AIRE Ancient Baths NYC

A truly unique and exotic transport back in time awaits at Tribeca’s secret underground escape, Aire Ancient Baths.  This debut outpost of Groupe Aire from Spain is a bi-level, 16,000 square foot thermal baths located in Manhattan’s hip Tribeca.  The 1883 building exudes an ancient ambience with brick walls, Greek-style columns and exposed wooden beams. A long time European tradition, bathhouses (thermae) have become somewhat of a novelty today in America, but when you put an exotic and modern twist on the ancient Greco-Roman bathing ritual, the healing benefits of water are all the more enticing.

The gritty city fades far behind as copper lanterns from Marrakech and hundreds of candles lead the way down the stairs underground into this cavern of aquatic delights.  This ancient bathing retreat offers two-hour sessions, where guests indulge in a thermal circuit featuring several pools of varying temperatures that are a feast for the senses.

The Aire experience begins with a hydro-massage in a warm propeller jet bath that kneads and relaxes the muscles.  Next your body detoxifies as it floats motionless in the salt water pool (Floatarium), while a tranquil calm sets in. The experience is enhanced next by aromatherapy in the steam room (Hamam), with scents of eucalyptus, jasmine or peppermint.   The long relaxation area features warm marble stones where herbal tea, water and organic juices are served in Turkish tea pots and one feels truly like a roman god.  A quick dip in the cold water pools (Frigidarium) awakens the senses and makes the descent into the soothing hot pool (Caldarium) that much more delicious.  Finally, a dip in the warm water lap pool (Tepidarium) brings the body’s equilibrium back to prepare for another round or (alas) a return to the real world.

In ancient times this circuit was repeated three or four times and immediately following, the “tractatores”or masseurs would stretch and rub down the muscles with fragrant oils. In this spirit offerings such as ritual soaks feature red wine, cava, milk or citrus and massages incorporating warm candle wax, energizing olive oil, or antioxidizing red wine essence oil are available to extend and enhance the benefits of the thermal bath.

For an unforgettably romantic evening, book a session during the weekly Flamenco Roots concert, when the sounds of acoustic guitar and Sufi flute fill the space. When the session is over and you must climb upstairs and back to this century and city you will feel like a true time traveler who might want to stay locked in the past for a little bit longer.