As a New Yorker, I sadly commit to the bit of being addicted to the hustle. However, even workaholics and stress-induced people like me need a retreat every now and then. QC NY Spa had been on my list for the longest time, and right before a particularly long travel jaunt through South America, I finally made my way over there. My only conundrum was, “What on earth took me so long?”
So, if QC NY Spa is on your list, here’s what you’ll need to know before you go.
Getting There
Getting to QC NY Spa is easy as ever. Head to the southern tip of Manhattan at 10 South Street (the ferry terminal right next to Casa Cipriani, which has a large sign that says “GOVERNOR’S ISLAND FERRY”). You can easily access this part of New York by taking the J to Broad Street, the R or W to Whitehall St-South Ferry, the 2 or 3 to Wall St, or the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green.
Your ferry roundtrip ticket is included with the price of your day pass. All you need to do is show proof that you have entry to the spa. Note that the public ferry times listed on the MTA’s website are not the same ferry times for guests of the spa (according to the MTA, the latest ferry leaves at 5:30pm during the week). Ferries to and from the spa go until 10pm during the week and 11pm on weekends (don’t miss the last ferry or you’ll be stranded!).
The ferry ride itself takes about 5-7 minutes. You might pass a Staten Island Ferry on the way, and you’ll get a great view of the Statue of Liberty!
Spa Entry Cost and What’s Included
Prices for a day pass start at $98. You can purchase a ticket right on their website and choose which one works best for you. QC NY Spa also offers a birthday month pass where you can bring an additional guest for a fraction of the cost.
I highly recommend buying a pass that includes the buffet dinner (more on that later). With a day pass, you have access to the ample amenities over the 90,000 square foot space. You’re also given a locker to store your belongings, a towel, a robe, and slippers.
Amenities galore
This is no ordinary spa with just a few simple massage and relaxation rooms. As mentioned, QC NY Spa is MASSIVE, and you could easily spend the entire day there and probably still miss out on some of the experiences.
There’s an ice room with small chips of ice to scrub over your body (it’s recommended to scrub your face and neck!), a pink salt room, several saunas, several steam rooms, a waterfall shower with green lights, two outdoor heated pools, igloos outside to enjoy a drink or snack, a lavender room with wooden roller foot therapy, a cocoon relaxation area, and massage rooms named after Italian operas. That doesn’t cover the entire place, that just gives you an idea of how much there is to do here.
Food & Drink
QC NY Spa is Italian-owned, which is reflective in its food and drink program. They have a nightly buffet with seatings at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. The buffet, from my experience, includes offerings such as lasagna (which was surprisingly fantastic!), cured meats and cheeses, a salad bar with tons of veggie options, frittata, quiche, and plenty of pastries and baked goods. There is also a full-service bar, and in my opinion, the best way to experience an Italian spa is with an Aperol spritz in hand.
How much time is needed?
The spa hours are from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. I spent about four hours at the spa, and easily could have stayed longer. I would really recommend making a day out of it, and I would also recommend making sure to catch the sunset from the infinity pools overlooking the water.
Bottom Line
QC NY Spa is proof in the pudding that oasis can exist even in the most stressful of cities. Even if you can’t spend the entire day there, head over there after work for a magical way to unwind after a long day. From the service to the amenities to the stellar food and drink, QC NY Spa will wipe all those woes away in a serene setting.
DISCLAIMER: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!
DISCLAIMER II: QC NY Spa hosted my experience.