June 12, 2025

The Spa at Hotel Chelsea Feels Worlds Away From New York City

From the eponymous Lobby Bar to the buzzy French café and the subterranean Japanese restaurant—not to mention the sultry, dimly lit foyer adorned with eclectic artworks—everything about Hotel Chelsea feels so quintessentially New York. However, when you arrive at the Spa at Hotel Chelsea, you’re transported to a place that feels far away from the heart of Manhattan.

Reception at the Hotel Chelsea Spa — Credit: Annie Schlechter

Set the Scene

Perched on the penthouse level atop the historic 19th-century stay, you step off the elevator and into what feels like a countryside home. A glass atrium floods the entryway with sunlight. At check-in, your eye drifts to a curated apothecary-style showcase of serums and potions—soon to be used during your treatment, of course.

Down a charming hallway, repurposed light fixtures and antique touches—like a brick fireplace in the guest lounge and a candlelit chandelier above the seating area—create a vibe. Details like an oyster shell ceramic for snacks and perfectly-sized teacups for post-treatment refreshments add to the cozy, intentional aura.

Each therapy room carries the same grounded elegance, but with its own color personality. Soft pinks, earthy teals, and olive greens wash the distressed walls, while heated massage beds await your arrival like a warm invitation to sink into a trance.

Treatment Room at the Hotel Chelsea Spa — Credit: Annie Schlechter

Inside the Honeybee Facial

As one of the spa’s seasonal offerings, I booked the Honeybee Facial (one of the perks of “testing” treatments for writing purposes, of course), and it felt like spring cleaning for my skin. Created in partnership with the Activist, the therapy utilizes the potent healing properties of Mānuka honey—a rare ingredient renowned for its antibacterial properties and high enzyme content—to revitalize the skin barrier.

The 45-minute ritual combines gentle extractions, a restorative facial massage, and a luxurious Mānuka honey mask. Amity, my esthetician, took things to another level, whisking me into a state of complete euphoria. At one point, a slight tingling—almost like the imagined pleasure of soft bee stings—buzzed across my face. Aromas of honey mist and leafy botanicals sank beneath my outer barrier, leaving me radiant. Glowing, if you will.

Apothecary at the Hotel Chelsea Spa — Credit: Annie Schlechter

The Tarot Card Twist

Afterward, I met Pax on the foliage-enclosed terrace for a tarot card reading. I’ll admit, I usually find these experiences a little woo woo (you know—overly spiritual or a bit too out-there). But Pax immediately drew me in. It felt less like fortune-telling and more like a grounding, personalized therapy session—one rooted in clarity, not clichés.

The ceremony began with the burning of eucalyptus, oregano, lavender, basil, and sandalwood. A few bells chimed to open the space. Pax gently swept a bundle of sagebrush along my shoulders to help release energy, then lit palo santo to cleanse the room.

Whether you’re navigating love, career decisions, or personal growth, this thoughtful add-on rounds out the spa experience. You leave feeling physically pampered and mentally realigned. At least, that’s how I felt as I entered back into reality.

Shower at the Hotel Chelsea Spa — Credit: Annie Schlechter

Final Thoughts

Sure, we’ve seen farmhouse-style spas before. But have we seen one perched atop a storied Manhattan hotel, dripping in sultry, artsy attitude like Hotel Chelsea? This is a first—and it absolutely lands.

‍Top Takeaways

Location: Chelsea, New York City

Atmosphere: A restored farmhouse perched atop the iconic Hotel Chelsea.

Price Point: $$$

Amenities: Men’s and women’s locker rooms, rain showers, sauna, fitness center, and a Healing Arts program featuring “The Reader” tarot card experience.

Our Favorite Thing About the Spa: It’s hard to choose just one standout, but the design transports you to another place entirely—rustic yet refined, with thoughtful details throughout. The treatment room with a full soaking tub is a definite highlight.

Recommended Treatments: The Honeybee Facial ($190) is a must—glowy, refreshing, and worth every penny.

What is the least expensive treatment?

Healing Arts: The Reader ($100 for 30 minutes with a service add-on)‍
Facials: Honeybee or Full Bloom ($190 for 45 minutes)‍
Massages: Respira Swedish massage with hot stones ($220 for 60 minutes)

What is the most expensive treatment?

Massage: The Mend ($370 for 90 minutes with a customized approach by the Master Massage Therapist)
Facial: Magic Hour ($385 for 90 minutes with a personalized treatment by the spa’s renowned esthetician, aka “Magic Hands”)
Healing Arts: Visionary Therapy ($525 for 120 minutes, including an herbal soak, polarity, and cranial-sacral therapies for deep energy release)

Anything Else? Guests are treated to embroidered Hotel Chelsea robes and slippers, Dyson hair dryers, Sangre de Fruta bath products, and luxe spray-on deodorant and hairspray that smell amazing.