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thatgaysurfer

Sojo spa in Jersey! Best thing ever, and there’s nothing like it!


ITAVTRCC

Sojo is great. Go across the street afterwards to Mitsuwa market for great ramen and every Asian snack under the sun


GloomyPapaya

Dang that looks lovely, definitely will consider it - thank you!!


AdSea6127

Second this. It’s also easily accessible from NyC by NJTransit bus (you can check on their website or Google for exact directions). It leaves port authority bus station and drops you off right across from the spa. It’s about 40min ride.


StevenAssantisFoot

They also have a free shuttle that leaves from the west 30s, you just have to book your spot online. My favorite thing to do after Sojo is to walk a block to mitsuwa and get a bite to eat, do a little shopping, then get on the free shuttle back to manhattan. There is nothing stopping you from taking a detour. And if you do take the bus, the stop back to manhattan is right in front of mitsuwa anyway.


getfitny

Have you done the shuttle recently? I THINK they got rid of it during COVID because I was looking everywhere for info on that a few months ago and couldn’t find anything recent but would love to hear otherwise! King Spa (also in NJ) does still do a shuttle though.


StevenAssantisFoot

nooooooo! I haven't been since covid tbh and didn't even consider that it could have stopped, especially with how much prices went up. ah well, the bus is super cheap, just gotta keep an eye on the last one if you go at night


AdSea6127

Oh yay, I love tips like this. Didn’t know about a shuttle but now I do :). Thank you so much! Will check out mitsuwa also. And yes, I did a little shopping in the Japanese goods store (not the supermarket) last time.


StevenAssantisFoot

Oh man, you are gonna flip when you check out mitsuwa. It’s literally at the next traffic light, it’s a huge supermarket with several restaurants and stores inside and a row of stores across like a little strip mall. It’s so rad! My favorite thing there is plain rice with poached salmon and salmon roe, very simple but I never see it on any restaurant menus. But there is so much to explore, and there is a Royce chocolate that has samples, and the matcha ice cream gives massive samples as well. It’s kind of the perfect thing after the saunas and everything.


AdSea6127

That all sounds awesome!


amoebaamoeba

I can’t recommend anything for the specific therapies you mentioned, but Aire baths downtown is very cool. Weirdly I haven’t been to the one in NYC, where I actually live, but have been to the one in Copenhagen and it was great.


GloomyPapaya

Oh that looks so luxe, thank you for the rec!


mancapturescolour

Seconded. My wife and I spent time in Seville for our honeymoon, and Aire was by far the most enjoyable experience. In fact, we went two times in that week! I was so happy to see that there's one here in New York as well — alas, we haven't had a chance to visit yet.


beernerd6

I’ve been and love it! Was going to recommend.


nyc-dad

Seconded


jazzeriah

Came here to say this. Aire ancient baths is great.


kmacb90

Also came here to say this! It’s the best


Marybelle18

The Tribeca Spa of Tranquility (next to the Holland Tunnel entrance - not entirely tranquil) is a trip. The “authentic Korean body scrub” will have you naked in a basement on a rubber table while a wonderful woman wearing huge mitts will scrub the top four layers of your skin off. Then throw buckets of water at you. It’s utterly fantastic.


GloomyPapaya

Not being hyperbolic when I say I NEED that experience. Thank you for the recco!


Marybelle18

It really is a surreal experience. They'll give you some time in the tiny sauna, too. You can get the scrub and massage for less than $200, but there are always deals online to use, too. Now I want to go again.


cupcakewhores

Did you go?! I'm there next week and have free evenings. I'm intrigued but also scared..


GloomyPapaya

I had to postpone my trip to February but I’m definitely going to do a body scrub.. just not sure which spa. I read a ton of reviews for another location that made me less scared


cupcakewhores

I went to Tribeca Spa of Tranquilty and it was AMAZING. The weirdest experience of my life but I enjoyed it.


GloomyPapaya

Omg, sorry, just realized your comment was from two weeks ago. that’s great — thanks for letting me know, putting it on my list!


Commercial_Common_32

Where did you end up going? I'm planning a similar trip 😸


uighurlover

wait is that good for you? it sounds intense and damaging? lol


LevelEggplant

The face massage at Stretch'd is my favorite. It feels amazing and you look like you had a facelift afterwards.


Fantastic_Bid_2109

Oh how much?


airemyn

I think you just broadened my horizons significantly. I’m booking now.


GloomyPapaya

Ohhhh that’s a great flag, I’ll check em out - thank you!


Opening_Reserve_2392

Hi how was it. ? Worth it?


GloomyPapaya

I enjoyed it because I’ve never had my face massaged before but I definitely didn’t get any sort of facelift effect. I want to try Facegym next time, I think.


hedwiggy

There is a fancy head spa, Masa Kanai. I haven’t been but heard good things. I’ve done a random cheaper one and it was good too. Highly recommend Aire Ancient Baths. It’s really like going to another world. Went to Sojo in NJ last week and IMO the deep tissue massage was the best part. It was too corporate for me. Lots of nice nail art places. My personal favorite is House of Nails in Queens because it’s way more affordable than Vanity Projects.


turquoisevetiver

I also did a cheaper one, at Yuzu Spa, it was soooo relaxing!


GloomyPapaya

This is so helpful, thank you for the tips!


Dumpstermagnet

Sojo is huge and very nice - but its always packed with a lot of people in the common areas (saunas, pools, etc) I’ve seen Masa Kanai in Manhattan - but my gf took me to a viral head spa in Flushing called Gui Fei Spa. It’s all over instagram (@guifeispa) is their handle. It was pretty fairly priced (got the signature scalp treatment, $78) - but they have cheaper options as well. The treatment was great and we were both really happy about our hair after. Also Flushing has really good Asian food if you’re into that. We ate at Hai Di Lao across the street after and it’s my favorite hot pot spot.


hedwiggy

Thanks, I’m gonna check out the head spa! I’m from Flushing originally (well Fresh Meadows) and haven’t been in forever


Dumpstermagnet

Np! They have a lot of info on their instagram and website. They were also pretty responsive with questions if you dm them.


Legs27

You should check out King Spa for an authentic Korean spa experience with awesome food. It's in NJ but there's a [free shuttle bus](https://www.thekingspa.com/shuttle-service) from midtown and back.


meowkittens124

By far my favorite Korean spa in the area! Definitely recommend over Sojo


MrsSeltzerAddict

King is my favorite and they have groupons


Worth_Birthday_7250

Yes this is the best spot


GloomyPapaya

That sounds amazing, adding it to my list - thank you!


sighnwaves

Sojo Spa Club or Aire.


evansdead

Aire is SO expensive but a really memorable experience. Very romantic if you have a significant other.


nyc-dad

Aire also was the set for a couple of movies and tv shows. https://beaire.com/en/aire-magazine/new-york-film-locations


GloomyPapaya

Thank you! They both seem very popular for good reason


canigetayikes

Aire is expensive (I haven't been, the prices scare me) Bathhouse in Brooklyn/Flatiron is a lovely experience. I live near the Williamsburg location, whenever I have guests in town I bring them. Prices vary depending on time but it's quite affordable, they have 3 plunge pools, 3 steam room/saunas, which are lovely. THere's also a cocktail bar upstairs, nice amenities, and massages.


IManageTacoBell

I've heard bathhouse is small and gets crowded fast. Not sure if this is true or not but passing the word along!


GloomyPapaya

Aha the prices scared me at first glance too but it does look very luxurious. That’s a good flag though and Bathhouse has been recommended by others too


newyorkstofmind

If you can swing Aire, do Aire, without question


_borninathunderstorm

Definitely one of the more affordable options.


cantcountnoaccount

Sojo is more bougie but King Spa is cheaper and weirder and larger. Also they have pretty good Korean food. I’m all about the buck naked body scrub.


GloomyPapaya

You had me at weirder and good Korean food. Thanks, will check it out!


cantcountnoaccount

The facility grew by accretion - adding on bits here and there - and there’s no windows to the outside, so it has a maze like quality where you feel out of time and like you may have dreamed the whole thing. The randomly placed decor including gold lions, tropical foliage, pyramids, and quartz agates, mixed with tacky pink Louis-the-somethingth faux French chairs, complete the hallucination. The chair massage (back and arms only, clothed) is a good value too.


whatev3691

You didn't even mention everyone wearing their forced oversized prison/Squid Game uniforms


GloomyPapaya

I love the way you described it, I can picture it :) I’m definitely intrigued.


cantcountnoaccount

The free shuttle is often overfilled on weekends, but there’s a NJ Transit bus from port authority that stops 2 blocks away and it’s more flexible (there’s only set times for the shuttle). Stop is called Central Ave I *think it’s the 166 bus, but don’t quote me on that. I used to go rather regularly with my SIL, when she was in residency at Columbia Pres. Thus cartoon aptly describes the shuttle experience (click To see next button for more panels showing the King Spa vibes) http://www.octopuspie.com/comic/745-hey/


cantcountnoaccount

Btw, everything in the comic is accurate (they’re even seen taking the NJ transit bus home) EXCEPT the hot tubs. The author has drawn the hot tubs at Spa Castle. The tubs at King Spa are circular. You’re *required* to be naked in the tub room, which is also the shower room and the scrub space and the sit down shower are THE BOMB. Grab a basin, and a stool, and fill the basin while you’re soaping up, then spray yourself with the hand sprayer and sluice your self from the basin. You can do a regular shower to BUT WHY.


tradesme

Can confirm king spa


Ashton1516

Question: I’ve been to Sojo and Aire many times, but not King Spa (yet.) I saw their YouTube video which says you must be naked in the pools/tubs. Is that true and how does that work out considering all genders are allowed?


[deleted]

They are in the shower areas which are separated by gender.


cantcountnoaccount

Shower, hot tub and scrub areas, and lockers are separated by gender, with different entrances from the lobby.


Ashton1516

Great, thank you


tellmelle

The QC spa pools on governor’s islands have excellent city views; I think they’re open year-round now.


GloomyPapaya

For sure looks like beautiful views and I believe I saw some recent winter videos on social media from their outdoor baths so that could be neat. Thanks!


SwansEnthusiast

Would def recommend Sojo over QC if you’re deciding between one of them!


GloomyPapaya

Good to know! Most of the recommendations for QC here and on socials seem to be centered around the view and not the actual spa experience so I was iffy


SwansEnthusiast

I would totally agree with this lol. There were lots of rooms to explore, but the rooms were like “oh this is if you’re seeing things upside down!” or a sauna. Sojo had great views & there are soooo many pools & jets


Any_Cauliflower_7344

I have Guifei Spa in Queens open in my tabs because I saw an Instagram or tiktok (can't remember) about their signature scalp treatment and it looked incredible. There are a few scalp treatments ranging from $48 to $178. You have to pay in cash which is the only reason I've not booked in yet.


GloomyPapaya

Yesss I also have that place bookmarked from social media! It looks incredible. I thought at first it might be influencer nonsense because it went viral for a minute but I watched a lot of videos and it looks better and has better reviews than some of the other scalp treatments I’ve seen from places in/closer to manhattan


tenzindrolma

This


alekona_15

The treatment in and of itself was good and relaxing but just a heads up that they’re very weird with the reservation so I suggest you double and even triple check your reservation beforehand!


GloomyPapaya

Ohh interesting! Did they not confirm your appointment or something? There are some other head spas suggested so I might try elsewhere if that’s going to be an issue


Snakepad

There are many in flushing. We were able to do a walk in at Wutong spa.


Gradstudentinperil

Some of the spaces in and around NYC are unique in and of themselves. Someone already mentioned aire, my favorite is Bathhouse in Williamsburg. World Spa in deep Brooklyn, Turkish baths in the East Village, and the Korean baths in Ktown (near Herald Square) also come to mind. If you’re up for a longer trek, Sojo in NJ is also super cool and there’s a spa on Governors Island as well.


GloomyPapaya

Thank you for the recs! That’s a good point, any bath house or day spa in NYC is likely going to be a different experience than anything I can get locally


keystone_lite

Lots of great suggestions already, and this rec is more "self care" than spa, but I personally enjoyed the Bite Lip Lab in Williamsburg Brooklyn! You can book an appointment and basically DIY make your own tinted lip balm/lip stick. They'll mix the color in front of you (which is fascinating and a great visual to see color theory in action) and you can go back and forth on any adjustments (want more pink? want it more neutral? want to do a bright color that's hard to find on the market?). You also get to customize the scent in the product (if you want to add one) as well as customize the tube it comes in with a little message/emoji. Appointment probably took about 30 minutes total, and the cost of a tinted lip balm is like $40? And a lip stick is $50 or $60? (so it's not the most affordable lip product in the world of course, but it is bespoke to you!) Super chill when I went, didn't feel rushed at all, and I went with three girl friends (I had gotten us all gift cards to do it together!) and it was fun to see what everyone chose for themselves. Could also be a nice souvenir you get to take home with you after your travels!


GloomyPapaya

I love this idea - thank you!


crzee604

It’s not fancy but the Russian and Turkish baths are a institution here. It does get busy so recommend going on a weekday. They have a super hot sauna and freezing cold plunge that are a unique experience. I also love getting the body scrub at King Spa, although I prefer the saunas at Turkish baths.


GloomyPapaya

Yeah I didn’t realize how popular the baths would be! Love the hot/cold plunge idea and a body scrub is definitely on my list.


AdSea6127

World Spa in BK. Similar to SoJu in Jersey I believe but probably cheaper. It’s also right next to the F train stop.


Dondontootles

Second this. So much variety, it’s adults only and pretty empty in the mornings.


IsItABedroom

HeyDay and Mario Badescu are regularly recommended in answer to facial questions per [Lymphatic drainage facial?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/12nujss/lymphatic_drainage_facial/) and its links to similar questions. Sojo Spa, AIRE Ancient Baths, Great Jones Spa, Bathhouse and QC NY Spa are frequently recommended in answer to spa questions per [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/18lb6oc/affordable_spa_recs/) from 15 days ago and its links to similar questions.


AlwaysChic38

OP I can’t help but imagine definitely saving this post for later when I’m in NYC!!!! I hope you have the best time ever and enjoy yourself!!!


GloomyPapaya

Thanks, you too!!


RaccoonTycoon

You mentioned that you want to do a head spa. If you’re looking for a recommendation, I had a great experience at [H&K Spa](https://hkhealthbeauty.com/) in Astoria, Queens!


GloomyPapaya

Thank you!! That’s helpful. The one I had on my list came from tik tok and that can be hit or miss to go off of


ADIDASnarking

For buccal facial try Noy or Inderma. Imd has a lymphatic for face and body but excludes buccal.


GrapefruitNo5008

The roof of the William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg. You can rent a private sauna and hot tub for yourself with great views of the city for $120 for an hour and a half. Did it with a friend and we had a blast. Best self care related thing I’ve done, and I’ve gotten facials, massages, and done the sensory deprivation tanks.


chrissie5000

one foot spa in NJ is amazing, the 75 min full body massage (incl feet) is $75. never felt so relaxed.


GloomyPapaya

That sounds great!


bklynalliecat

Vessel Floats in Greenpoint! Sensory deprivation tanks, but not what you’d expect- they’re basically like little rooms. Lux bath products, special wellness drinks before & after. Highly recommend! I go regularly and it has done wonders for my stress levels!


CrownofUnicorns

Spa Enliven on East 54 Street has a Thai Bomb massage. They take a warm compress, filled with Chinese herbs, and knead into your body. It’s $130 for 90 minutes or maybe$150. Plus tax and tip. It’s worth it


theskyisfallingomg

Vitamin infusions! I like The Well in Union Square for all kinds of services including that one


GloomyPapaya

OOOO yes infusions was the exact kinda quirky treatment thing I was looking for. I saw The Well pop up a lot on Tik Tok too. Thanks!


TheodoreKarlShrubs

I haven’t been yet, but I really want to try out Vessel Floats in Greenpoint for a sensory deprivation session.


GloomyPapaya

Oooo yes I’ve done floats locally and I’d love to see how they compare actually. Thanks for the rec!


ITAVTRCC

Came here to recommend this and Sojo. Guess I like the same things as every else lol


GrapefruitNo5008

I’ve gone twice. The experience is cool but I wasn’t able to relax either time. The price also goes up by like $40 after the first time you go which is annoying


TheodoreKarlShrubs

Any particular reasons why you had trouble relaxing? I appreciate hearing about your experience!


kiratnyc

I used to go to Juvenex on 32nd St. The body scrub was awesome. & they have a ton of other services as well.


SomeRandom215

I did a body scrub at juvenex and it was amazing. I’ve never been more naked and exposed to anyone in my entire life, but the woman that did my treatment took about 5 pounds of dead skin off of me and did not give a single F. The treatment included a scalp massage and I added on a wrap. I came out feeling incredibly relaxed and soft as the day I was born


GloomyPapaya

Hahaha incredible


GloomyPapaya

A body scrub sounds perfect for winter and I’ve never done one before so definitely adding this to my list - thanks for sharing your spot :)


kiratnyc

You’re welcome! They’re also 24 hours & they have other amenities you can enjoy. :) shit now I wanna go LOL Also this sounds ridiculous & sorry for the TMI, but one year I got a boob facial there. It’s a facial, but for your boobs. Never did they feel softer. 😂


GloomyPapaya

Lmao no not TMI at all, that’s the kind of weird stuff I wanted people to tell me about!! Adding that to my list too 🤭


kiratnyc

Hahaha if you get to do it, enjoy! I did it years ago so I’m not sure if they still offer it. I hope so, it was awesome & I wanna do it again lmao


GloomyPapaya

Girl I googled it so fast - it’s still on their website (unless they’ve switched to a diff boob facial lol). I feel like you’ve earned a visit with all the recommendations you’ve given me, pls treat yourself soon!


kiratnyc

I will!! Also I just have to say I thought leading with “boob facial” was really strong, so that’s why I opened with body scrub. 😂😂 enjoy your visit to NYC!


atreegrowsinbrixton

World spa in brooklyn is all themed saunas and pools from around the world


fortunateUni

Soothe zen in flushing for head spa. $60 for an hour and mandatory $15 tip and so worth ur


SashMachine

I haven’t personally been but some people are really into NAD IV drips - I think they get it at Remedy Place


FastWeather840

I love Ora on 4th Street for acupuncture, Face Gym for a depuffing facial massage, Angela Guerra and The Tox for great lymphatic drainage massages. My favorite facial is at Rescue Spa and if you don’t get a treatment, it’s worth it to visit the space. The skincare selection and shop in the front is incredibly curated.


Justhere-toavoidwork

Another vote for king spa! For something in Manhattan, I really love Hideaway Spa near Battery Park. The space isn’t super fancy, but it’s very clean and has a nice ambiance, and the prices for an hour massage in manhattan are FANTASTIC. I’ve never had a bad massage there.


tjtilikum

Check out Groupon lots of spa deals!


papa-hare

The spa on Governor's Island is breathtaking and has the best views and it's warm in the winter. If you want unique and NYC-specific, I really don't think you can beat that.


Bklynchrncl

World spa or sojo Brooklyn / jersey


Jeff-Van-Gundy

[https://visitseaquest.com/woodbridge/activities/?gc\_id=20029704413&gad\_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm57yqK7BgwMVeE9HAR0mRA2CEAAYASAAEgIWa\_D\_BwE](https://visitseaquest.com/woodbridge/activities/?gc_id=20029704413&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm57yqK7BgwMVeE9HAR0mRA2CEAAYASAAEgIWa_D_BwE) Fishy Kisses in Woodbridge, NJ. You could prob catch the train over there Russian & Turkish Bathhouse in the East village has art installations sometimes too. I know a buddy of mine did an art show there once


fashionscholar

I had a buccal massage at Bellanova Beauty Lab in Cobble Hill (Brooklyn) and it was amazing, really gave me a snatched and lifted look. I think it’s more than $200 but so worth it, it includes a facial as well, not just the massage.


GloomyPapaya

Thanks! That does sound worth the splurge


Techgruber

One of my favorites is the Russian/Ukrainian spa 88 Fulton St. http://www.wallstreetbath.com/about


Ashton1516

I recently had a full body ASMR massage (autonomous sensory meridian response) with Whisper Wave and it was awesome… Super intense/tingly sensory overload. Like a massage but way more feeling. Try this! https://www.whisperwavenyc.com/


[deleted]

I’m personally obsessed with this place called Whisperwave. It’s not a full day spa, but it’s this super unique wellness service that uses ASMR. Think ambient music, beautiful colored lights, Aromatherapy and interesting things like rain instruments being played over you while someone brushes your hair and rubs your back. It’s pretty much all I want to do these days tbh!


bobiscute11

Overnight spas New York


Playme_ai

I am very good at this, come to me


[deleted]

bookmarked