By Jaz Hook
Exchanging nights out for cold plunge sessions, bathhouses are the new bars for Sydney residents.
Here are the trending bathhouses for your next hangout.
Soak
The new bathhouse on the block opened in Alexandria earlier this year, encouraging steamy social hangouts. With lounge areas among tropical gardens, multiple mineral pools and cold plunges, this urban oasis even offers “Soak & Sip” packages for you to enjoy for 90 minutes along with snacks and beverages. Prices range from $39-$89.
Cedar and Salt
With “keeping saunas wild” being their ethos, Cedar and Salt is a portable authentic Finnish wood-fired sauna on the Northern Beaches. Currently stationed at Q Station Manly, you can enjoy a 45-minute communal session and pop out for an ocean cold plunge as you please for just $45.
Slowhouse Bondi
This chic underground bathhouse is inspired by Japanese onsens, complete with a Finnish sauna, cold plunge, ice bathes and hot spa. Massages, facials, and infrared sauna sessions are also available. Different times are set up for different moods via silent sessions and social sessions. On Tuesdays and Fridays Slowhouse currently offers a sound bath experience while you float in their magnesium pool. Prices start from $39.
Nature’s Energy
Boasting three locations – in Glebe, Balmain, and Newtown – this bathhouse is a wellness wonderland. For only $60 for 60 minutes, grab a robe and a towel and enjoy the traditional Finnish sauna, steam room, infrared and hot spa. Day spa packages are also available as well as massages and facials. Although the Balmain location is currently closed for renovations, you still have two locations to choose from.
Capybara
A Surry Hills sanctuary offering sauna, steam, and mineral pools. What sets Capybara apart are Watsu private sessions, which is a form of aquatic bodywork that is said to release muscle tension and increase the range of motion in joints. Think of it as a water massage. Starting from $50, this bathhouse is perfect for ultimate relaxation.
Featured image: Take the plunge at Nature’s Energy (left) or Slowhouse Bondi. Photos: Jaz Hook