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5 Energising Wellness Experiences in New York

The Cherry Walk in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
The Cherry Walk in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. | © Colin D. Young / Alamy Stock Photo

Even the most enamored fans of New York need a break from its infectious energy now and again. These 5 reviving wellness experiences will help you find some balance despite the city’s frenetic pace – and if you’re visiting for the weekend, this slow travel-themed package has got you covered.

New York Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden, Park

Fountain and tropical garden inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory in the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.
© Sandra Foyt / Alamy Stock Photo
Despite being in the heart of the concrete jungle, you’re still within easy reach of the real thing (well, almost). The New York Botanical Garden is an advocate for the plant kingdom and boasts 250 acres of lush gardens, complete with 50 speciality gardens and more than one million plants.

Central Park 5k Fun Run

Park

Central Park, New York City.
© Alan SCHEIN / Alamy Stock Photo
Step away from the honking horns and fumes of the streets and explore the lush sprawling hills of Central Park on a 5k fun run. Tour guides will lead you on a running tour that weaves past the park’s most famous landmarks, including the John Lennon Strawberry Fields memorial, the Great Lawn, and the Bethesda Fountain overlooking the lake. The fresh air and manicured landscapes are definitely superior to the treadmill in a dingy hotel gym.

Vinyasa Yoga Class

Architectural Landmark

Group of people taking a yoga class
© fizkes/Shutterstock

Refresh your mind, body and soul at a Vinyasa Yoga Class taking place in an iconic landmark building in the heart of New York City’s Soho district. Combine measured breathing and a variety of standing and seated postures in order to reach and maintain a state of relaxation. All you need to bring is yourself – yoga mats and props are provided along with hot tea.

Liangtse Wellness Chinese Spa

Spa

One of the many treatments at Liangtse Wellness
Courtesy of Liangtse Wellness

The first US location of the quintessential Chinese spa Liangtse Wellness is an opulent gold-hued space in Midtown East. Its treatments include acupressure oil and hot-stone massages, as well as moxa healing – a therapy from traditional Chinese medicine that involves burning herbs over specific parts of the body. Moxibustion, as it’s also known, is said to ease pain and discomfort and aid digestion and detoxification. It’s the perfect way to soothe your aching back and legs after trekking around New York ticking off the touristy sites.

Walking Tour of Central Park

Park, Zoo

People walking in Central Park New York
© Debbie Ann Powell / Alamy Stock Photo
Whether it’s your first time in Central Park or your 99th visit, a walking tour of NYC’s favorite green space is an itinerary essential. A former park employee will guide you past landmarks, movie locations, and other places of cultural significance, providing insider insights that help you appreciate the space in a deeper way. By the time two hours have passed, you’ll feel serene and ready to hit the city’s sights again.

About the author

Born and raised in Bristol, England, Esme has been geeking out over syntax her entire life. She studied English Lit by the Brighton seaside before moving to London to pursue her writing career in 2009, going on to work for Grazia Daily, The Telegraph and SheerLuxe. In 2013 she swapped The Big Smoke for The Big Apple, where she trained as a yoga teacher and contributed to Refinery29, Self, Fitness Magazine and Greatist. When she's not glued to her laptop or iPhone you'll find her drinking Kale Margaritas at an East Village happy hour, planning her next adventure, or hand-standing (with more vigor than skill) at the yoga studio.

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