Après Equinox: The hottest spot for winter’s coldest months

January 8, 2022, 12:00 PM UTC

For anyone seeking the hottest spot to gather during winter’s coldest months, Equinox has brought back “Après Equinox” for the winter season to the luxury gym’s site at Hudson Yards in New York City.

Inspired by traditional and luxe Nordic spas, Après Equinox was first created in December 2019 to serve as an escape within the city while complementing members’ everyday routines.

“With regeneration as one of Equinox’s core tenets, creating a unique experience as a way to recover during the winter was important and is inspired by restorative outdoor settings in destinations such as Iceland and Norway,” says Equinox chief marketing officer Peter Giorgi.

Inside a sauna overlooking Hudson Yards in Manhattan.
Courtesy of Equinox

An upgrade from the everyday club routine, Après Equinox is a limited-time, winter-only offering in which Equinox club members and hotel guests can enjoy the outdoor pool (heated to 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) as well as two unique barrel saunas (heated to a max of 184 degrees Fahrenheit) with a 360-degree view of New York City. Equinox stresses that the barrel saunas in particular were a big hit with guests, prompting strong demand for them to be brought back again this winter.

Special spa services incorporating the dry heat of the barrel saunas are on offer in addition to an indoor relaxation area. Equinox Hudson Yards is the only location of the luxe fitness chain offering this unique barrel sauna experience.

The barrel saunas alongside an outdoor pool.
Courtesy of Equinox

Given the current COVID surge since the outbreak of the Omicron variant, health and safety indoors is once again a top concern. Last August, Equinox announced its COVID-19 vaccination policy, requiring all employees and members to show proof of vaccination to enter all clubs and offices.

“The Equinox Standard…was created in partnership with leading medical and infectious disease experts and in accordance with state and local guidelines,” says an Equinox spokesperson. “Throughout the pandemic, we’ve continued investing in enhanced products and processes that go above and beyond the guidelines of health organizations to not only create the safest environment for our community, but one where our community can feel confident.”

Members and guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, heated all winter to 85–90°F, and warm up in two barrel saunas, heated to a max of 184°F.
Courtesy of Equinox

Après Equinox is complimentary to Equinox Destination members and Equinox Hotel guests. Equinox members with select or all-access memberships interested in experiencing Après Equinox can purchase a day pass to Equinox Hudson Yards for $35. Additionally, Equinox Hudson Yards members can bring a non–Equinox member guest for an additional fee of $50.

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