A 74,000sq ft Italian day spa is to open on New York’s Governors Island after a US$50m (€42.3m, £36.1m) investment and seven years of planning, building and restoration.

Named QC NY, the destination is the 10th property in the portfolio of Milan-based wellness thermal spa operator QC Terme Spas & Resorts. It marks the brand’s US debut and its first outpost outside Europe.

Just minutes from the bustle of Manhattan and Brooklyn via ferry, QC NY is designed as an enchanting oasis complete with lush grounds, outdoor thermal pools with sweeping skyline views, themed saunas and relaxation rooms – each with its own curated personality, scent and music.

The location includes three historic army barrack buildings dating from the early 1900s, once used as officers’ quarters.

New York architect Bob Henry led the project’s design with a remit to bring the brand’s signature Milan wellness experience to the US. He says: “I was inspired to re-purpose three landmark buildings into a ‘wellness campus’ and integrate QC Terme’s unique hydrotherapy pools within this landscape to deliver a therapeutic aqua-journey with delicious views back to Manhattan.”

Other wellness experiences include Vichy showers, infrared beds, foot baths, hydro jets, steam baths and more.

In addition, guests will be able to purchase massage treatments, Italian bites and alcoholic beverages while they relax. The spa menu offers 25-, 50- or 75-minute massages ranging between US$100 (€85, £72) and US$250 (€212, £181). Powered by sustainable Italian skincare brand Comfort Zone, each ritual can be customised with a choice of music, technique and aromas.

Day passes, which start at US$88 (€74, £64), include access to all spa amenities for the whole day and a roundtrip ferry ticket.

Francesco Varni, QC Group CEO, says: “We’re delighted to bring the quality and integrity of our spas to North America and have plans to expand the experience not only in North America but also worldwide.”