The Turkish hammam is a time-honored spa ritual that uses water to stimulate the senses and spur on a connection to history. It was my first time trying a traditional Turkish hammam and I knew I was in good hands at The Marmara Park Avenue.

There is a whole world of treatments that stem from ancient remedies. Once you educate yourself on their origins and benefits, some of the wildest treatments begin to make sense. Keeping that in mind, let’s familiarize ourselves with the world’s quirkiest spa treatments.

We give you our ultimate list of wellness spaces where New Yorkers come to get away from it all. From the hidden, to the influencer-famous, spa and wellness sanctuaries in New York City provide much-needed respite from noise, pollution, and the never-ending hustle.

Spa industry giants everywhere know Lydia Sarfati as the seaweed skincare authority – the Repêchage founder has worked her way up from esthetician who loved formulating and creating, to spa owner on Madison Avenue, to running one of the most well-known professional skincare brands. Beauty editors and insiders continue to be impressed by the Repêchage Four Layer Facial. Read our Q & A with the iconic spa beauty innovator.

The year was 1886 and, upon the recommendation of a physician, Otto Osthoff brought his wife Paulina to Elkhart Lake. In attempts to find respite and healing for his wife, Otto began building the haven that stands today - The Osthoff Resort and spa. The romantic sap that I am, I can certainly appreciate that kind of devotion. Explore Elkhart Lake’s healing waters with me.

These Are Not Your Grandmother’s Catskills. Before airplane travel became the norm, New York families sought-out easy and accessible refuge in the Catskill mountains. Then the grandkids stopped going. Today’s upstate continues to reel in a new kind of visitor. It is safe to say that the Catskills are in their heyday again. New and restored hotels sprouting all over Upstate New York have a lot to offer to newcomers and loyal visitors alike. Among the many new retreats, Kenoza Hall is in a class of its own.

From birth we are drawn to one of the most powerful sources of life and tranquility – water. Healing waters and bathing culture has been around for centuries. In countries, like Greece, Turkey, Russia and Italy, bath houses and self-care was a way to ensure citizens remained happy and calm. It was a communal and social activity.

Whether you are seasoned spa-goer in need of a refresher or a spa virgin, there are certain universal rules to getting the most out of your spa experience. Visiting a spa for the first time can be intimidating. Here is everything you ever wanted to know. Avoid any shyness or mishaps with our must-know spa commandments.