Health and Wellness in New York

There is not much to not love about New York – but Macy’s, donuts and supersized pizzas are not for me. Forget designer heels, Carrie Bradshaw and that romantic interlude atop the Empire State Building. I come to New York to immerse myself in the raw and organic New York way of life.

This city is an epicentre of yoga studios, wellness retreats, organic cafes and gourmet grocers. If you’re seeking your own wellness trip to NYC then here are a few things you may enjoy:

Wellness Hotels

Every wellness seeker needs a healthy hotel, one that is nourishing for the body and soul, and brimming with hot and healthy amenities. The James New York is luxe yet oozes calm and earthiness. Sunrise rooftop yoga classes are on offer twice a week and if yoga isn’t your thing, get outdoors and see the city sites while you sweat. Take out one of the guest bikes, do a workout session with celebrity personal trainer Oscar Smith, or join the 6km guided running tour.

No New York wellness guide would be complete without mentioning the Trump Hotel International and the Trump Hotel Soho, where you can request in-room yoga mats, weights and workout bands. The hotels offer guests fitness apparel and sneakers, so using the excuse “I forgot to pack my gym clothes” to get out of exercising is not an option. In case you need a bit of motivation to get you moving, iPods loaded with workout playlists are also available.

Bland and unhealthy room service menus are non-existent here, the Trump hotel has vegan, gluten-free, and organic choices, along with listing the nutrition facts. If you’re in serious need of a little post-workout protein, there’s the “quick bites” option that delivers healthy snacks in 15 minutes or less.

Healthy Food

In summertime I like to bike around Governor’s Island and follow it up with a visit to New York’s’ favourite vegan patisserie Baby Cakes for a sugar free yet delicious pick me up. The front of the patisserie is simple and understated and all eyes are on the tiny colourful frosted cakes. People stop to admire the window display, with noses pressed up against the glass – it’s what the French call “faire du lèche-vitrines” or window licking.

Expedia’s Aussie travellers are savvy – September is a popular time to visit the Big Apple. The weather is not too hot or cold, perfect for long walks through the city.

Over the past decade, New York has grown more organic-friendly – organic restaurants like ABC Kitchen are booked out weeks in advance for dinner. Lunch isn’t so hectic. The menu is seasonal, organic and sustainable. And did I mention it’s delicious too?

Pop by the Chelsea Markets to visit Green Table, which focuses on locally grown, sustainable and organic ingredients. Their tasty seasonal menu is to die for.

There’s Pure Food and Wine, a haven for foodies looking for gourmet vegan and raw meals. Plus they have a healthy wine list to go with it. A foodie tip – the raw macaroons are definitely worth ordering.

If you’re craving something on the lighter side, grab a fresh pressed juice from the Indie juice bars securing their little slice of Manhattan. Juice Well, right near Hudson Square, has turned freshly pressed juice into an art form. Herbs and spices are infused with cold-pressed blends to offer a nourishing power punch — expect find greens with cinnamon, or carrot with coriander and cayenne.

Move

Looking for somewhere to stretch your legs? Combine sightseeing and exercise in Central Park, where you can walk, run, bike and in Winter skate.

At Hudson River Park you can explore the west side of Manhattan from Battery Park all the way up to 181st Street by the George Washington Bridge.

The Kula Yoga Project is great if you’re seeking out a creative vinyasa class. The classes have a strong focus on alignment, strengthening and detoxification.

Breathe

If you need somewhere away from the hustle and bustle, escape the city lights, sounds and people at the Tibet House. The meditation classes which give you the opportunity to relax, unwind and breathe.

Wellness devotees would have heard of Dr Frank Lipman who is the medicine doctor to the stars. At his Eleven Eleven Wellness Centre you’ll find a menu of alternative medicines which are perfectly blended with western approaches.

If you are feeling the need for a little beauty boost then treat yourself to a facial at NYC’s all natural beauty spa Om Aroma. Get your glow back with the likes of an exfoliating Rice Bran treatment.

New York is a haven of wellness; it is a city that promises to leave you feeling energised and renewed. You only need to walk the streets of New York for a couple of hours before you realise that balance and well-being is the heartbeat of the city.