6 luxurious day spas in the city to book now: these ‘destination’ retreats offer the best in beauty and wellness without the need to travel, from onsens in Singapore to Turkish hammams in New York

Oct 15 , 2023

The living room in a traditional Alpine chalet, called a stube, provides the inspiration for QC NY’s Mountain Stube sauna. Photos: Handouts

From New York to Paris, and from London to Hong Kong, spa retreats located in the heart of the world’s biggest cities are becoming increasingly popular among busy professionals

Auriga Wellness at Capella Bangkok offers Muay Thai classes alongside Ayurvedic therapy, lymphatic drainage and cryotherapy, while London’s Espa Life at Corinthia boasts an ice fountain and sleep pods

The quintessential spa experience has been reshaped in the past few years as new, immersive oases have emerged in the heart of bustling metro hubs. All-day spas take the basic premise of a spa visit and elevate it to an all-inclusive journey that lasts from dawn to dusk, creating the illusion of a destination spa without the need for time-consuming travel or overnight stays.

Nothing beats a spa treatment if you’re looking for rest or rejuvenation

Cities like New York, Paris, Bangkok and Hong Kong have witnessed a blossoming interest in these urban sanctuaries, as they offer a break from fast-paced, high-stress urban life. Does it sound like there’s a spa day in your future? These are six of the most renowned high-end day retreats in the busiest cities worldwide.

1. New York: QC NY

QC NY’s outdoor panoramic spa pools are open year-round

Escape the concrete jungle without leaving the city at this urban oasis on Governors Island, a tiny isle located a stone’s throw from Manhattan Island. Stepping off the ferry and into this spacious sanctuary – housed in a former army barracks – sees you enter a set of themed spaces, each with its own distinct vibe. Facilities include a cosy room with a fireplace and rocking chairs, Vichy showers, heated marble slabs, and saunas to transport you across the globe, from a Turkish hammam and Scottish steam room to the Alpine dry-heat style.

The location of QC NY, Governors Island is situated just 730 metres south of Lower Manhattan

But QC’s real draw are the impressive thermal facilities spread across this historic complex. Outdoor pools offer panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, inviting you to bask on a comfy lounger before immersing yourself in the warm water.

2. Paris: Spa Charme d’Orient Paris

Spa Charme d’Orient Paris’ 3,200 sq ft space is located in the heart of the city

Located in Paris’ Upper-Marais district, this hammam-style spa is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Time will melt away as you indulge in luxurious treatments here – with the classic Turkish bath reimagined in Parisian style.

Augmented by the spa’s cavelike environs, the hammam, or Turkish bath, is central to the spa experience

Having entered the candlelit, cavelike chambers, you’ll be introduced to an intriguing array of scents, allowing you to personalise your therapy. With a profound commitment to French craftsmanship and quality, Spa Charme d’Orient proudly manufactures its formulas in France and also serves as a certified spa therapy training centre.

3. London: Espa Life at Corinthia

Facilities at Espa Life at Corinthia include a swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna and steam room

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