First Timers

 
 

Bathhouses versus spas

If you're new to the world of bathhouses and spas, you might think they are one in the same. There can be some overlap, but there are very different intentionalities, philosophies and intended outcomes between the two.

 
 

Functionality over Fluff

We think of bathhouses as facilitating transformation, leaving you better off than when you arrived. However, bathhousing is not necessarily a “relaxing” experience in itself. Sitting in a sauna can push your limits. Wearing a cucumber eye mask… not so much

“Relaxation” massages, like you find at spas, focus on aromatherapy or hot stones and other pointless extras. Bathhouses typically provide efficacious treatments like deep tissue bodywork or exfoliating scrubs.

 
 

A Shared experience

Bathhouses are all about communal gathering, with shared pools, saunas and steam rooms where people can socialize and recharge. Spas, on the other hand, typically only offer private treatment rooms where guests receive individual services, which tend to be isolating.

Although bathhouses usually provide treatments like massage and body scrubs in addition to shared pool and sauna amenities, spas rarely have communal areas.

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How to Use the Amenities

 
 

How to Cold Plunge

1. Start with 15 minutes in a sauna or steam room, or three minutes in a hot pool.

2. Emotionally commit to one minute (or more) in the cold plunge.*

3. Get in the cold plunge. All the way in. Check the clock to time your plunge.

4. Control your breathing. Focus on your inhales and exhales. Try a “body scan” to fully be in the experience. Pro tip: Lean against the wall of the pool with the water line above your shoulders.

5. Congratulate yourself for completing a successful plunge! You can do hard things.

6. Wade into the neutral pool to bring your body temperature back up slowly.

7. Repeat. Work yourself up to three minutes or more in the cold plunge.

 
 

How to Sauna

1. Commit to at least 15 minutes of exposure in the sauna.

2. Bring water into the sauna with you.

3. Focus on your breathing. Breathe through the pain. Become the pain.

4. Sweat it out and don’t forget to hydrate.

5. Congratulations! You survived the heat.

6. Head straight into the cold plunge or continue on your own journey through the bathhouse.