Bathing Beauty

First it was tapas, now it’s bath houses in what seems to be Spain’s coolest new import. Aire Ancient Baths opened its first US outpost last year inside a three story 16,000 square foot space in New York’s TriBeca, where this ancient hedonistic ritual that began at the end of the 5th Century BC happens to be the city’s most upscale spot to soak. While New York has its fair share of bath houses, which tend to be dominated by the Russians, Aire founder Armando Prados dropped some serious cash- $10 million dollars- to create a magical old-world retreat for mind-body relaxation that is situated in a cavernous grotto-like room with brick walls, pillars, white stone floors, and accented with candles and lanterns that were imported from Morocco.

For the past 15 years, Aire has been operating baths in Seville, Barcelona and Almeria where their inspiration came from the legacy of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman baths, and by water induced relaxation. Everyone can agree that in a city like New York where it can be stressful just to walk outside your front door, bathing rituals, steam rooms, propeller jet baths, massage, oil treatments, and even warm milk beauty baths can help ease tension of any kind. The 6 illuminated pools range from 97 degrees to 46 degrees and if you’re inclined to float motionless, slip into the salt water pool. In the center of the room sits a large glass cube which houses a Turkish Hamamm and relaxation room where you can chill on hot marble stone or enjoy special packages such as an acoustic flamenco guitar session, a bath and yoga duo or membership benefits- as well as private events. This is one haven where I could see myself pulling a Julian Assange and never leave… seeking asylum in the name of health, well-being and beauty. www.ancientbathsny.com