Set the Scene
House over three levels inside the Aman New York- located in the landmarked Crown Building and the city’s priciest hotel- the Aman Spa New York is a 25,000 square foot temple of wellness. Characteristic of the Aman brand, the spa is rooted in Asian minimalism: soothing neutral colors, light woods, soft lighting, and airy ceilings throughout imbue this retreat with a Zen-like, almost monastic feel. The spa staff and therapists speaking in hushed tones enhance the serenity and force you to slow down.
Urban spas aside, I’ve yet to encounter a resort spa this expansive or so thoughtfully amenitized. The kimono-style robes are among the softest I’ve worn, and- true to their title- the attendants are impeccably attentive, offering chilled or room-temperature water, tea, extra towels, and even champagne. And the toiletries- Marvis toothpaste and Proraso shaving cream from Italy, oversized wood hairbrushes, and more- are the best of the best.
I haven’t even made it to the treatment suites yet, which are larger than most hotel rooms and include a dedicated changing area and a full bathroom stocked as thoroughly as the locker room. Plan to spend several hours at the spa. Whether pre- or post-treatment, the cold plunge, steam room, sauna, and cryotherapy chamber are nonnegotiable.
Inside the Grounding Massage Ritual
Services at Aman Spa New York are rooted in three pillars: Grounding, Purifying, and Nourishing. I can never indulge in enough massages, so I booked the 90-minute Grounding Massage Ritual. The description sold me: a full-body rubdown along meridian lines, acupressure, kneading, and deep-tissue techniques culminate in a Tibetan head massage.
What unfolded was a study in ceremony and elegance. My therapist, who, believe it or not, had massaged me more than a decade earlier at another spa, began by washing my feet in a copper bowl, then enveloped me on the massage table, adjusting it precisely for comfort.
Aman has its own skincare line, including oils. I inhaled deeply and chose Grounding, a divine-smelling blend of sandalwood and baobab. I slipped quickly into a deep state of relaxation and was convinced we had only just begun when my therapist gently woke me at the end. My skin felt deeply moisturized, my aches eased, and my mental and physical energy restored.
Fast Facts
Location: Midtown Manhattan
Atmosphere: Tranquil and Zen-like.
Price Point: $$$$
Amenities: Two private Hammam or Banya Spa Houses, each with a double treatment room and outdoor terrace with hot bath and cold plunge, a 65-foot swimming pool, a cold plunge, a cryotherapy chamber, luxe locker rooms with steam rooms and saunas, and a dedicated hair and nail salon.
What Sets the Spa Apart: The scale and luxuriousness of the space, coupled with what may be the latest treatment suites in town.
Recommended Treatment: The Aman New York Signature Journey, a two-hour experience beginning with meditative singing bowls, followed by a relaxing massage that’s designed to heal you from the outside and within.
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New York City, New York, United States
