Come in from the Cold

If there is a heaven, most of us probably don’t picture it in Midwood in the shadow of an elevated subway platform that seems to sway unsteadily with oncoming trains.

And yet, if the past years have taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.

Sure enough, there—beside industrial warehouses and sidewalks littered with debris—is the raw wooden, shiplap-paneled, almost grand entrance to an escape from the stressors of everyday life: World Spa .

Escaping winter temperatures is reason enough to venture to deep Brooklyn for a day trip. Immediately upon entering the space through large doors, guests are enveloped in the kind of vaguely humid, lavender-diffused warmth that screams spa —tempering blood pressure and relaxing shoulders in an instant.

World Spa isn’t lavish. (In fact, you’re not so much coddled upon arrival as processed.) But it is indulgent.

Once you’ve received your access bracelet and locker number at the front desk and changed into a robe and bathing suit, the world is your oyster. And the options are myriad.

After all, throughout the 50,000 square foot thoughtfully designed facility are saunas, steams and more, encompassing hot and cold treatments from around the globe. Newbies need not fear: outside each room is a plaque explaining its particular benefits, as well as the peak temperatures and percentage of humidity.

In spaces like the Grand Banya—an Eastern European take on the traditional Finnish sauna—the heat can reach as high as 194 degrees, with healing benefits including stimulating immunity, cleared respiratory passages and reduced muscle soreness. There are also suggested rituals for how to engage with the saunas, from the Infrared to the Clay & Hay or Aroma rooms—how long to remain, whether to shower beforehand and more. (Drinking copious amounts of water is always recommended.)

For those who prefer steam to dry heat, there are also Turkish and Moroccan Hammams with ornate tiles and moisture so thick that water drips from the ceiling.

Of course, heat, in general, is not for everyone. (Just ask my sister who bristles at even the smallest hint of humidity.) For those who need to cool off, there is not only a Snow Room (yes, with actual snow falling from the sky!), but also snowballs offered for relief during periodic sauna rituals led by staff that guests are free to experience.

For the bravest among us, there are also cold plunges (gratefully, surrounded by hot tubs). Guests can be seen staring them down, their jaws set with intent, as they approach and step in with sharp intakes of breath.

The spa treatments, though add-ons for an addition fee at World Spa, are also worth checking out. Even just a basic massage is the perfect capper on hours spent heating and cooling your muscles, eyes briefly closed to the problems of the day.

The retreat is most known for their traditional Venik Platza Ritual, which integrates hot water and tree branches in a way that is a significant departure from the usual hot stone or aromatherapy experience. (Prepare yourself!) But they also recently introduced a slew of new options including a Seaweed Body Countour Treatment, a Fusion Body Sugar Scrub, a Honey Body Polish and a Cellusea Firming Body Treatment. All are seemingly designed not just to pamper, but to up guests’ beauty game, as well.

Frankly, it all sounds like a welcome reprieve, rain, shine—or snow room.