'QC New York Spa left me feeling like an off-duty model as I paused NYFW for pampering'
QC New York Spa offered tranquility amid the busy schedule of New York Fashion Week. If you can squeeze in a quick getaway, it's well worth a quick ferry ride to Governors Island
Alex is an entertainment writer for the Mirror, covering music, TV, and beyond. She's social media obsessed and a gaming guru, devotedly following all the content creators, influencers, and streamers. Particularly, she has a knack for investigations and celebrity legal woes. Alex earned her BA in Political Science and Communications at Pace University and her MA in American Journalism at New York University.
In the chaos that is New York Fashion Week, where catwalk after party after show begins to drain anyone in attendance, there's a special place to recharge.
QC New York Spa takes you just outside the busy streets of Manhattan to Governors Island, which is just a 5-minute ferry ride away. The spa itself promises not only luxury but an experience completely customizable to your liking. It's filled with what feels like endless rooms to relax in, with a pool overlooking the New York skyline.
If you're looking to live the off-duty model life, pausing your big city fashion escapades to take a trip to QC might just do the trick. I can confidently say that leaving Governors Island left me with a sense of peace, and it definitely had some benefits for my skin and hair, too.
The spa provides most of what you need — like a robe, sandals, and towels — but I'd recommend bringing along a bathing suit and anything you need to freshen up after, including deodorant, hair heat protectant, makeup, and comfortable clothes. Throughout the spa, you'll be wearing just your bathing suit and robe as you explore the grounds.
My main criticism, although it didn't detract from the luxury, was that the spa advertises 30+ different rooms of relaxation. While that is technically true, it implies more experiences than it leaves you with. Some of these rooms are simple relaxation rooms, equipped with different vibes rather than different treatments. Some people might love the fact that they're able to get away in whatever energy they prefer. I saw some people hanging out with books in nice swings, but for myself, I always prefer that sort of relaxing at home on my own couch.
The other rooms included saunas and steam rooms, which were definitely well worth the trip. However, it felt as though each sauna was counted in that 30+ room advertisement. So while the number of rooms was accurate, prepare for the number of experiences to be fewer.
That being said, there are still plenty of experiences to keep you engaged throughout your stay. The aquatic floor was probably the most diverse experience, with plenty of water-based relaxation available. From vichy showers to foot baths, the traditional spa options were steeped in luxury.
There were definitely other showers that left me confused about the benefits. Some of the rooms contained jets in the wall to splash and shower you. Others were just various types of waterfalls to sit under and enjoy. In those rooms, though, I remembered that sometimes relaxation is more than just zen; it's also about remembering how to laugh.
My friend and I found the most relaxation through curiosity as we wandered through rooms that were fun, for lack of a better word. The jet zapping us with quick water didn't qualm our anxieties, but it did allow us to laugh together, which is somehow far more rewarding.
The ice room was totally chilly and refreshing. However, I don't think I'll ever understand the purpose of a salt room.
When you're galavanting across the city and expected to be on your best professional behavior, those breaks of laughter, nearly childlike, can actually save your whole trip.
Of course, the best water bit wasn't the rooms, but the giant pool, which is also spaced out with various experiences, was what really sealed the deal. A variety of jets, and even a segment where you could dip your head underwater to hear some music, was a great way to break up some of the experience inside and wrap it up at the end.
If you stop inside for a spritz or glass of wine, you can sip on drinks poolside. Plus, the cafe offers a variety of snack options to sustain you through your stay. What I noticed immediately was that the price was well worth it, as the portions were huge. While we didn't stop by, there was also a buffet option on the premises, especially for those spending a full day there.
On top of the rooms of relaxation, there are additional spa staples available for an added payment and pre-arrival booking — like a massage.
In the end, a quick shower capped off our great stay. The dressing rooms are equipped with plenty of high-end products for both skin and hair. Genuinely, my skin had never felt better by the time I boarded the ferry home.
This tranquil environment mingled curiosity, relaxation, and fun to break up what is a model's most stressful time of year.