After the past 17 months, it’s not surprising that more Americans have turned to meditation to help calm their nerves. In fact, meditation apps such as Calm and Headspace reported a surge in downloads amid the pandemic. But while digital innovation has made guided meditation more accessible, finding a quiet place to practice isn’t always easy—especially for those living in bustling cities like New York.
These Manhattan residential buildings feature tranquil meditation gardens where residents can reflect and relax, from a Scandinavian-inspired oasis with a Zen Garden to an Art Deco tower featuring a secret courtyard, and more.
FÖRENA (pictured – Credit: BRDAR)
Named for the Swedish word for “unite,” FÖRENA is a Scandinavia-inspired condominium located at the crossroads of four iconic Manhattan neighborhoods: The Village, Chelsea, Union Square and Flatiron. Designed inside and out by Morris Adjmi Architects, the 12-story building features 50 serene homes with a restrained and soothing palette, along with a collection of curated amenities optimized for modern living. These amenities include a lush Zen Garden, where residents can step away from the hustle of Manhattan living for a peaceful retreat. The calming escape can be accessed directly from the Residents’ Lounge.
JOLIE
Located at 77 Greenwich Street in Manhattan’s Financial District, Jolie is a new luxury condominium with a boutique approach to urban living, featuring architecture by FXCollaborative and interiors by Deborah Berke Partners, along with show-stopping water views, a suite of well-crafted amenities, and multiple levels of outdoor space designed by Future Green Studio—including two areas created with meditation in mind. These spaces include a sky-high meditation deck on the rooftop level located 500 feet above the ground, as well as a Japanese rock garden situated on the 41st floor below.
ROSE HILL
Developed by Rockefeller Group and designed by CetraRuddy—the acclaimed global architecture firm known for successfully blending modern design with crafted detail—NoMad’s newest Art Deco-inspired condominium tower Rose Hill features a beautiful courtyard on the lobby level. Accessed from a striking blue lounge featuring a hearth, a jewel-box bar and workspace, this secret garden is filled with greenery and offers individual seating areas where residents can unwind without interruption.
40 BLEECKER
Balancing the energy of bustling Noho, leading AD100 landscape architect Edmund Hollander created a verdant calm that permeates 40 Bleecker. The building’s beautiful 5,600-square-foot courtyard garden merges texture with tailoring, creating a versatile space that adapts for both privacy and gathering. Reflecting pools and waterfalls complete the sensory experience, delivering soothing sounds of moving water and new dimensions of light.
505 W 43
Situated at the center of 505 W 43—a brand new, Midtown luxury condo featuring architecture by ODA and interiors by Andres Escobar & Associates—is a 6,000-square-foot, open-air courtyard and landscaped garden located off an indoor lap pool. Residents can escape to this tranquil oasis to sunbathe, meditate and relax after enjoying the building’s collection of wellness-oriented amenities.
