A Wren Says

The reception area is bright white. There are multiple high end skin care products on display for purchase. I had just walked into the spa at the Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards and waited to start my treatments I nosily looked at the displays to pass the time.  Shortly after, I was led to the locker room to change into robe and slippers. The lockers were stocked with mini mouthwashes and other toiletries. Once I was ready I walked back to the hallway to start my sauna session.  

There were two water bottles in there waiting for me in that wooden room that housed the infrared sauna. As the time ticked by I was worried that maybe something was wrong with me, because I wasn’t sweating profusely like they do in the movies.  When they session ended, I relayed my concern to the employee who greeted me. She assured me that it was not unusual as the infrared sauna heats from the inside out so your responses are not what you would expect.

From there it was onto my second session, cryotherapy. I made sure to towel off the tiny beads of sweat I discovered to avoid frostbite. The attendant suggested that you wear as little clothing as possible but n metal touching the body.

I was handed socks, mittens, and a headband from a heater to protect the most easily frostbitten parts and a disposable mask to protect my airways.

During the session, the attendant played my song request, I stepped into the chamber for three minutes. I’m not sure if it was because of the sauna session right before, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. But it was a bit unnerving to feel the condensation from my breath start to freeze in my nose. Once the session was over, I had a little bit of time to warm up before heading to the facial.

You can read more about my gold collagen facial here. But to sum it up, it was a great experience. All it all, I liked my experience at the Equinox Spa. I would certainly recommend the experience to others, but I have regrets. This is what I would do differently next time and what I would suggest to you.

1. I’d space out my treatments

I booked three treatments back to back- Infrared sauna, cryotherapy, and then a facial. If I were to do it all again. I’d space those treatments out. I got in, went to the sauna, straight into the cold, very briefly sat down before heading in to the facial. If pure get it done efficiency was what I was aiming for, this was great. But I definitely missed out on being able to really relax. Speaking of that…

• I’d book earlier in the day.

My time at the spa started at 6 PM and ended at 7:45 PM. By the time I was done with facial, I had no time to enjoy the relaxation room before the spa closed at 8. The relaxation room, when I finally set foot in there, was a calming oasis teas and snacks and digital magazines to read. I would next time make sure I had all my services done at least an hour before close so I wouldn’t need to rush, but could instead sit and relax before entering the real world.  

I would certainly go back to experience more of the spa’s treatment menu and more of the extras they have to offer. If you are planning a trip to the Equinox Hotel or will simply be in New York looking to pamper yourself, I highly recommend you consider a stop at this spa.