Everything you need to know about QC NY – a new luxury spa in Governors Island

Governors Island, located in the south of Manhattan and New Yorkers oasis, has just got a long-awaited development: QC NY Spa opened last Friday and is the first spa of its kind in the city. I remember when they announced that the island would have a spa, and I thought it was amazing. There couldn’t be a better place in the city than Governors Island for a spa like this, and honestly, I also think the city really needed an excellent spa. The project took a few years – and still has some phases to be 100% complete. Last week, I had the pleasure of checking out the location exclusively in a preview for press and content creators – and in today’s post, I’ll share more details.

QC Spas

Before we get into the details, it is good to highlight that QC NY is part of the renowned QC Terme Spas and Resorts, previously only found in Europe. This new destination day spa is located on Governors Island and is the only location outside of Europe. QC Terme Spas and Resorts was established in 1982 in Italy by two brothers, Saverio and Andrea Quadrio Curzio.

Ultimately, it was their vision and roots in construction that enabled them to expertly innovate and develop the global brand, which offers 9 incredible destinations throughout Europe that over 1.5 million visitors from around the world come to experience each year. Locations include Bormio Bagni Vecchi, Bormio Bagni Nuovi, Pre Saint Didier, Milano, Torino, Monte Bianco, San Pellegrino, Roma, Dolomiti, and Chamonix.

Much of QC Terme is influenced by and rooted in history and culture. Ancient Roman Baths were places of wellness, pleasure, gathering, and relaxation. There, the thermal waters would offer physical wellness and spiritual rejuvenation. Their spas have upheld these traditions and philosophies, with unique nods to the local history throughout each of their locations in Italy and France: Milan, Rome, Bormio, San Pellegrino, Torino, Dolomiti, Pre Saint Didier, Chamonix, and Monte Bianco. On average, European patrons spend 8 hours at the spas – a true testament to the spa’s ability to allow people to slow down, and get lost in the experience.

QC NY marks the first QC Terme location to open in the United States, with more to come.

The location – Governors Island

I feel that this is a secret spot in the city – I know, I know, technically, it is not a secret, but I think that not all New Yorkers take advantage of this beautiful place. This is probably the only place in NYC where you can have a picnic looking at Lady Liberty. Yep, that’s right. Governors Island served as a military base for almost 200 years and is located approximately 800 yards south of Manhattan. In fact, if we consider that it was open to the public only in 2005, it is kind of a “new” place in the city. Until recently, Governors Island was only open from May to October – but last year it was announced that the island would be open year-round.

Anyone who has visited the island knows that, in addition to the green space and spectacular views, there are also several historic buildings, from the time when the place served as a military base. The day spa is situated across three historic Army Barrack buildings on the island, which have been refurbished and preserved to maintain the rich history of the local property while bringing it new life – a US $50 million investment!

• Check my post about Governors Island!

QC Spa in New York City

QC NY is amazing! There are gorgeous grounds featuring unprecedented views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey, relaxation rooms (each with its own meticulously curated personality, scent, and music), themed saunas, and other incredible wellness experiences such as vichy showers, infrared beds, foot baths, hydro jets, steam baths and more.
Luxurious bathrobes, sandals, towels, shower products and a storage locker will all be provided – all that is needed is a swimsuit.

There are two pools with views of Manhattan and the pools have seats and also hydro massage. A delight!

In addition to all of the spa amenities, guests will have the option to purchase massage treatments and can choose from 25, 50, or 75-minute sessions; which can be customized with a choice of music, technique, and aromas.

Italian bites and alcoholic beverages from Mionetto Prosecco, illy Coffee, and more will also be available for purchase in the bistro. No need to carry around a wallet, as loadable bracelets will be distributed upon arrival for easy payment.

QC NY will be open 365 days a year from 10am-10pm Sunday- Thursday and 10am-11pm Friday & Saturday.

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How to get there

The only way to get to Governors Island is by ferry. There are ferries departing from Manhattan – next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal – and also from Brooklyn, via the NYC Ferry. The ticket, which costs $3, is included in the cost of the spa pass. The ride takes about 5 minutes. Upon arriving on the island, you will walk less than 5 minutes to reach the spa, which is to the right of the landing.

Prices

Day Passes will include access to the entire spa, all amenities for the whole day, and a roundtrip ferry ticket. The only exclusions are food, drink, and massage services, which
can be booked by appointment. Prices:

• Weekdays: Monday – Thursday: Full Day: $110. Half-Day (5pm-closing) $88
• Weekends: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Full Day: $128. Half-Day (5pm-closing) $100
• Massages range from $100-$250.
• QCNY is for ages 21 and up. A valid ID will be required upon check-in.
• For more information about QC NY, check the website.

My thoughts

QC NY exceeded all my expectations. As I mentioned, there’s no better location in the city than Governors Island for a place like this – after all, the island is car-free, which guarantees a calmer and quieter vibe, something much needed in a spa. Don’t you agree? The place is impeccable after the renovation – all the details are stunning and luxurious. At the same time, it gives that incredible feeling of being inside a historic building. You can spend hours there exploring all the wellness experiences, water therapies, and saunas – in addition to the pools. I also had the massage experience and loved it!

The spa’s location certainly makes all the difference to the experience as well. From several windows, you can see the Manhattan skyline – and I can already imagine how special it will be to enjoy the pools with that view. There are several saunas in the most varied temperatures – and themes! There are NYC-themed rooms, Fall-themed rooms, and rooms that play with lights.

In addition to all this, the staff is attentive and friendly. The bistro food is also fresh and delicious.

I highly recommend it for those who live in the area and need to relax as well as those who travel to the city with more time and want to try new things!

I also think that prices ​​are really good considering what the spa offers. The half-day pass – which takes between 3 and 4 hours – is, in my opinion, enough to have a great experience. However, it has the disadvantage that you can only enter after 5 pm.

• It is worth remembering that QC NY should open a new area by the end of the year to offer more massages and treatments like facials. The group has bought other buildings nearby – and there will be restaurants as well as a hotel – projects for the next few years.

Laura Peruchi

Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!