This post may contain affiliated links, which means if you purchase an item I will earn commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’ve never been one to shy away from pampering myself. Whether it’s a massage, facial, acupuncture or some new wellness trend, I am all for treating myself to a little r&r. As a dancer I learned early on the importance of taking care of my body. That self-care is a necessity for a healthy body, mind, and soul. When AMP3 PR reached out to invite me to the new spa, QC NY, on Governor’s Island for the media preview day, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been in need of some rejuvenation, relaxation, and restoration.
I arrived at Governor’s Island at 1pm to spend the afternoon at QC NY. For those of you who have never been to Governor’s Island, it’s only a 10-minute ferry ride away from Manhattan and Brooklyn. So it’s very easy to travel to and from. Upon arriving at QC NY they gave me a complimentary towel, sandals, and a robe. Do not forget to bring your bathing suit to wear. I left all of my belongings in a locker (with a key). Slipped into my J.Crew stripe tie-shoulder one-piece, threw my robe over it and was ready to enjoy all of the amenities of the spa. Since lunch was served at 1:30pm (on this particular day), I decided to roam around and get a feel for the place until then. There are a few floors (about 4) that are filled with saunas, steam rooms, two floors for changing rooms (men’s and women’s separate), and wellness rooms. It can be a little confusing at first figuring out where each amenity is located– the best way to navigate the spa is via stairs rather than the elevators. The stairway gives descriptions on what is on each floor.
Since lunch was quickly approaching I decided to relax on the Wellness Floor that had different rooms to just sit there in silence and enjoy the ambiance. There is a Fireplace Room that has rocking chairs, bookshelves, and a fireplace. I sat down on one of the large rocking chairs and enjoyed the classical music playing. On the walls they hung classic books like The Great Gatsby, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and more. I could have stayed in that room forever.
Another room I enjoyed on the Wellness Floor is the Cocoon Room. An area where you can sit on a swinging cocoon chair. I’ve always wanted to sit in one of these, so was very pleased when I walked into the room and saw them. It almost feels like you are in hiding, isolated, and safe. Not pictured is the Music Room that is filled with leather chairs and an old record player.
Finally it was time for lunch in the Bistro Room on the lower level. I am not sure what all is on the menu for the Bistro but we were served a choice of two different salads both accompanied by chips and a créme brûlée chocolate. I had the chicken caesar salad (the other option was an avocado salad). It was delicious! They also had a mini bar with cocktails, wine, and beer. I did not have any alcohol. I didn’t ask, but I was hoping there would be some healthier beverage options like tea, matcha, and juices. Again, I didn’t ask for it so they may have had some healthier options but I wasn’t aware.
After lunch I was all about detoxing. I first started with the Facial Training room. It’s a 12 step video that shows you how to train the muscles in your face to lift and tone. Basically giving yourself a facelift and lymphatic massage. I knew some of the techniques already; moving the tips of your fingers in an upward motion swiftly, starting from the bottom of your face working your way the top. I enjoyed learning more techniques to do while I sit at home on the couch watching Netflix.
Next I took advantage of one of their many saunas. I only went into two of them. One (pictured below) was a classic sauna that had a beautiful view of lower Manhattan. It was peaceful to sit there and look outside, while detoxing your body. The benefits of sitting in a sauna are increased metabolism, blood circulation, skin rejuvenation, stress management, and cardiovascular functions. The second sauna I went to later on in the afternoon was filed with a lavender aroma, as well as music the garden (birds, trees blowing, etc). Each sauna had its own theme to the room. After the sauna I went into the inferred beds to relax under the red light therapy. Red inferred light helps reduce wrinkles, scars, acne, and helps with muscle tissue healing. I laid down on the beds enjoying the inferred lighting until my massage.
I had a 25 minute back massage and it was heavenly. I love massages and usually get one or two a year. I should get more, but it can get expensive especially here in the city. As someone who has a slight case of scoliosis, massages really help. This particular massage was wonderful and I felt a few knots in my back release. Next time I go to QC NYC I will get a full body hour long massage.
After my relaxing massage I went to the lower level to enjoy the steam baths. I much prefer steam rooms over saunas. I like the instant gratification of sweating and detoxing. Steam rooms help with joint stiffness, improves circulation, helps improve appearance of skin, lowers blood pressure, burns calories, and is great for workout recovery. After the steam room I tried out their foot baths. I really do not understand the point of a foot bath. All that happens is the water bubbles, but apparently it helps with inflammation and improves circulation. After the foot bath I went into one of their showers to rinse off the sweat from the steam room. This particular shower is done by sitting on a large wooden table. You push a button and blue light comes on as well as water from the shower head. The water starts of hot then eventually turns to cold. There is a benefit of some sort here, but I do not know what it is.
The entire day was an amazing experience and I can not wait to go back. The official opening of QC NY is March 4th. The price ranges from $88 to $288 a day, depending on weekday / weekends and whether you are getting a massage. Honestly, I was actually surprise to see how affordable it is. I was expecting the pricing to be much higher. Something else to look forward to; the outdoor pool will be open this summer. I am very grateful I went to experience the spa. It’s a great escape from the city to rejuvenate and relax. A great way to spend your birthday with a few friends or make it a romantic getaway with your significant other. I am looking forward to going back just to sit in the fireplace room for hours.