Shibui Spa

My friend and I visited Shibui to celebrate a very special birthday, expecting a luxury spa experience. While the space itself is undeniably beautiful, the overall experience was deeply disappointing. Despite the carefully curated photos online, the reality falls short. The locker room is small, and the lockers are cheap, loud metal units reminiscent of a high school gym—clanky, flimsy, and completely out of place in a supposedly high-end spa. The steam room, though visually modern, was clearly malfunctioning, abruptly turning on and off with loud mechanical noises. The controls were visibly worn, and the shower was nearly impossible to use. The three sharp, confusing knobs made regulating the temperature impossible, with the water swinging unpredictably between scalding hot and freezing cold. The most upsetting moment came after the shower. When I unrolled the towel mat provided, I felt a sharp prick on the sole of my foot—it turned out to be a nail clipping left behind. This was incredibly unsanitary and unacceptable. The lounge area offered no relief. It was uncomfortably cold, the tea was lukewarm, and the snacks consisted of small packets of nuts you’d expect on an airplane—hardly appropriate for a luxury spa. We were most excited for the “heated pool,” only to find that it was cold as well. Instead of relaxing, we sat bundled up while waiting for our services. The long robes provided were completely impractical and borderline dangerous. They dragged on the floor while navigating a steep, narrow, dimly lit cantilever staircase leading to the treatment rooms. I nearly tripped and had to catch myself more than once. Unfortunately, the massage was the final disappointment. It was shockingly poor. The therapist’s hands were trembling, large areas of my body were skipped entirely (including my neck and mid-back), and the technique felt amateur and untrained. It was clear there was a lack of experience. Having visited many spas and received countless massages throughout New York, I can confidently say this was one of the worst spa experiences I’ve had. Shibui relies heavily on aesthetics and branding while failing at the most basic elements of comfort, cleanliness, and quality service. Don’t be fooled by the beautiful photos—there are far better, cleaner, and more professional spa experiences elsewhere.

Mixed experience. My wife had a wonderful facial, but there were small things that could be improved. Beautiful and unique environment with wonderful and exceptionally professional staff. They were wonderful. She very much appreciated not being pushed to buy products toward them end of the facial with up selling, as most do toward the end of the treatment. However, the cleaning staff was so noisy and intrusive within the spa area that the experience was variable. Though simply doing their jobs, the environment was disrupted with the activity and could be timed more effectively for when patrons have left the room. Another improvement would be to allow husbands (me) to sit in the bar and order a drink to wait for my wife. “Bar is for hotel guests only, I’m sorry” was the greeting. So, I had to leave the space and sit in the lobby if I wanted to have a beverage. Granted, I’m being childish, but I went down the street for a nip instead. And, to be fair, I was wearing a baseball cap during United Nations week, so I may have been best suited to a bar than a lounge, but still, I had expected to have a relaxing time waiting for my wife but then had to move on to a location I was welcomed. Perhaps we’ll visit again, we are local, but perhaps we test a few more locations before we do so. Shibui is recommended, of course.

The Shibui Spa at The Greenwich Hotel is truly something special. From the moment you enter, the energy shifts. It’s dim, serene, and incredibly calming without feeling overly trendy or staged. Every detail feels intentional..the textures, the lighting, the quiet. It genuinely feels like a hidden sanctuary in the middle of the city. The pool area is stunning and peaceful. No loud conversations, no chaotic energy, just a space where you can fully exhale. And I have to give a heartfelt shout-out to my massage therapist (I regret not remembering his name)...he was truly phenomenal. I have had many massages over the years, and this was, without question, the best massage I have ever experienced anywhere. The pressure, the technique, the attentiveness, everything felt intuitive and perfectly tailored. I left feeling completely reset in a way I’ve rarely experienced. Even the small details, the robes, the transition spaces, the way the experience flows from start to finish, feel elevated and thoughtful. If you are looking for a spa experience that is luxurious, restorative, and genuinely exceptional, this is it. I would return to the hotel just for this spa alone.

Highlight: amazing treatment, terrible desk staff. I want to rate this experience a lot lower but the physical services received were incredible—customer service was NOT. Onset ritual was an incredible and unique experience. Hands down best massage I have ever received. The whole appointment was very magical. The area where you wait for treatments was beautiful and there is a pool you can use! Highly recommend. However, the staff that checks you in and leads you to the locker rooms is horrible. Really rude and unwelcoming. It really put a damper on my appointment. I am pretty shocked they have such horrible service here because it sets the tone for your whole treatment… I plan on contacting the spa. For spending over 1k in treatments this is highly unacceptable 👎.

Hands down the best experience and massage of my life. Lisa is an absolute expert in her craft - I had a full body massage and she perfectly focussed on my tension areas across my back and shoulders. The setting of the room is beautiful, making you feel like you’re right in Japan. The spa and relaxation area is also stunning and the perfect setting for such a wonderful treatment. The best money ever spent. Again, huge thank you to Lisa - she is so talented.