Gua Sha Massage, Stunning Nails, and a S’mores Latte—My Incredible Day at Chillhouse Soho in NYC

Chillhouse Soho is a spa and nail salon located in New York City’s Hudson Square neighborhood. [Photo by Anna Morgowicz]

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I’m hard-pressed to pick a favorite between massages and manicures. I’ve long been obsessed with nail polish, racking up at least 400 bottles of my own. I also love getting massages and do so often.

So when I was invited to experience both at the newly renovated Chillhouse Soho in New York City, I responded with an enthusiastic, “Yes, please!”

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I was visiting New York City for the first time in four years and had long heard about Chillhouse without having the opportunity to try the brand. Set within NYC’s Hudson Square neighborhood, a short subway ride from my Chelsea hotel, the spa was an immediate welcome escape from the pouring rain outside.

As soon as I stepped through the doors, I was treated to a multisensory experience that delivered on color, light, and zen vibes all at the same time.

Chillhouse Soho recently underwent a major renovation and redesign throughout its 3,200-square-foot space. [Photo by Anna Morgowicz]

The spa, which has been open since 2019, recently underwent a major renovation and redesign in partnership with Ringo Studio. This included a major refresh and transformation of the 3,200-square-foot space including the reception area, nail lounge, café, treatment rooms, and decor.

As I stepped through the doors, shaking the water droplets off my umbrella, I was greeted warmly by the front desk manager, immediately putting a smile on my face.

The reception area is open, airy, and bright — punctuated with pops of peach and pastel pink. Shelves of products from Chillhouse and other brands like Dedcool and Boy Smells line the walls near the entrance, while a table of Chillhouse polishes stands just inside the entryway.

I enjoyed a S’Mores Latte in the Chill Café before my treatments. [Photo by Jamie Sanders]

Multiple Instagram-worthy moments are on display here — it’s almost impossible not to take photos. The pièce de résistance is a life-sized Chillhouse nail polish bottle, almost as tall as my 5-foot height, standing right next to the door.

To the left of the reception area is the Chill Café, which offers a variety of drinks and light bites. I indulged in the S’Mores Latte, which included a chocolate and graham cracker topping and a toasted marshmallow. '

It was the perfect pick-me-up on a gloomy Monday morning. While I waited to be taken back for my massage, I sipped it at a sleek white table in the café area next to rows of peach-hued benches.

But what I was really there for was the treatments…and let’s just say, they delivered in spades. The treatment menu includes Chill Face, Chill Body, Chill Nail, and Chill Heat services.

The treatment rooms are designed in soft neons — pink for body treatments, blue for facial treatments.

Treatment rooms at Chillhouse Soho are designed in soft neon pink for body treatments. [Photo by Anna Morgowicz]

I booked The Chill Flow (a 50-minute specialty massage priced at $190), which is designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and enhance circulation. In addition to a firm Swedish massage, it incorporates body work with a Body Gua Sha Tool.

My masseuse, Alicia, led me back to my treatment room and had me get comfortable on the table. I typically book massages that are at least 80 minutes long, so I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical of how much I’d be able to relax in only 50 minutes. Consider me completely converted to a 50-minute massage fan, because this treatment restored my entire mind, body, and soul.

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Alicia combined deep, fluid strokes with concentrated elbow kneading and the gua sha tool. With every passing minute, the stress in my body lessened considerably. She utilized just the right amount of pressure to release tension without it being as hard as a deep tissue massage. I especially enjoyed the usage of the gua sha tool, which was cooling and relaxing.

After my massage concluded, I felt simultaneously relaxed and refreshed. I had come to New York for a friend’s memorial the day before, and was feeling pretty depleted. But I told Alicia that she brought me back to life on the table.

The salon at Chillhouse Soho offers a variety of manicures and nail art. [Photo by Anna Morgowicz]

Luckily, the happiness didn’t end there. I was then led to the nail salon for my Chill Polish Mani (a 30-minute service priced at $30). The salon also offers gel manicures, nail art, and a variety of pedicures, but I chose the regular manicure so I could experience Chillhouse’s line of non-toxic nail polish.

The walls are lined in a sweeping array of nail polishes from Chillhouse, Essie, and CND. I chose Chillhouse Faux Gems, a bright jade green, and settled into my chair for my manicure.

I opted for a bright jade green polish called Chillhouse Faux Gems. [Photo by Jamie Sanders]

The manicure included all the basics you’d expect: nail shaping, cuticle care and trimming, a hand massage, and polish application. My favorite part of the treatment was the massage, which involved a mix of lotion and a deliciously scented coffee scrub. I was then led to a sink near the corner to rinse my hands of the coffee granules, leaving them feeling unbelievably smooth.

I was very impressed with the polish application, which was done neatly and seamlessly. It finished with nine minutes under a small fan, at which point my nails were dry enough that I was able to rummage in my purse without smudging them. The color not only brightened up my nails, but lasted for almost two weeks before chipping.

Chillhouse Soho also offers pedicure services that includes hot towel application, nail-shaping, and cuticle pushback. [Photo by Anna Morgowicz]

At the end of my experience at Chillhouse Soho, I felt completely rejuvenated from head to toe. My only regret was that I don’t live in New York anymore, so I can’t go more often.

If you’re looking for a spa to treat your body and soul with equal measure, I highly recommend giving Chillhouse Soho a try.

The Chill Flow costs $190 for a 50-minute treatment. The Chill Polish Mani costs $30 for a 30-minute treatment.

Chillhouse Soho also offers a monthly membership that includes a variety of perks. [Photo by Anna Morgowicz]

For more information and to book your next treatment, visit Chillhouse Soho’s website. Follow them on Instagram: @chillhousesoho

Chillhouse Soho is located at 75 Varick Street, New York NY, 10013.

[Photos by Jamie Sanders and Anna Morgowicz]

Jamie Allison Sanders is an LA-based writer with 20+ years of experience in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. After 12 years in New York City and a brief stint in Pittsburgh, she (finally) relocated to Los Angeles in 2015.

Her work has appeared in InStyle, People, BuzzFeed, Insider, Today, Harper’s Bazaar, and Well+Good, among others. She also started her own blog, The Beauty of Life, in January 2007.

Over the years, she’s cultivated her obsessions of bold nail polish, candles, Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, and strappy heeled sandals. When Jamie isn’t working, you can most likely find her exploring the Los Angeles bar and restaurant scene, traveling, or enjoying time at a spa.