!
Guests can also indulge in a delightful Aperitivo Tray and a selection of salads, wraps, and sandwiches, complemented by a range of exquisite cocktails, all while unwinding in the comfort of your robe. QC New York’s presence on Governors Island has been transformative, extending the island's accessibility year-round in sync with the spa’s opening hours. Beyond its scenic location, QC New York holds historical significance, housed in three refurbished historic Army Barrack buildings, blending rich local history with modern rejuvenation.
Bathhouse
Image courtesy Bathhouse; Image by Adrian Gaut
Bathhouse, a modern sanctuary set within a repurposed factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, seamlessly blends ancient bathing traditions with cutting-edge wellness practices. Its sleek, contemporary interior is a haven for those seeking elite-level treatments to enhance their appearance, wellness, and performance. Bathhouse caters to both individuals and couples, offering best-in-class massages and scrubs, and includes access to its exceptional amenities with every treatment reservation. The heart of the Bathhouse experience lies in its array of facilities. It boasts dry and tropical saunas, a starlight steam room, three thermal pools, and heated marble hammams, accessible through a day pass or any treatment. Enhancing the experience, Bathhouse features an on-site bar and restaurant, prioritizing health and flavor and serving cocktails and snacks from breakfast to dinner, perfect for pre- or post-treatment relaxation. Bathhouse is a welcoming, co-ed space where guests are encouraged to embrace the communal spirit. The etiquette focuses on respect and mindfulness; engaging in quiet conversation while being considerate of others’ relaxation is key. Guests are invited to embrace a digital detox by leaving their phones at home or securely stored in lockers, which conveniently come equipped with USB charging ports. And in case you forget a bathing suit, Bathhouse sells a chic selection from brands like Pilgrim, Mara Hoffman, and Solid & Striped.
THE WELL New York
Image courtesy THE WELL New York; Image by Grant Legan
The Well New York, situated adjacent to Union Square Park and a stone's throw from Fifth Avenue, is a beacon of holistic wellness. This 13,000-square-foot NYC flagship center is a comprehensive wellness destination offering an array of services designed to cater to every aspect of well-being. Its facilities include a full-service spa with steam room, dry and infrared saunas, and specialized treatment rooms for bodywork and skin health. Additionally, it offers health coaching, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, an organic wellness café, and yoga and meditation studios. While membership options are available, The Well New York welcomes non-members to enjoy various treatments, sauna facilities, and curated events featuring renowned practitioners and healers. The recently introduced Signature Facial is a highlight, combining the bespoke Well method with LYMA Laser technology and Biologique Recherche products, ensuring a rejuvenating experience for each individual's skin. The Well is introducing flexible membership options, including monthly, quarterly, and annual plans starting at $395/month with a $500 introduction fee. These memberships provide access to the full range of amenities: the spa, organic restaurant, yoga, fitness and meditation studios, and a well-stocked library. The center’s classes, like Reiki Restore, Mat Pilates, Barre Sculpt, Alignment Yoga, and sound baths, are designed to cater to various wellness needs and preferences, fostering a community where wellness is seamlessly integrated into daily life.
Winter Spa at The William Vale
Image courtesy Winter Spa at The William Vale
Winter Spa at The William Vale offers a refreshing respite from the city’s winter chill, inviting guests to indulge in a unique Scandinavian-inspired wellness experience. Perched on the fourth floor and open through March 2024, this urban retreat provides panoramic barrel saunas and cedar hot tubs on the hotel's terrace, boasting stunning views of Williamsburg and the iconic Manhattan skyline. For an hour of rejuvenation, guests can immerse themselves in the traditional Sauna Experience for $80 per person or opt for the comprehensive Sauna + Hot Tub Experience at $120 per person for ninety minutes, ideal for those seeking the therapeutic contrast of hot and cold therapy. Winter Spa’s holistic offerings are not only available to hotel guests but also to the general public, ensuring everyone can partake in the benefits of detoxification, muscle relaxation, and improved sleep. Upon arrival, guests are provided with robes and can change within the privacy of the sauna barrels or opt for more space in the hotel's bathrooms on the same floor.
Pietro Simone Skincare Clinic
Image courtesy Pietro Simone Skincare Clinic
At the forefront of innovative skincare, the Pietro Simone Skincare Clinic in SoHo stands as a beacon for those seeking top-tier facial treatments. Founded by the esteemed facialist Pietro Simone, the clinic has gained fame for its individualized, science-based skincare approaches. Catering to a broad spectrum of skin concerns, the clinic offers over 30 specialized treatments, incorporating cutting-edge techniques like shockwaves and lymphatic drainage stimulation. Simone's expertise, cultivated over 20+ years, informs his holistic approach to skin and body health, steering clear of the elusive anti-aging chase. His methods emphasize sustainability, global best practices, and a comprehensive understanding of skin and body needs. Recently, the clinic introduced several groundbreaking services. The “Intimate Menu” features treatments such as the 75-minute Rejuvenating V-Lift and the 45-minute Rejuvenating P-Silk Smooth Treatment, both non-invasive and designed to enhance specific intimate areas. Another notable introduction is the Exosome treatment, a luxurious regenerative therapy suitable for all body areas. These treatments, along with the upcoming House of PS membership program, mark a significant evolution in New York’s high-end skincare, offering accessible luxury for routine maintenance, especially vital in combating New York City’s pollution. Simone’s product line also reflects his philosophy, with items like the Dewy Polisher and Dewy Pro-Aging Overnight Cream, which combine advanced technologies and natural active ingredients for optimal skin health.
SoJo Spa Club
Image courtesy SoJo Spa Club
Although SoJo Spa Club is located in New Jersey, it unequivocally earns its place on this list. More than just a spa, it’s a cultural landmark, redefining the Korean bathhouse experience by weaving together an array of global spa traditions. This unique wellness destination stands as a testament to the fusion of diverse cultural spa practices, offering a one-of-a-kind experience just a stone’s throw from NYC. This unique wellness destination stands out with its authentic Volcanic Sand Bath, the only one outside of Japan. In partnership with Hakusuikan, SoJo Spa Club brings the detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits of mineral-rich volcanic sand, warmed by underground springs, to its patrons. Through innovative engineering, this Japanese tradition is now accessible without needing to travel across the world. The spa boasts an impressive array of ten different pools and baths, all heated and open year-round, providing a diverse and rejuvenating experience in any season. The wellness journey extends to their unique saunas and therapy rooms, each designed to promote specific health benefits, ensuring a holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation. Culinary delights are not forgotten, as SoJo Spa Club offers a variety of food and beverage options to complement the serene experience. The highlight is the rooftop infinity pool, which provides stunning views of NYC’s skyline and a breathtaking backdrop that alone makes the trip to Edgewater worthwhile.