Relax in Ancient Baths in Manhattan – new hidden gem of New York City
Everyone knows that New York City is a city that never sleeps. I have to say that after spending 10 days there, it is so true! To be honest, I do not like the busy cities for too long, I mean I enjoy them for a few days but don’t think I could ever live in one of them. But NYC got the best of me even with its craziness and pretty busy atmosphere. Why? I would never think you could find a place like I did in the pure center of New York City.
Yes, I am talking about AIRE ancient baths I visited in TriBeCa district in Manhattan. Oh yeah, for me the new hidden gem of New York City!
AIRE ancient baths were first founded in Seville in a 16th century palace where roman baths stood for. They are located at the street called Aire (air in Spanish), hence the name of it. Then, another baths were opened in Barcelona and Almeria. The ones I visited in NYC are the first international ones outside of Spain, opened just in June 2012.
All the AIRE ancient baths are inspired by the legacy of the Greek, Roman and Ottoman baths to get their visitors relaxation of the body and mind through the water. You can find different kinds of baths here: ice bath (46 F), cold bath (61 F), wam bath (97 F), hot bath (102 F), a thousand water stream – a whirlpool bath (97 F), salty floating bath, steam sauna and hot marble stone relaxation room.
street view of Aire Ancient Baths in NY
The building were AIRE is situated in NYC was built in 1883 and it used to be a textile company. The wooden ceiling, brick walls and some of the original decorations were kept to give it the ancient feeling. Other ancient decorations, such as fountains, were all brought from Turkey, Morocco or the Pyrenees so the baths are a real architectural haven too.
entrance
All you need to do is to make a reservation online and then get to AIRE ancient baths. The sessions are 2 hours long and you can only get the baths or also a massage. You do not need to bring anything with you, even the bathing suit will be provided for you (of course you can bring yours if you want). There are lockers for your belongings, showers, changing rooms, make-up remover, cotton pads, and even mouth wash :)
Once changed and all wrapped up in a bathing robe, with a towel (both also provided) and wearing special white shoes (wear them all the time, even inside the pools), you will be guarded all the way downstairs to the baths and explained everything.
The moment I stepped in, I was amazed! See such a thing in Manhattan? What a great relief! New Yorkers, get ready for some relax now :)
hot bath in Aire Ancient Baths in NY
massage room
There are 6 kinds of baths in AIRE NYC, a steam sauna and a relaxation room with free hot tea and cold water where you can relax on the hot marble stone. You can even order fresh fruit juices.
relaxation area in Aire baths
Hangers for the bathing robe and towels are all over the place, and so 2 showers. It is advised to take a shower before entering the baths (downstairs or upstairs) and after (upstairs).
steam sauna in Aire Ancient Baths in NY
A few recommendations:
- no phones, watches, cameras nor any other electrical devices are allowed in the baths. It is meant to be a place of a complete relaxation. Forget about the life outside and enjoy!
- you can start in the steam sauna (no longer than 30 minutes)
- then go to the salty floating pool just next to it as your skin pores are open after the sauna and so the best time for the salt minerals
- then visit the last pool in the back
- in the hot bath (the one in the middle right) do not stay for longer than 5 minutes
- if you are brave enough, try the ice bath – a bath with real huge ice cube inside
- drink in between the baths
- silence policy – communicate in low voice
- you don’t need to worry about your bathing suit after the baths because while you take a shower upstairs, staff will dry up your bathing suit and put in a plastic bag for you :)
ice, cold, warm and hot bath
My stay in AIRE Ancient Baths NY was a press trip. All the thoughts in this article are my own. For more information, please visit AIRE ancient baths website.
Marquetta
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These baths are fabulous! Relaxation has never typically been a word associated with New York unless when reffering to the absence of it. :)
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler via Facebook
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I am and I love it! It’s a theme on my blog and very important for me :P
Chance Miller via Facebook
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You’re all about the baths lately.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ lola:
Oh yes, please do visit this amazing hidden place! So worth it :)
lola
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i am SO going here when next in NYC. what a sanctuary!! i’m digging how accommodating it all sounds. what a treasure to have found.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Hogga:
yeah, it is new and a perfect place! One of my fave ones in NYC to be honest :)
Hogga
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Sounds like a great place to relax… never would have known about this otherwise!