Founders Jason Goodman and Travis Talmadge wanted a spa for people who are “sick of the frou-frou, fake relaxation theater stuff.” And they enlisted New York-based architectural studio Verona Carpenter Architects to turn a former soda production plant by Brooklyn Bottling Company and Dr. Brown’s Soda into a spa. They blocked off some of the open ceilings were blocked off to create multiple levels, and the original, industrial brickwork was mostly kept intact. The designers also drew inspiration from bathing cultures from other places, with the Scandinavian sauna, Russian cold pool and Turkish steam room having found their way in.
The path that leads you from the first-floor registration to the basement spa will remind you of some secret passage toward a speakeasy bar. Past the narrow hallway surrounded by huge tropical plants, you will see the steam coming out of the spa beyond the glass floor. The feeling is so surreal that it may seem as if you’re about to step into another world. The massive mural on the back wall will grab your eyes as soon as you enter the main era. It was created by a Brooklyn-based artist Amit Greenberg, depicting bathers in ancient Rome.

The basement spa, about 600㎡, is home to a bath inspired by the ancient European spa and a sauna. You can dip into your choice of a warm bath (about 40 degrees Celsius), a cold bath (11°C) and a bath set at the body temperature (about 34°C). Or you can simply lie down on the heated hammam stones, inspired by the Turkish bathing culture. The Northern European-style sauna area features a tropical, humid sauna at 80°C, and a drier, Finnish sauna at 85°C. The ceiling is covered by tiny lighting pieces that evoke stars in the foggy night sky. Follow the silhouettes of people moving ever so slowly, and it will seem like some dreamlike scene out of a film.

If you’ve grown tired of going to quite spas that are built on privacy, then Bathhouse could be your new alternative. It’s a place where you can come with your partners or friends, or in a small group for some healthy socializing. Laughter and conversations make the ‘spa music’ here.
For a weekend of socializing, you should start the day with a healthy meal at the first-floor restaurant with natural light, and then go enjoy the spa the whole afternoon. The restaurant serves Scandinavian and Slovenian cuisine in a nod to the childhood of the chef. The restaurant serves regular diners who don’t visit the spa, while spa guests can walk in as they please. For a break between soaks, you can just put on your robe and come up for a house cocktail, a mix of botanical ingredients and vodka.

Book You must book online at Bathhouse’s website. Prices vary depending on the hours and the day of the week. You can purchase a package that includes dining at the restaurant. You can also choose your treatment room service, such as scrub and stretching, ahead of time. You can leave whenever you like, but since there are a limited number of lockers, it’s best to go early in the day.
Items You have to bring your swimsuit. Refrain from using mud back or oily products that could dirty the spa. But some light face mask for a break on heated marble slaps would be okay. Cameras and digital devices are prohibited.
Etiquette The boutique spa in the middle of the city isn’t overly large. Don’t occupy one spot for too long.

LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE combines financier Henry Villard’s mansion built in the late 19th century and a 55-story modern skyscraper. Having been featured in the popular American TV series “Gossip Girl” and several other films, the hotel has become a must-see attraction among tourists in New York. It has 909 rooms, plus a beautiful garden inspired by a 15th-century Italian cathedral. Dining and drinking options include the restaurant Villard, high-end salon Rarities, and cocktail bar Trouble’s Trust.
Address 455 Madison Avenue at 50th Street, New York
Phone +1-800-804-7035
Website www.lottenypalace.com