There’s a space called The Pearl on the Upper East Side that, interestingly, seems to be mostly a secret.
It’s a unique mix—part fitness studio, part social club, and a multi-purpose event space designed for various programs, from personal development to bachelorette parties. Yet, like many other buildings in the neighborhood, it lacks any noticeable signage, which leaves you wondering if the elevator ride to the fifth floor is worth it. Perhaps it’s just a dental office or a tax advisor’s suite.
However, once you step inside this 5,500-square-foot venue, the vibe shifts dramatically. High ceilings and a distinctly feminine atmosphere make it feel lively. A group of women, all in ponytails and stylish neutral attire, chatter about weekend weddings and a fundraiser they attended. One of them asks, “Hey Rachel, where did you get that tan?” to which she responds, “Oh, it’s a spray tan!”
In a spacious studio across the hall, a popular hip-hop class is in full swing, instructed by Marcela Guarino Haimowitz—a professional dancer and the founder of The Pearl. Just the night before, she had hosted a ballet gala aimed at younger dancers.
Next door, another group engages in a stretch and sculpt session led by Carla Liotta, founder of KKSweat, a fitness brand well-known in the Hamptons. “We share a lot of clients in this area,” Liotta commented.
The decor is a blast of pink—aesthetic choices that range from walls to furniture to even a pink balance ball behind the front desk. It’s all very Instagram-friendly, with a pink mahjong set making an appearance in the lounge area where ladies relax and teens snap TikTok videos.
“Pink is my favorite! I even wore it to prom,” Guarino Haimowitz said, explaining how the pastel hues nod to her ballet background.
Launching The Pearl
Guarino Haimowitz, whose husband is billionaire Greg S. Haimowitz, opened The Pearl last summer. Before that, she led fitness sessions in her home and Central Park as a way to stay active during and after the pandemic.
After years as a former Knicks City Dancer, she saw the need not only for a teaching space but also for a venue to continue her youth cheerleading program, New York Cheer & Dance, which she started in 2023. Her daughter, amid a blended family of six kids, chose cheer as her after-school activity, similar to what Guarino Haimowitz had done in her youth.
“We needed a spacious area for stunts and workouts, something for both adults and kids,” she thought. It led her to consider, “What would this place look like?”
The Pearl introduces itself as a “health and wellness club dedicated to the personal growth of girls, teens, and women.”
Fitness classes from top trainers, workshops on healthy eating and stress relief, and events like a book launch featuring a ballerina are all part of the agenda. There’s also a spot for homework and a vanity for freshening up after workouts.
“I remember going to an event uptown where there was no space to prepare beforehand. I just love coming here because it has everything I need,” shared Scarlett, a 13-year-old who frequents The Pearl.
She also enjoys coming to socialize with her camp friends, especially on Sundays, though she admits they’re usually a bit more worn out then because Saturday nights are often filled with bar mitzvahs. “It’s just a little more laid back,” she said.
For adults, it’s a sanctuary—a place to be fully present. “It’s a home away from home,” said Natasha Caronna, who has daughters aged 10 and 15 and transitioned from the fashion industry to focus on family.
“It’s wonderful how this place creates a community of similar-minded people,” she said.
“It’s really about finding those connections at this stage of life where everyone is on the same page,” she added. Without judgment, of course.
Interestingly, Scarlett’s friend Olivia noted that the atmosphere at The Pearl feels less strict compared to traditional dance teams. “If I mess up,” she explained, “they’ll actually guide me, saying, ‘Olivia, no worries, you’ll figure it out.’”
A Hidden Treasure
So, is there any form of exclusive access?
The monthly membership fees at The Pearl are $250 for solo members, $450 for couples, and $600 for families of three or more. Each additional class has a fee that can range from $30 to $50, based on various factors.
This pricing is quite comparable to other boutique fitness studios and higher-end wellness clubs in the city. The Pearl, unlike many elite social clubs, doesn’t require an application process or recommendations for membership and offers a flexible approach.
“Membership is entirely optional,” Guarino Haimowitz reiterated.
Still, because it isn’t part of popular platforms like ClassPass or heavily advertised, and because it’s located a bit off the main drag, many might not stumble upon it. A search for “The Pearl NYC” often leads to a hotel instead, making it feel more elusive.
One mother quipped about hoping it stays that way, adding, “Honestly, this place isn’t that interesting. Don’t come!”
Mom and Me
Spaces like The Pearl that focus on mother-daughter wellness aren’t all that common. Yes, there are family gyms and members-only clubs, but those tend to cater to men as well. At The Pearl, it’s all about the vibe that resonates with both Gen X and Alpha generations.
“My 15-year-old daughter often hangs out with friends, so this offers us chances to bond on weekends,” Caronna noted. “It really is a great spot for her. Marcela is an amazing mother.” Getting her teenager to come along isn’t even a hassle.
Scarlett echoes this sentiment, saying, “I love this place because my younger sister, who’s in fourth grade, comes here often, and so does my mom. It’s great to see everyone from different age groups.”
Studies indicate that socializing across generations can enhance cognitive function and promote well-being, underscoring the health benefits for both young and older individuals.
While much of the focus on the impact of role models has targeted girls in underprivileged areas or in male-dominated fields, the moms at Pearl feel that their Tribeca teens can also gain from witnessing successful women caring for themselves.
“It can be tough for girls to understand what it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle in a hectic place like New York, especially when a lot of women are working out during the day and kids don’t see that,” said Amanda Perrin, mother of twins and a CEO.
“What’s unique here is that while kids are in classes, we are too. They see us taking care of our bodies and minds while enjoying ourselves.”
That’s the essence Guarino Haimowitz aimed to create when naming this venue “The Pearl.” Much like the birthstone, it takes the right conditions and time to truly shine.
“We want to nurture these girls and equip them with tools for life—self-esteem, health, friendships, and what it means to positively contribute to a community,” she emphasized. “All those small elements come together to help them emerge as pearls.”
