If you are even basic about fitness, you know about Equinox gyms. Now what if this high-end gym had a baby with a luxury hotel?
The breath-taking result is the Equinox Hotel, first of its name, in the most talked about neighborhood opening this year, Hudson yards.
We were given a grand tour of its unique high-tech high-touch 5-star spa, which grand opening was past Tuesday, October 22nd .
Let’s take a first stop at the restaurant, Electric Lemon, where each dish comes with a stunning side of Hudson river and The Vessel view. Electric Lemon, a seasonal American restaurant, celebrates the passionate farmers, growers and artisans of the Mid-Atlantic, transforming their pristine products into clean, conscious cuisine that puts flavor at the forefront. Menu items are affordable, mains averaging $30 and around $20 for lighter bites - polenta fries were absolute heaven.
If you are lucky enough to spend the night at this unique location, the rooms are designed with your performance and regeneration in mind, every room is a dark, quiet, and cool oasis: including total soundproofing, next-generation blackout blinds, and integrated technology. You won’t “sleep” anymore, you will “optimize your restoration”.
The shower delivers a full-spectrum experience with 3 different shower heads – we love the exclusive Body Cleanser duo, sensuous AM and PM shower gels infused with aromatic herbs, of which some grow along the High Line, created in collaboration with biocompatible beauty leader Grown Alchemist. Accompanied by an in-room guide these rituals are supported by yoga accessories and massage essentials in the room’s EQX Regenerative Toolkit.
Let’s head up now to the 5th Floor, where we were given the Grand Tour of The Spa, where technology, performance and high-touch meet.
Equinox is built on 3 fundamental pillars: movement, regeneration and nutrition, The Spa embodying the “regeneration” pillar.
“Consider The Spa as the race car pit stop. We put you all back together and ready to go in no time.” says Sarah Atereth, Spa Director - adapting to all NYC time constraints, from 5 mn cryo-therapy to integrated circuits.
The immersive 27,000 square foot space offers 6 treatment rooms, an indoor salt water pool, hot and cold plunge pools and the unique E.SCAPE PODS, private relaxation platforms with expansive views of the Hudson River. Incorporate a meditation session, a power-lift mask or a nutrient +IV drip to accelerate your recovery. Privacy is luxury in NYC.
You know you have entered a temple of luxury and high tech when the locker room is equipped with Dyson hair dryers. Your hair will be styled in a New York minute!
Amenities include sauna and sensorial shower,
Now, looking into the scrumptious menu, which treatments should you experience? Which ones will give you the woaw factor? The Spa at Equinox is high-tech, high-touch:
High-tech:
Cryotheraphy, or when the cold instantly burns…calories. Also an immunity and endorphin boost, jumpstart for overall health, fitness, weight loss, and beauty.
Quantum Harmonics, or the best nap of your life, blending immersive sound and harmonic resonance therapy on the wave table to achieve deep restfulness and renewed energy, clarity, and focus. A 30 minute treatment provides the benefits of 3 hours of sleep.
Infrared Sauna for increased calorie burn, circulation, inflammation reduction, sleep benefits.
Microjet Streaming & Infusion: Powerful 3-phase treatment of lymphatic drainage, exfoliation, and serums targeted to penetrate deep into the dermal layers to restore vital radiance via this cutting-edge technology.
High-touch:
Face Xercise Ultimate Face Workout, developed by Thuyen Nguyen, celebrity facialist and massage therapist. A rejuvenating and relaxing facial "workout" that targets the effects of aging, it instantly lifts and sculpts the facial contours while boosting elasticity, firmness, and muscle tone. This treatment integrates ancient manual massage techniques, natural physiotherapy, and modern fitness science, so be ready for highly defined cheekbones and jawline! Best workout ever!
37 Extreme Actives High Performance: Exceeds the performance of the highly-regarded 37 Actives formula, it delivers 50 actives that address all aspects of your skin’s condition, health, and appearance, achieves extraordinary and immediate results in concert with non-invasive laser treatment, both developed and patented by Dr. Macrene Alexiades.
The retail selection aims at offering exclusive and clean brands allying performance and effectiveness, mentioning only the tip of the iceberg of this one-of-a-kind offer:
37 Actives Skincare Collection, exclusive Dermatologcial brand created by Dr. Macrene herself, renowned dermatologist, delivering to the skin her solid knowledge of both medicine and the beauty industry. Perfect if you are looking for an exclusive brand, result-oriented while free of parabens, phthalates, plastics, sulfates, mica, talc, animal and human-derived ingredients, and propylene glycol;. Clean and effective.
111skin, culmination of twenty years of surgical knowledge, high-tech ingredients, and cutting-edge innovation; founded by globally renowned Harley Street cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, the original formula was developed to help his patients’ skin heal after trauma and given complimentary after treatments for more effective results and improved healing time. The formula included NAC Y2, a trio of actives with superior antioxidant capabilities, one of which stimulates the production of Glutathione – the body’s most powerful intracellular antioxidant. Make sure to add the sheet masks to your routine!
Soleil Toujours, for sun protection, with cutting-edge formulations, curated from the world’s finest, safest, naturally sourced and organic ingredients. Big crush on Perpetual Radiance Eye Glow + Illuminator SPF 15, 3-in-1 genius that combines an eye contour treatment, SPF protection and illuminator.
Not forgetting about the biggest trend of the year, The Spa offers the CBD & Magnesium Cream by Function Botanicals – quality and affordable health and wellness products made from full-spectrum phytocannabinoid-rich CBD extract derived from specially selected organically grown hemp, free of any residual chemicals, providing relief from pain, inflammation and a variety of skin conditions.
Because The Spa at Equinox Hotel combines high-touch with high-tech, splurge and extend the wellness therapy at home with can’t-live-without high-tech appliances: Nuface for microcurrent skin and muscle tightening, Poly Go for light therapy, Kokoon headphones to optimize your sleep, or Hypervolt for percussion and vibration therapy at home.
Be ready for your best hair day with Virtue. The formulas of this clean hair care pack Alpha Keratin 60ku®, whole, human keratin. Born from regenerative medicine, it is identical to the keratin in your hair, skin, and nails so it heals and repairs unlike anything you've experienced before. Find the magic in the Restorative Treatment Mask, 2019 Glamour Beauty Award Winner.
The SPAcialist highly recommends The Spa at Equinox Hotel NYC. Treat yourself to the the differentiating high-tech high-touch featured treatments and make sure to bring home a souvenir from the bold retail selection. More than a spa experience, make the Equinox Hotel your next day destination for brunch, pool, and spa pampering.
Fitly yours,
The SPAcialist.