Situated overlooking the Hudson River and with sweeping views of Manhattan, urban spa resort and hotel SoJo Spa Club will welcome its first guests on 20 January.

Billed as an "eight-storey slice of heaven on the Hudson," the 240,000sq ft (22,297sq m) riverside retreat includes 60,000sq ft (5,574sq m) of wellness space spread over three floors.

The spa itself, which features treatments from skincare brand ESPA, features 17 treatment rooms across 7,000sq ft (650sq m): two couple’s rooms, two couple’s suites, nine private treatment rooms, an open area massage room, foot massage room, manicure and pedicure stations.

Designed by Edgewater, NJ-based Virgona & Virgona Architects, SoJo Spa Club showcases a modern aesthetic and opulent, internationally-influenced details. The destination day spa also includes 32 bedrooms for optional overnight facilities.

Seven sauna rooms each feature distinctive qualities, including Himalayan salt, red clay, white clay, far-infrared and charcoal, and are designed to provide benefits from soothing aching muscles to improving circulation. Specialty outdoor soaking experiences include hinoki wood, carbon-rich and silk baths incorporate healing natural minerals.

“We have taken some of the most coveted natural therapies from around the world and made it possible to experience them in one marvellous location,” said Atif Youssef, general manager of SoJo Spa Club. “You simply won’t find this variety of international influence and combination of amenities anywhere else in the area.”

A seasonal rooftop infinity pool appears to cascade on two sides directly into the Hudson River and features a bird’s eye view of the New York City skyline. Other amenities include a 170ft (52m) long foot massage path, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool and outdoor hot tubs.

The entire 6th floor is family-friendly, with a kids room with babysitting service available, a family pool with lazy river pool, a splash pad and spray zone, water side, family shower room, party room for birthday events, cafes, and a family locker room.

ESPA also provided consultation services and training for the spa. Gharieni spa tables and equipment – including the Wellmassage 4D – are used in the treatment rooms.

Sandra Sadowski, ESPA director of operations for The Americas, called SoJo "a uniquely appointed and breathtaking urban resort like no other.”

SoJo Spa Club will offer both day admission and annual memberships. It will also include juice and snack bar lounges and cafés featuring amazing American, Korean and Japanese cuisine, as well as a fine dining restaurant and a seasonal rooftop BBQ station.