It’s hard to imagine a time when bathing wasn’t done in private, yet for centuries bath houses were the center of ancient civilizations. They were more than just a place to bathe; they were the exercise studios, the spas, and most importantly, the place where people could come together and spread news. The Ancient Greeks, Ottomans and Romans were more in touch with prioritizing the body’s needs than people are today, evident in how their baths were targeted toward healing different parts of the body. While it’s impossible to go back in time and experience these baths and their therapeutic properties for ourselves, AIRE Ancient Baths New York gives us a taste of these ancient healing methods without compromising luxury. Inspired by these very civilizations that fostered the interest in self-care, this Roman bath house is easily one of the best spas in Manhattan.

Walking down an unusually quiet street in Tribeca, one would never expect that a marble fortress is just underground at AIRE Ancient Baths New York. Upon entrance, guests are met in a candlelit lobby, with exposed brick walls and an old-fashioned style fountain already setting the aura of romance. From there, they are led to a changing room with stone floors and frosted glass walls, where a pair of slippers and an engraved bathrobe are waiting for them in private lockers. As guests wrap themselves in the bathrobe, the material feels light and delicate against their skin, and although visitors are already feel pampered with an endless supply of L’Occitane hair products and hair tools, a locker room attendant promises to bring anything they could possibly need.

When guests walk down the stairs and enter the Roman bath house, it’s like going back in time. A warm and seductive light reflects off the marble flooring; lit only by candle chandeliers crafted from rope and iron to luminate the room just enough so people can walk through. Although most people come in pairs, the only sound in the spa is the gentle hum of Moroccan music. AIRE Ancient Baths only emits a certain number of people every two hours, keeping the total occupancy of the spa around twenty, offering exclusivity and privacy for visitors. With six baths to soak in, each varying in temperature, guests can explore all of them before a massage therapist takes them away for one of the spa’s infamous healing treatments.

By the time of the Roman Empire, bath houses were revolutionary in architecture and style, with extravagant marble statues and heating and plumbing systems way ahead of their time. In order to stay close to its Roman roots, AIRE Ancient Baths looked for historic buildings for their seven spas, recreating classical architecture worthy enough to make the Ancient Roman gods proud. For AIRE Ancient Baths New York, just a few properties were scouted for spas in Manhattan before deciding on its location in Tribeca, a restored textile factory from 1883. The building was stripped to just its brick and used repurposed materials from the Triborough Bridge to craft custom-made furniture. Between cast iron columns, wooden beamed ceilings, and marble baths, it is impossible not to feel like royalty.

Each bath is lined with candles, creating a romantic atmosphere for date night in New York City. Cuddling up close to a loved one, visitors can spend some quality time together in a relaxing environment. When guests first enter the bath house, the Flotarium instantly captures their attention, with its turquoise water shining against a wall lined with candles. This salt bath is heated to over 90 degrees, and has the same density as the Dead Sea, causing people to float effortlessly. By letting their bodies relax completely, visitors let the water carry them as they disconnect from the world around them and create their own soothing bubble. With the white noise of the water, guests let themselves fall into a deep state of relaxation, resting their eyes and letting the water take control.  As the salt in the water is a natural exfoliant, it brushes away dead skin, leaving guests feeling smooth and moisturized after a dip.

With the Caladrium, a hot bath at 102 degrees, and the two Frigidarium baths at 57 and 50 degrees, guests can experience a classic hot and cold therapy. Hot water is known for soothing muscles and tension in the joints. From there, guests head into the cold baths to reinvigorate themselves, as cold water tones the skin and encourages blood circulation. A quick plunge in the ice bath wakes up the body, tingling the skin as it works to reenergize guests after the Caladrium. This treatment both restarts the body and relaxes it, making it feel brand new.

Yet perhaps the most rejuvenating of all the baths is the whirlpool bath, known as the Balneum. Guests are massaged with heavy jets as they soak in the warm water, letting the circular motion of the water ease away all their tension. With the sound of the water bubbling behind them, visitors let all of their worries fade as the water works away all their stresses.

For guests looking for a truly peaceful session, AIRE Ancient Baths New York is famous for The Wine Bath Experience. Whether one is looking for a relaxing evening for themselves or for the perfect date night in New York City, the Wine Bath is a unique experience exclusive to AIRE. Soaking in a Venetian tub, guests submerge themselves in wine made from Spanish Ribera del Duero red grapes that are full of antioxidants, rejuvenating worn skin instantly. This thirty-minute bath pampers visitors with a glass of wine and leaves them feeling relaxed and younger. Following the bath is a cranio-facial hydrating massage and an hour long full-body massage using grapeseed oil. As the scent of fresh grapes fills the air, it’s impossible to not dream of a summer on a vineyard in Rome. To make this even more special, guests are treated with a four-hand massage, with two therapists per person working in harmony.

Another popular treatment is The Himalayan Salt Experience. This eighty-minute treatment includes a Himalayan salt exfoliation and a massage that targets the tensest areas of the body. As the salt detoxifies the body, it leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. During the four-hand massage, massage therapists use hot salt stones to calm the body. This helps balance the pH levels within the body, and leaves muscles feeling relaxed. As pressure is applied in target areas with the most tension, guests breathe in the salty aroma, a scent that transports them out of the busy city and onto a beach.

After guests soak in the baths, they can dry off while relaxing on the heated marble benches. With select tea and water available for visitors, they are sure to feel energized before heading off to the steam room. Located in the center of the spa is a Moroccan hammam. Complete with clear walls, this steam room fogs the glass, creating the mystical appearance of a cloud in the heart of this bath house. With steam infused with eucalyptus oil, known for its natural healing abilities, guests leave the steam room feeling refreshed and relaxed.

AIRE Ancient Baths New York is known globally for its extravagance and its homage to history. Life in New York City can be draining, but this hidden gem in the heart of Tribeca is the perfect place to unwind. Between baths with different healing abilities, to four hand massages and specialized treatment options, AIRE Ancient Baths pays attention to the finest details that makes this luxury experience the perfect getaway. With the intimate environment and rejuvenating treatments, this luxury bath house has each guest leaving and feeling like a Roman god.