With the cold chill of winter here to stay, and the need to recover from all those holiday sweets and treats, we’ll all be looking for some relaxing ways to ease into the New Year.
There are tons of incredible spa treatment options in NYC, but did you know that one of the city’s best-kept spa secrets is tucked away in a backyard in Gowanus, Brooklyn?
cityWell was opened in 2016 by massage therapist Liz Tortolani, and it’s dedicated to helping New Yorkers heal and relax within the hustle and bustle of the big city. It “integrates the healing qualities of nature and the elements (wood, fire, earth and water) into the experience,” according to its website.
That means there are:
- Luxurious rain showers
- Aromatherapy steam room
- Heated soaking tub
- Two custom-built cedar saunas – these are the quaint “cabins” within the space, which you can add a massage or clay treatment to!
- Indoor relaxation area with refreshments
- Outdoor lounge space with hammock, fire pit, yoga platform and sun benches
- Pergola for outdoor massage and body treatments
Tortolani was inspired to create the business after she saw improvements in her own life and health after visiting a Korean Bathhouse, and calls the Brooklyn getaway a “boutique bathhouse.” She worked with Architect/Designer Deborah Mariotti to create the ultimate urban getaway, which is housed in a converted first floor apartment with a backyard patio space.
Treatments vary, which you can see on their website here, but there are also ultra affordable “community hours” on Tuesdays and Thursdays for $25, and $40 open hours for men and women on Mondays from 6-8pm.
We already feel more relaxed!
Where: 96 President Street, Brooklyn
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am–8pm, Sun 10:30am-5pm
featured image source: Facebook / CityWellBrooklyn