Gowanus is on track to become a mini Copenhagen , but hidden in the midst of row houses, warehouses, and but of course, the beloved canal, is cityWell, one of the best spas in NYC.
The backyard wellness retreat is a hidden gem totally worthy of your time, even when temperatures feel unsettling. Natural elements — wind, fire, metal, and water — are factored into the “boutique bathhouse’s” treatments, and the space itself serves as a verdant escape from the hectic city. (Hey, sometimes you need some zen!)
The adorable Brooklyn backyard is so much more, and it’s begging you for a visit — trust us.
All about cityWell
So what’s on tap? An aromatherapy steam room, a heated soaking tub, and an outdoor dry cedar sauna are but a few features ready to catapult visitors into ultimate relaxation mode. Spa offerings include indoor and outdoor massages catering to specific needs (i.e. “Full Body Luxury” and “Signature Prenatal”), private and community hydrotherapy like sauna steams and cold plunges and body treatments.
All the rage as of late includes the new cityWell Signature Scrub, in the spa’s words: “a 45-min hydro circuit of our aromatherapy steam room, soaking tub, and cedar sauna followed by an exfoliating body scrub with black soap to cleanse and detoxify the skin.” Personally, we’re drawn to the Renew Sugar Scrub: 30 mins of aromatherapy steam, followed by a full-body sugar scrub made of organic sugar and renew body oil, accompanied by lemon, bergamot, lemongrass & blood orange essential oils.
Spa packages are available, if you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for your honey or Galentine, whereas community hydrotherapy offerings allow for an hour-and-a-half of relaxation at a discounted rate ($45-$65). If you ask us, the best way to end the week is the Friday community hydrotherapy from 6-8pm, which includes some bubbly. Should you be brainstorming birthday party ideas, private gatherings are also available starting at $925 for eight to 12 guests for two hours.
If you need us, we’ll be getting into a cozy robe and putting on a clay mask. See you at cityWell!
📍cityWell: 496 President St, Brooklyn
⏰ Monday 10:30am-6pm; Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-8pm; Sunday 11am 5-pm