A New Organic Spa Blooms in Brooklyn

Tranquil surroundings, giant tree stumps, and wide barnyard doors. No, this isn’t a farm. I’m in Brooklyn, inside the new Bamford Haybarn Spa. With its unique approach to holistic wellness, the spa’s English countryside vibe is the perfect antidote to New York’s urban terrain.

British founder, Carole Bamford, cultivated her passion for organic farming, natural clothing, and skincare long before “organic” and “sustainability” were mainstream buzzwords. It’s no wonder that the 5,000 square foot spa (with nine treatment rooms, locker rooms, co-ed steam room, and common areas) is nestled within the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Both the hotel and spa share the same ethos when it comes to eco-luxury.

There are no attendants at the Bamford; instead they’re called “spa ambassadors” who happily guide you from check-in, to even preparing your shower. Walking through the light-colored rooms, you’ll soon notice that mostly everything is made from sustainable wood and designed with a love of nature. Lockers are accented with rooftop shingles, and numbers are replaced with the names of wildflowers like chamomile, primrose, iris, and rose hip. I have been assigned to lavender, as my bracelet key automatically unlocks the door. The men’s changing room follows a similar décor, but with a bit more masculinity with its ash-colored walls and a dramatic ocean mural.

In keeping with the spa’s eco-consciousness, all the locker room showers are specified to be water sustainable and triple-filtered. This is a pure treat for my normally “city-hard-water” rinsed hair.

I’m soon ushered to the waiting room, with its large lofty white couches, with tiny footstools. The room is co-ed, making it perfect for couples. If guests require more privacy, the spa’s suite is both tranquil and spacious, and offers private catering. My spa ambassador notes the three cleverly designed faucet fixtures, each spouting a different type of drinking water. Instead I opt for a soothing pot of Bamford Haybarn’s signature tea.

Massages incorporate a fusion of different traditions: from shiatsu, abdominal and Indian head massage, reflexology, and lymphatic drainage, to even yogic breathing. The treatment menu lists expertly tailored services for women, as well as for men. I’ve chosen the Bespoke Facial Treatment, and I’m asked if I would like to start with a Palo Santo smudging. Based on an ancient ceremony, smudging is the burning of a sacred plant, where the smoke cleanses away negative energy.

All the skincare and body products used are created by Bamford and made in England. Everything is natural and certified organic by the U.K.’s Soil Association, which has stricter guidelines than the U.S. This is reassuring to know, as I choose from a fragrant array of jasmine, rose, and geranium oils all placed in heart-shaped bowls.

“Everything about this facial is like a factory reset,” the esthetician says. She starts with a lymphatic drainage massage, and then later applies hot and cold jade stones to release toxins and increase circulation. I’m transported to a deeper mode of relaxation at each step of the treatment. By the end of my session, my cheeks are rosy, my under-eye bags are de-puffed, and my brow lines are somehow erased (for now).

Reluctant to have my day spa retreat come to an end, I make my way upstairs to enjoy one of the healthy smoothies from the hotel’s airy cafe. The sun starts to set and I savor the sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. With one deep sigh, I’m totally relaxed in my new New York state of mind.