At QC NY, Spagoers Escape the Hustle and Bustle of New York

Robert D. Henry Architects brings Italian brand QC Terme’s first U.S. outpost to life

Words by: Stephanie Chen • Photos courtesy of QC NY

Projects:

Wellness + Sustainability

December 19, 2023

At QC NY, Spagoers Escape the Hustle and Bustle of New York

Robert D. Henry Architects brings Italian brand QC Terme’s first U.S. outpost to life

Words by: Stephanie Chen • Photos courtesy of QC NY

QC NY on Governors Island, just a short ferry ride from Manhattan, marks spa and resort company QC Terme’s first location outside of Europe.

The 74,000-square-feet Italian day spa was planned and built over a span of seven years, in partnership with QC’s executive architect in New York, Robert D. Henry Architects. The project comprises three historic barrack buildings that were refurbished to maintain their rich legacy while fostering new life.

“We lovingly restored the landmarked former naval officer’s quarters by McKim, Mead and White, which formed a U-shaped campus of buildings,” says Robert Henry, founder of RDH-A. “We positioned the hydrotherapy pools to capture the dramatic views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.”

Upon arrival at QC NY, guests step into a wellness oasis with saunas, Vichy showers, steam baths, infrared beds, relaxation rooms, lush gardens, and outdoor pools with vistas of the Manhattan skyline.

Each area of the spa was carefully designed to reflect an authentic Italian sensibility with fabrics, accessories, and lighting by native designers. Yet, the spa also pays homage to iconic New York sites: the bio sauna, for instance, is inspired by Central Park.

“We wanted guests to have an other-worldly experience—being transported to the Italian Riviera complete with Italian ambiance, water therapies, light snacks, and an Aperol spritz,” adds Henry. “The ferry ride from lower Manhattan or Brooklyn starts your escape.”