A 74,000sq ft Italian day spa is set to debut this September on New York’s picturesque 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 company QC Terme Spas & Resorts. It marks the brand’s US debut and its first outpost outside of 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 striking views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey, themed saunas and relaxation rooms – each with its own meticulously curated personality, scent and music.

The location includes three historic army barrack buildings designed by architecture firm Rogers & Poor. Dating from the early 1900s, they were once used as officers’ quarters and feature Collegiate Gothic architecture.

New York architect Bob Henry has been working with QC Terme on the project for the last seven years with a design remit to bring the brand’s signature Milan wellness experience to the US.

“I was inspired to re-purpose three landmarked 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,” he told Spa Business.

“Just imagine relaxing in a heated outdoor hydro-pool in the middle of winter while it’s snowing, with this other-worldly view of the lower Manhattan skyline!”

In Henry’s opinion, QC NY will be an inclusive and affordable day resort, providing guests with the ultimate wellbeing experience coupled with endearing Italian hospitality.

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

In addition to all the spa amenities, guests will be able to purchase massage treatments, Italian bites and alcoholic beverages while they relax and restore. Guests can now pre-book 25-, 50- or 75-minute massages, which can be customised with a choice of music, technique, and aromas.

Massage treatments range between US$100 (€85, £72) and US$250 (€212, £181) and will be powered by sustainable Italian skincare and spa brand Comfort Zone.

Day Passes, which start at US$88 (€74, £64), will include access to the entire spa, all amenities for the whole day and a roundtrip ferry ticket. The only exclusions are food, drink and massage services, which can be booked by appointment.

Francesco Varni, QC Group CEO continues “We’re thrilled to see the New York vision come to light since we signed our lease four years ago on Governors Island.

“We’re delighted to bring the quality and integrity of our spas to North America and we have plans to expand the QC experience not only in North America but worldwide.”