Despite the spa only opening its doors in January of 2024, the rich history of Hotel Chelsea remains at the very forefront of this brand new space. As any New Yorker (or aspiring Manhattanite) is aware, the Hotel Chelsea housed residents like Patti Smith, Dylan Thomas, and Madonna. Jack Kerouac is said to have written On the Road there, and Leonard Cohen allegedly met Janis Joplin within its halls. And now, on the very top floor, you can cosplay as a tortured artist as you sip citrus water on their terrace and await your 90-minute massage. They retained many of the original features, so the interiors align with the antique aesthetic of the rest of the hotel, yet it’s obvious that luxury was a leading thought when conceptualizing the new space. Although there is no shortage of wonderful spas in New York City, there is something special about the Hotel Chelsea embraces its idiosyncratic past.

A trip to the spa is a luxury, an indulgence! If you’re going to pamper yourself, why not do so at a luxury hotel marked by sleek decor, a staff that anticipates your every need, and fresh flowers at every turn? The Columbus Circle location is walking distance from Bergdorf Goodman, Central Park, and two Shake Shack locations (accommodating a range of post-spa interests); the 35th-floor views are sweeping and stunning; and the spa’s therapists are some of the most skilled in the city. Several masseuse and estheticians have been with the Mandarin Oriental for more than 15 years, owing some of that tenure to the perk of traveling to other properties around the world to learn new treatments and spend stints of time living in a far-flung location.

Photo: Courtesy of Rescue Spa