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Welcome to Vogue’s first-ever spa guide—a compendium of the 100 best spas worldwide, pulling from the expertise of our global editors. There is a lot out there in the world of wellness, and we are here to sort the cryo from the cold plunge, the infrared light treatment from the IV infusion. Or if your path is a more holistic one—there’s something for you here as well.
Why go here?
Despite the spa only opening its doors in January of 2024, the rich history of Hotel Chelsea remains at the very forefront of this brand new space.
As any New Yorker (or aspiring Manhattanite) is aware, the Hotel Chelsea housed residents like Patti Smith, Dylan Thomas, and Madonna. Jack Kerouac is said to have written On the Road there, and Leonard Cohen allegedly met Janis Joplin within its halls. And now, on the very top floor, you can cosplay as a tortured artist as you sip citrus water on their terrace and await your 90-minute massage. They retained many of the original features, so the interiors align with the antique aesthetic of the rest of the hotel, yet it’s obvious that luxury was a leading thought when conceptualizing the new space. Although there is no shortage of wonderful spas in New York City, there is something incredibly special about the Hotel Chelsea experience and the way it completely embraces its own idiosyncratic past.
What’s the vibe?
From the cushioned wicker chairs next to the fireplace to the vintage fan lamps, it’s clear that no detail was too small in the creation of this spa. The original vaulted brick ceilings paired with the pink limestoned-wash walls offer a unique warmth—almost as if you are in someone’s very chic bohemian living room. The eclectic yet homey feel is continued into the treatment area, as each room boasts a freestanding bathtub and limestone basins used for ritual foot washing before your service. The changing room even has a matching limestone vanity, with a pink velvet chair allowing for the perfect spot to freshen up before you head downstairs to Lobby Bar for a post-sauna martini. As stated by China Paradelo (spa consultant at the Hotel Chelsea), “you are guided through different rooms of different speeds and energies, but nothing feels misplaced or peculiar.”
The history?
Hotel Chelsea has lived many lives since its inaugural conception as a high-end co-op in 1884. The 7th Avenue high-rise was a storied breeding ground for young creatives in New York. In fact, the chronicles of Hotel Chelsea are so abundant that it would very much require its own dedicated write up. When hotelier Sean MacPherson took over, he sought to capture the original magic of the famed hotel. Although the space has transformed into a high-end boutique hotel, some of the longtime residents still remain living there today.
What should you try?
The spa menu is small but very customizable. Before the treatment starts, the staff are very thoughtful in their questions and ensure that you are getting exactly what you want out of your experience. The spa focuses on natural healing practices rather than medi-spa-style treatments. “Energy is the best medicine!” Paradelo told Vogue. “We believe that medicinal plants, human touch, and positive energy, when applied synergistically, can transform and heal the body and mind.” Hotel Chelsea is the perfect spa if you are looking for plain old relaxation, but maybe not if you are looking for a more modern, high-tech treatment.
How environmentally friendly is it?
The space is made up of primarily reclaimed materials, as they attempted to keep as many of the original fixtures intact as possible. They only use organic, sustainably harvested oils and focus on partnering with clean and ethical brands.
What else do we need to know?
The spa at Hotel Chelsea is rather unassuming, but is truly the secret weapon of their renovation. Although guests may be drawn to the popular restaurant Café Chelsea or the drinks at the snazzy Lobby Bar, there is something distinctly appealing about the quality of the treatments mixed with the rich historic vibe. And let’s be honest, booking yourself into the Hotel Chelsea spa and then spending the evening bopping between the bar and restaurant might be one of the most iconic ways to spend a Saturday in New York City.
Who can go?
Anyone can book a spa appointment but only hotel guests can access the fitness center.
Booking details for Hotel Chelsea
Address: 222 West 23rd St, NY, United States
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
