Wellness retreats in NYC? Sounds like an oxymoron, but it actually makes sense. As a city that never sleeps, its people must be craving the ultimate ways to relax every now and again. Truth be told, even a few days’ worth of exploring NYC makes me want to hibernate for weeks.
So, I might as well experience wellness retreats in the city before I leave. This way, I can proceed with my next trips feeling energized and refreshed.
I’m now here to give you the lowdown of the best experiences I have so you won’t have a hard time picking which of them can deliver the relaxation you’re looking for.
Sanctuary NYC Retreats
One of the places I found when doing a Google search on the top New York retreats is Sanctuary NYC Retreats. I went to their official website to see how I could book a stay, and I think they could use an update on their pages.
I’m glad their Instagram page looked well taken care of, so I proceeded to give them a call to book a suite. I got a 10% discount since I contacted them directly, but on sites like Agoda and Booking.com, I saw that room rates range from $200-$260 per night.
When I arrived, they truly had the vibes of a sanctuary, and I found their interior designs were mostly inspired by Thai culture. I always wanted to visit Thailand for a wellness retreat, so I took that as a good sign.
My Room
The room I was assigned to had a mini library of meditation and self-help books. It was also spacious and had an outdoor balcony. I loved the soft lighting and how quiet my space was. I could sleep there the whole night without any problem.
There was also a mini kitchen with a microwave, fridge, and even a working stove with an oven. So, if you feel like cooking or baking during your stay, have fun with it. There are plenty of shops in the area where you can get your supplies anyway.
Yoga and Meditation
The main focus of Sanctuary NYC Retreats is spirituality, so I would recommend this to those who want to attend yoga and meditation sessions. They have various programs available including Vinyasa-infused Bhakti yoga, Kirtan, and Ayurveda.
Be sure to ask about their upcoming programs or sessions before booking so you know what to expect. Classes and sessions are varied, so timing is crucial if you’re looking for anything specific.
Sanctuary NYC Neighborhood Projects
What I liked most about my stay there (besides the meditation sessions I had) was that they allowed guests to volunteer in their Food For Life program to feed the homeless near Tompkins Square Park.
It’s a rewarding experience, and it’s rare for a place to offer services that help you relax and at the same time make you feel great for doing something valuable.
The Well New York
The Well is a modern wellness center with a holistic approach to health. It’s not the first time I’ve heard of them since they also have locations in the Bay Harbor Islands, Connecticut, Cabo, and Costa Rica. I could say they’re pretty popular in the wellness scene.
I haven’t been to any of those locations, so since I was in New York, I decided to give it a go. While I enjoyed my stay at Sanctuary NYC Retreats, The Well offers more options for relaxation and wellness.
Health Consultations
Interestingly, they offer health coaching. They will assign you a health coach who will help you map out what you need to do to improve your diet, manage stress, improve your sleep quality, or anything else that could enhance your overall well-being.
Consultation is free for 30 minutes, and if you feel like it’s the right fit, you can book more sessions for $225. They can even meet you through video calls to make your sessions more manageable.
The price is no joke, for sure, but you don’t have to meet your coach daily or weekly. They recommend a monthly meeting just to track your progress and adjust your plan accordingly.
Spa and Healing Therapies
Massage and facials are also available at The Well. For massage treatments, they have The Integration Massage, which is customizable based on the type of massage you need and prefer. They also have pre and post-natal massage services.
For facials, there are different options you can choose from, and I went with a Triple Lift Facial. They used serums and a machine on my face. It’s an intensive treatment, but it was worth it because I love how smooth and bouncy my face feels after the session.
They also have more spa amenities like an infrared sauna and cold plunge.
Other Services
I only got a massage and facial treatment there, but I saw they have IV Drip treatments like hydration. They also offer Vitamin B12 shots ($85) to help boost your energy and improve mental clarity.
Acupuncture is another service they offer, and you can get a package of up to 10 sessions. If you’re not a fan of that, they also have vibrational energy healing therapies like Reiki and Integrative Energy Session.
El Noel Wellness Center & Spa
If you’re in Brooklyn, El Noel is a great spot for spa activities. It’s all about personalized pampering and offers a variety of massage, bodywork, and skincare options.
As soon as I entered, I forgot I was in the middle of a busy city. Plants are everywhere, and the furniture is colorful. I usually enjoy that because I feel like neutral colors are way overused for spas.
Massage and Bodywork
I booked one of their Premier Packages called Pure Pampering ($285). This includes a body scrub, body masque, thermal wrap, and a one-hour massage. All of those took around two hours to finish, and since I wanted to experience more, I tried one of their Hydrotherapies.
It was a 30-minute session in their jet tub, and my bath was infused with an orange mineral bath bomb, Himalayan salts, herbs, and essential oils. They told me this was good for managing those monthly mood swings, and it was helpful. I felt more peaceful after that bath.
Other Services
I didn’t get any facial treatments here, but they offer basic facials, deep cleansing, anti-aging, and micro needling. They also have waxing services, which I wish I had known before this visit because I had already gone to a waxing salon.
Other spa services available include dry and infrared saunas. They also sell YveMD products for skin care, supplements, and more. I got some Hyaluronic Acid Facial Sheet Masks and an AHA facial toner.
Tips for Choosing a Wellness Retreat in NYC
I mostly planned my visits based on my NYC itinerary, but what are the other things to consider before booking a wellness retreat? Here are some things to consider:
- Your relaxation goals: Do you want to relax and de-stress, improve your physical health, or address a specific concern?
- Location: Do you want to be in a specific neighborhood, or is it more important to be close to public transportation?
- Budget: Wellness retreats can be expensive, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget.
- Reviews: Read online reviews to get a sense of what other people’s experiences have been like.
I highly recommend booking your visit in advance to avoid waiting in the queue. Popular retreats can fill up quickly, and they either make you wait or get your info to book you an appointment for another day.
Wellness Retreats in NYC Are Great Urban Escapes
I was delighted with the variety and quality of wellness retreats in NYC. Who would’ve thought the Big Apple could also be great for relaxation?
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the business of NYC, know that there are plenty of wellness centers you can visit for much-needed relaxation.
Wellness Retreat NYC – FAQs
What sort of treatments can I expect at a wellness retreat in NYC?
You’ll find a wide range of treatments, including massages, facials, body wraps, acupuncture, reiki, sound healing, yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops.
When is it best to book a wellness retreat in NYC?
It’s best to book a wellness retreat in NYC during off-peak seasons (January to March and August to September), as this is when you might find the best deals. You can also book sessions with fewer visitors.
How much are wellness retreats in NYC?
How much you pay for wellness retreats in NYC depends on location and the services you’d like to receive. For places like Sanctuary NYC Retreats, you only pay for your stay to access their yoga and meditation sessions (usually at least $200). In other places like The Well and El Noel, services are paid per session or package, which would range from $250-$500.
