Luxury Setting, Middling Value
The Spa by Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards delivers exactly the kind of luxury ambiance you'd expect from its high-end reputation: sleek architecture, calming interiors, and a cordial, professional staff. The spa itself is nestled in a striking hotel, though its view of an industrial patch of NYC does little to enhance the mood.
I opted for a non-invasive skincare treatment combining lymphatic drainage, exfoliation, and deep serum infusion via a high-pressure jet stream. While the aesthetician was very friendly and competent, the experience lacked the immersive depth I've encountered at comparable (and even more complex) treatments in NYC, elsewhere in the USA and overseas. At ~$450 including gratuity, the price feels steep for a treatment that includes a fairly light-drainage and exfoliation and a face mask and commercially available creams.
The session was scheduled for 60 minutes, but the treatment itself didn't start until after the appointment time. Small details, like the aesthetician's squeaky shoes, use of gloves at times when touching my face, and the very loud, generator-like buzz of the water jet, disrupted what should have been a serene experience. Time was also lost as the technician repeatedly paused to prepare and put away treatments rather than maintaining flow.
The complimentary water and health bars were thoughtful touches, but overall, the treatment felt "fine" rather than exceptional. For a spa of this caliber, I expected a more substance to match the setting--and certainly to justify the price tag. read more