Huge international bathhouse to open in Brooklyn next month

July 2024 · 2 minute read

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A sprawling new spa is turning up the heat this December. 

And though the wellness facility is only slightly smaller than Queens’ popular Spa Castle, it’s much more convenient for Brooklynites via public transit. 

Early next month, the 50,000-square-foot World Spa is opening its doors in the residential Midwood neighborhood, just off the F train’s Avenue N stop at 1571 McDonald Ave. (In contrast, Spa Castle is 60,000 square feet, and Governors Island’s new resort-like QC Terme is 75,000 square feet.) 

The three-story facility will offer an array of “globally inspired” shvitz styles, including Finnish saunas, Turkish and Moroccan hammams, Eastern European banyas, Japanese onsens, Himalayan salt therapy, and various other steam rooms and pools — as well as an infrared room. There is also a “Theater Room” offering foot massages paired with “calming audio and visual experiences,” according to press materials. 

The spa is leaning heavily into the globally inspired aspect of its branding. Brian Berkowitz
There are three dining spaces on the building’s main floor. Brian Berkowitz
World Spa will also offer a slew of private services in addition to its general sauna facilities. Brian Berkowitz
The facility’s polished exterior contrasts sharply with the elevated subway overhead. Google Maps
General entry costs $85 to $115 per person, depending on the day and time. Brian Berkowitz
The facility measures a massive 50,000 square feet. Brian Berkowitz
One of many colorful spaces to sweat in. Brian Berkowitz

The main level will also feature three dining options — the World Spa Lounge with “international small bites,” and various teas, coffees, smoothies, cocktails, beer and wine available for purchase between sweat sessions. There’s also the sit-down REN Restaurant and the members-only Birch & Oak Club. There are also cabanas available to rent for private dining, with the option of pre-ordering food. 

General entry costs $85 per adult before 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, $100 after 4 p.m. and $115 for entry at any point on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Private hammams and banyas can also be reserved at an additional cost, and diehard spa lovers might consider applying to the “approval only” World Spa members-only club.

Photos of the spa’s interior show a colorful and carefully crafted space, which starkly contrasts with some of the older, cheaper and more bare-bones spas across the boroughs. The tasteful exterior also contrasts with the elevated subway tracks just overhead.

New York’s newest communal wellness facility is located less than a mile from the former Sandoony USA, a now-shuttered but once-longstanding Russian bathhouse at 1158 McDonald Ave.

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