Where to Live Your Best Wellness Life in NYC

New York is a place that breeds ambition, and its residents are no strangers to the concept of self-improvement—an essential component of which is wellness. Put these venues on your NYC hit list to bio-hack your way to greatness, or add a calming balance to overly manic life phases.

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cityWell

Spa

If you know where to look, you’ll find a modern bathhouse in south Brooklyn. CityWell’s focus is on hydrotherapy—alternating between hot and cold, to boost blood circulation and endorphin levels. The spa boasts a steam room, dry sauna, soaking tub and rain showers situated in a leafy back yard. Access for two hours is just $40, and if you fancy a massage, you can enjoy one under the private pergola from $115.

Chillhouse

Beauty Salon, Spa

When she co-founded Chillhouse with her husband, Cyndi Ramirez’s goal was to create what she calls a “three-part hybrid”—a female-friendly venue that combined Instagramable nail art, affordable massages ($45–$115) and a healthy hang-out space. Pull up a seat, order a matcha latte and a turmeric energy ball, and tackle that project you’ve been putting off. Then reward yourself with a treatment afterwards.

Modrn Sanctuary

Building

In NoMad, on the 9th floor of a tall building, you’ll find a luxury wellness oasis with a completely holistic service menu. Book sessions that span foundational health services (nutrition and physical therapy) as well as more esoteric treatments, such as crystal light beds and alt room therapy. Filled with bricks and granules of mineral-rich Himalayan pink salt—plus a halo generator, which blows tiny particulates of salt into the air—a 30 minute chill session is said to be great for the respiratory system.

Maha Rose

School, Yoga Studio, Spa

Tucked away on a residential street in Greenpoint, north Brooklyn, Maha Rose is a like a home away from home for the wellness community. The space plays host to a rotation of workshops, from breathwork and sound baths to a curious thing called “fairy school”, as well as private sessions in therapies including energy healing and hypnosis. After your session, stock up on crystals and sage in the retail area to bring the good vibes home with you.

Britta Beauty

A facial with Britta Plug is a transformative experience for your self-esteem, not just your complexion. Her signature treatment, Facial Attunement, targets the anatomy of the face as well as the skin with a combination of natural beauty products (some of them pure enough to eat, should you feel so inclined) and facial massage techniques rooted in the ancient traditions of Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. You’ll leave feeling cared for and confident enough to forgo your usual armory of makeup.

Destinations Unlocked:

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

Britta Beauty, 73 Spring Street, Suite 501, SoHo, NY, USA, 10012

HigherDOSE

Spa

HigherDOSE is an absolutely dreamy place to be during the frigid New York winter. Infrared light penetrates your cells and warms up the body directly, unlike traditional saunas which heat the air around your skin. HigherDOSE uses near, far, and mid rays for a wide spectrum of health benefits, including detoxification, increased circulation, and skin rejuvenation. The owners also claim it gives you a “passive cardiovascular workout”, aiding weight loss without so much as a single burpee.

Japanese Head Spa

In New York, manicures and expensively highlighted hair are ubiquitous, but only in-the-know beauty junkies have experienced a head spa. Expect a thorough massage for your shoulders, neck and head, cooling gels to soothe any irritation on your scalp, a lather-y shampoo and incredibly gentle blow dry to finish. This facial for your scalp hails from Japan, but you can try it at Tomoko Shima’s salons in the West Village and Upper West Side.

Tomoko Shima, 171 East 92nd Street, NY, USA, +1 (212) 722 8828

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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See Our Culture Trips

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.