The Ultimate Wellness Reset: Why I Always End My European Trips at the Equinox Hotel in NYC

After a couple of weeks indulging my way through Europe—think all-inclusive meals, endless wine, and dessert at every turn—I always crave a reset. And for the second time now, I found the perfect place to land, recharge, and return to myself: the Equinox Hotel in New York City.

This isn’t your typical luxury hotel. It’s where five-star service meets high-performance living—and for anyone who values wellness as much as world-class comfort, it’s an absolute game-changer.

Location, Vibes & First Impressions

Situated in Hudson Yards, one of Manhattan’s most vibrant and upscale neighborhoods, Equinox Hotel puts you in walking distance of Chelsea, the High Line, and the West Side’s best dining spots. On this trip, we wandered over to Chelsea Market for dinner—it was an easy, scenic walk that reminded me why I love this part of the city so much.

Inside, the hotel is sleek, minimal, and elevated—designed to feel like a sanctuary from the chaos of the city.

Elevated Dining with a Health-Conscious Twist

The on-site restaurant, Electric Lemon, quickly became one of our favorite hangouts. For a hotel branded by a gym, it’s surprisingly chic, social, and absolutely vibing during happy hour. The menu offers a great balance: nourishing options for the health-conscious, and "naughty" feel-good dishes for when you’re still indulging. It’s wellness without the deprivation—and that’s something I can really get behind.

The Rooms: Wellness, Reimagined

Equinox Hotel thinks of everything. The minibar isn’t just stocked with cocktails and candy—it’s filled with supplements, face masks, sleep remedies, vitamins, and even workout gear like a yoga mat and foam roller. This kind of intention in hospitality is rare, and for someone who lives on the road, it makes all the difference.

The rooms themselves are stunning—blackout curtains, amazing lighting (including full-length illuminated mirrors), spa-level showers, and calming interiors designed for true rest and recovery.

Room service? Impressive. Think bone broth, sleepy lattes, and the option to swap your sandwich bread for lettuce wraps. Every dish feels thoughtful, modern, and fresh.

Spa & Recovery: The Real Showstopper

On our last day, my husband and I booked IV therapy in the spa before our flight—a decision I’ll never regret. We relaxed in a private pod overlooking the Hudson River, sipping electrolytes while soaking in the view. It was peaceful, luxe, and the perfect pre-travel ritual.

The Equinox Spa goes far beyond massages and facials (though they offer those too—along with cryotherapy and lymphatic drainage treatments). It’s truly a wellness destination on its own.

The Gym & Recovery Facilities

As a hotel guest, you get full access to the fourth-floor Equinox Club, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. I took a complimentary 8 a.m. hot yoga class, followed by a cold plunge on the spa terrace and time in the sauna. There’s also an indoor lap pool, expansive weight and cardio areas, and outdoor lounging space.

The hotel also partners with SoulCycle, right next door, and Blade for private helicopter transfers to JFK or Newark—just blocks away.

Final Thoughts

From the insane skyline views to the exceptional service, Equinox Hotel delivers an experience that’s both luxurious and grounding. I left feeling rested, inspired, and back in alignment—ready to reenter everyday life with clarity and energy.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, business traveler, or planning a wellness-focused getaway with friends, this hotel has everything you need to stay on track while having fun in one of the greatest cities in the world.

I can’t recommend it enough—and if you’re looking to blend travel with a sense of renewal, this is where to start.

Want help booking your stay at the Equinox Hotel or planning a New York itinerary?

📩 Contact me for custom travel planning that feels like luxury, from takeoff to turndown.

Randee.sewing@fora.travel