In the 21st century, amid the constant race for success, it’s important to find time to rejuvenate both body and mind. Recreational tourism is thriving in New York City, offering a wide variety of leisure activities, from multi-day hikes to relaxing swims in a pool. Since 1910, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has been building an accessible and extensive network of recreational services across the city. These centers offer facilities like indoor pools, gyms, basketball courts, dance and art studios, and playrooms, catering to people of all ages. Additionally, there are many private spaces focused on visitor wellness, including various resorts. Below is a selection of the best resorts located in Queens. Learn more at queens.name.
Rockaway Hotel + Spa
This hotel combines the energy of a metropolis with the charm of boutique luxury. Located near the beach on the Rockaway Peninsula, it offers a blend of nature-based relaxation and resort-style amenities. From tranquil wellness experiences to vibrant nightlife, the venue provides a mix of engaging activities, memorable experiences, and special relaxation sessions.
Rooms feature classic coastal decor mixed with urban design, with views of the Atlantic Ocean, Jamaica Bay, and Manhattan’s skyline. Some accommodations include private furnished terraces. The hotel’s restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, serving classic American cuisine. There’s also a dedicated bar, and by the pool, fresh seafood is available. The Greenhouse Cafe serves sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more.
Relaxation comes in the form of a heated pool and cedar barrel saunas, offering year-round wellness. The spa center provides chair massages, reflexology, scalp massages, and neck and shoulder treatments. After your spa session, head to the beach for a yacht excursion or try your hand at surfing. You can also bike along the boardwalk and explore the marine ecosystem.
History enthusiasts can visit Fort Tilden, a former military base on the Atlantic coast. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the fort features remnants of America’s defense system and serves as a community recreation spot. Key attractions include Battery Harris West and Battery Harris East, which once protected New York with dual 16-inch guns. Walk among the scenic dunes, breathe fresh air in the nearby forest, and enjoy freshwater ponds home to rare birds like sandpipers, oystercatchers, and terns. You can also visit the Nike Missile Site, part of a U.S. Army project focused on anti-aircraft missile systems.
Spa Castle
Inspired by the beauty of Greek islands, Spa Castle is a year-round family-friendly resort. It offers six hydrotherapy pools, ten unique saunas, a world-class day spa, and much more.
Hydrotherapy pools help with physical and mental ailments, alleviate body discomfort, aid in weight loss with low-impact exercises, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Pool temperatures are adjusted seasonally.
One exclusive hydrotherapy pool, Seated Medi Spa, targets key areas of the body with adjustable water jets that relieve muscle tension and joint pain. While effective for cardiovascular issues, hydrotherapy is not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cancer. The Grotto Hydrotherapy Bath, inspired by the Greek island of Santorini, features over 300-year-old pinewood. Combined with hot mineral water, its fragrant aroma creates a unique atmosphere. Indoor pools also offer foot therapy and body massage jets.
Spa Castle’s saunas combine heat, cold, infrared rays, and natural essences for therapeutic benefits. The Himalayan Salt Sauna uses salt to cleanse the lungs and improve respiratory health, making it ideal for those with skin conditions. A Color Therapy Sauna, based on traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, uses colors to balance energy in the mind, body, and soul, reducing stress and boosting mood. There’s even a sauna with real gold bars, believed to enhance mental sharpness and reduce dependencies on substances like alcohol or caffeine. However, gold jewelry is not recommended for regular wear as it can negatively affect the nervous system with prolonged contact.
All Seasons Spa
Known for offering the best massages in the city, All Seasons Spa provides a range of services, from deep tissue and prenatal massages to soothing aromatherapy. Reflexology is a popular choice, targeting specific pressure points for therapeutic and preventative benefits. Therapists use various techniques to help visitors relax and unwind. Couples often opt for the couples massage, which reduces tension and relaxes muscles while partners enjoy quality time together.
QT SPA
Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine practiced for over a thousand years, QT SPA is a panoramic wellness retreat located on Governor’s Island. Open year-round, it offers a serene oasis with stunning city views. Enjoy individual massages or explore over 20 spa rooms for body and mind rejuvenation. Spend time in steam baths, relaxation areas, or try water therapies. After a full day, savor Italian cuisine and cocktails while watching the sunset sparkle over the city skyline. This is an ideal spot for relieving stress, relaxing, and addressing scalp health concerns.