AIRE Ancient Baths: A Tranquil Retreat in New York

I had a phenomenal birthday treat at AIRE, the massage was unbelievable, the atmosphere was so surreal. It’s in the heart of the city but feels like you’re a million miles away. The bathrooms are so well stocked with everything you would need to get ready (hairdryers etc). Not the mention the incredible staff! Felt so well looked after. The only reason I have given it 4 instead of 5 stars is the cost. Although I cannot fault the experience I felt the price was steep ($150 for just the spa, $300 for the spa + massage service, totaling close to $500 all up). Appreciate this is typical for nyc but even so, it felt high. Perfect for a special occasion, just wish I could go more often and the price prohibits me from doing so!

I recently had the pleasure of visiting AIRE Ancient Baths New York on Franklin Street in NYC, and I must say, it was a truly delightful experience that I would rate 5 out of 5 stars! Having also visited the Chicago location, I was eager to see how this one compared. Both share a stunning aesthetic and concept, but I found the NYC venue to have its own unique charm. The ambiance at AIRE Ancients Baths New York is simply enchanting. The beautiful brick architecture combined with the hundreds of lit candles creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that immediately puts you in a state of relaxation. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it easy to unwind and enjoy the moment. While the Chicago location had the advantage of an indoor/outdoor pool, I still appreciated the variety of pools available in NYC. I did visit during the summer, which added an interesting twist to the experience. Although I found myself feeling a bit overheated at times, the cold showers and refreshing plunges provided the perfect relief. I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to indulge in the warm baths during the winter months, creating a beautiful contrast with the chilly air outside. However, I was disappointed with the jet pool. I was expecting a powerful and invigorating experience, but the jets felt more like gentle bubbles than anything remotely energizing. For a place that prides itself on luxury and relaxation, I found this lack of intensity surprising and a bit of a letdown. One of the highlights of my visit was the shower and concierge service in the locker room. They use L'Occitane products, which felt incredibly luxurious, especially in the high-pressure rain shower. It was a wonderful way to refresh after my time in the baths. The locker room also offers an array of amenities, including combs, deodorant, mouthwash, nail files, and even Dyson hair dryers—the best of the best! The modern lockers added a nice touch, and I particularly appreciated the XXL robes, which provided a comfortable and cozy experience. Despite the minor drawbacks regarding the jet pool, what I truly adore about AIRE Ancient Baths New York is their commitment to cleanliness and the serene environment they cultivate. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to enhance your experience, making each visit a special retreat. I left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and I can confidently say I will return again and again, no matter which city I find myself in. If you're looking for a tranquil escape in NYC, Ancient Aire Bath is a must-visit destination. The combination of beauty, relaxation, and a unique atmosphere makes it a standout experience that I wholeheartedly recommend!

I’m ready to book a flight back just for the spa. This place was absolutely amazing. This was my first spa experience and I’m hooked. We were taken care of and treated so well. All of the bath options were explained before we were left to relax. The staff here was amazing. You can do just the baths or massages or both and I did both. I felt amazing at the end. I can’t wait to come back!

Amazing experience. The amount of communication and work that goes into creating a seamless experience without disrupting the tranquil environment in the baths is impressive. The selection of baths was amazing, and you'll enjoy yourself whether you're on your own or with a friend or partner. Be aware that there isn't much space for chatting beyond an occasional low whisper. A staff member will come to shush you (I watched it happen to a group of girls). So it isn't the best option to catch up with friends, but it's for the good of everyone's relaxation. I recommend taking advantage of the provided salt to exfoliate and floating in the bath that simulates the Dead Sea. It seemed to be a rarer pick for people there, but I am glad I braved the cold plunge (and then warmed up in the "tepidarium"). There are services for everyone. The wine bath is certainly a splurge but looked wonderful. I enjoyed my massage and appreciated the pressure to work out a lot of the knots in my muscles, especially since I carry a lot of tension in my body and work out heavily so it was difficult to actually relax into the massage. After my massage, I was not rushed out of the baths. I had ample time (more than I expected) to the point that I chose to leave before I was required to. After my massage, I went back to the baths and after a bit, they found me to deliver my add-on service of non-alcoholic rose and chocolate truffles. I'm not usually a chocolate person, but it was amazing and they were well balanced in their sweetness without being overwhelming. Lots of small touches really made the experience. The products in the showers were wonderful, and the selection of products including Dyson hair dryers, disposable combs and brushes, hair products, and more made getting presentable after a breeze. I also appreciated the water and hot peppermint tea available.

Overpriced and disappointing.I booked the baths and a couples massage for my partner’s birthday, but she was uncomfortable with a male masseuse in the room. The staff didn’t accommodate this, so I skipped the massage, leaving her alone. This completely defeated the purpose of a relaxing, shared experience. Poor communication and lack of flexibility made the day stressful instead of special. Not worth the price—better options exist in the city.