Once my trip to the Cayman Islands was officially canceled, I quickly set out to find another way to extend my birthday celebrations. Fortunately, the Sojo Spa Club had long been on my list of places to visit, and since it was just over the bridge in Edgewater, New Jersey, it became the perfect spot for a day trip.
If you’re looking for the ultimate wellness experience with stunning views of New York City, access to an incredible array of treatments and services, and hotel-like amenities, then the Sojo Spa Club is for you. Whether you want to come for a specific spa service or spend the entire day exploring this reimagined Korean bathhouse, this place has it all.
Since my trip to Sojo was somewhat last minute, I wasn’t sure what to expect regarding availability. However, booking a day pass online is straightforward. On the day my friend and I planned to go, we waited until the morning to book (which I wouldn’t recommend). The time we aimed for was already sold out, and the next available slot wasn’t until much later in the afternoon. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it gave us time to get there (which, with traffic from New York City, took over an hour) and do some shopping at a nearby Trader Joe’s. There’s also a fantastic Japanese marketplace right across the street from the Sojo Spa Club, if you’re looking to grab some lunch.
When it was time to check in for our appointment, we were eager to start relaxing. The check-in process can only be completed a maximum of 30 minutes before your appointment time, so we headed to the check-in area to get started. The Sojo Spa Club is a barefoot facility, so the first step after checking in and receiving our wristbands was to deposit our shoes in a locker near the entrance. After that, we went upstairs, took a shower, secured our clothes and belongings in lockers, and changed into the robes provided for us. From there, we were free to explore all the pools, baths, saunas, and bathhouses for as long as we liked.
The amenities are spread out over a few floors, so once we were in our robes, we made our way outside to the Foot Massage Path, where we enjoyed a leisurely stroll along an outdoor walking path that combined smooth, flat, and rounded stones under shallow water for a natural reflexology massage. After that, we went to the open-air Hydrotherapy Pool and hot tub area, a place where I could have spent the entire visit. The Hydrotherapy Pool features multiple aqua-jet nozzles designed to massage the whole body. As an equestrian often plagued by sore muscles, the Hydrotherapy Pool was a must-visit, as it reduces aches, soothes sore muscles, alleviates joint stiffness, and helps improve circulation, among other health benefits. Not only was the experience incredibly relaxing, but the pool also overlooked the Manhattan skyline, providing a scenic spot to take in the views.
After some time in the Hydrotherapy Pool, we decided to head indoors to check out the various sauna options. First, we tried the Red Clay Sauna, which contains 99% pure red clay imported from Korea. The sauna heats up to between 180 and 200 degrees, and the red clay is used to boost mood, revitalize cell metabolism, and increase mental energy and alertness. Despite the high temperature, I found being inside the sauna quite comfortable.
Next, I opted for the Ice Room to give my body a break from the heat. This was my first experience with Cryotherapy (outside of a cold plunge I tried over the summer). The room was around 40 degrees when I entered, which felt like a refreshing relief after being in the sauna. While I didn’t stay in long, I hoped to gain some of the immune-boosting benefits touted by the Ice Room.
Since I love the heat, I returned to the saunas and tried the Far-Infrared Sauna and the Himalayan Salt Sauna, which turned out to be my absolute favorite. The walls of this sauna were constructed from salt bricks, creating a glowing ambiance that purifies the air and helps detoxify the body.
When we finished exploring the indoor amenities, it was nearing sunset, and I couldn’t resist the allure of New York City at golden hour. So, we headed up to the heated infinity pool, located a hundred feet above the street, which offered unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline, stretching from the George Washington Bridge down to Battery Park City. It was the place to be!
You might think that after hours of soaking in the pools and sweating in the saunas, we would have had our fill for the day. However, after visiting the infinity pool, we couldn’t resist one last dip in the Hydrotherapy Pool before heading to the Himalayan Salt Sauna (again).
Even after spending hours at the Sojo Spa Club, I still felt like there was more to experience. I guess that means I need to plan another visit! I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the outdoor amenities were, given that it was a cool mid-November day when I went. I almost didn’t notice the air temperature because the pools were so warm and inviting.
If you’re in the New York City area, I highly recommend the Sojo Spa Club. I wish I had thought to buy my day pass earlier so that I could have spent more time there. However, going later allowed me to enjoy the sunset. They also offer dining options and hotel accommodations for those looking to extend their stay, and of course, there’s a wide range of treatments and services to enhance your experience.
This was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday memorably, and I’m already looking forward to my next getaway to the Sojo Spa Club!
So glad you had an enjoyable birthday!! 🎉