Before the time of luxurious home bathrooms and extravagant bathing routines, there was the bathhouse.
A location where communal bathing was the norm.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, bathhouses were among the top hydrothermal trends of 2024.
What caused the sudden interest?
The slow and steady expansion of bathhouse culture into modern wellness destinations.
Meet the Experts
Courtesy of AIRE Ancient Baths New York / Byrdie
What Is a Bathhouse?
Courtesy of AIRE Ancient Baths New York / Byrdie
Generally speaking, a bathhouse is a communal space with various bathing facilities.
Depending on what jot down of bathhouse you visit, what that exact experience looks like will vary.
Among the most popular to date are Japanese onsens, Turkish hammams, and Russian banyas.
Courtesy of AIRE Ancient Baths New York / Byrdie
The brands highly curated array of products brings the bathhouse experience into the home.
The Greeks introduced the concept of hot baths, self-care, and body care.
In North Africa, we took inspiration from both the Roman baths and the Turkish hammam.
Courtesy of AIRE Ancient Baths New York / Byrdie
Its these very practices that have inspired some of the most coveted New York bathhouse destinations.
Similarly, Jason Goodman, co-founder of Bathhouse, had a similar mission in mind for his wellness destination.
We focus on efficacy and real outcomes.
All of our amenities and treatments are informed by that fundamental perspective.
What to Expect
Remember, modern bathhouse destinations are an interpretation of different bathing methods and traditions.
The key word is interpretation.
We are not a spa, says Goodman.
Bathhouses differ from spas in many ways, the most obvious being that spas are generally a solitary experience.
Bathhouses are social spaces and are about effective outcomes.
The great thing about a Bathhouse visit is that its a mindbody connecting experience.
What you see is what you get, adds Goodman.
We want our guests to leave feeling completely rejuvenated, both physically and mentally.
Bathhouses are about cleansing, detoxifying, exfoliating, and nourishing the skin.
Similarly, Goodman shares an urge to focus on the impact bathhouses have on the body.
Bathhouses are … about how you feel at the end, which is amazing, he explains.
Its not about having a relaxing experience in the moment.
At the top of the list?
The physical impact the experience has on the body.
I got into bathhouses almost 14 years ago, and now I go three to four times a week.
Using a steam and sauna and cold plunge cuts your recovery in half.
The anti-inflammatory benefits were a common theme when chatting with attendees of popular bathhouses.
Cold plunges are great for waking up the body.
I think [going to a bathhouse] is dedicated time to disconnect.
In todays fast-paced world, we dont always have the luxury of spending several hours at a bathhouse.
Thats why I continue to practice this ritual at home, she explains.
The Concept of a Social Soak
Community has been ingrained into the bathhouse ritual since its inception.
It was a common place for people to gather and have a shared experience.
Our customers overwhelmingly visit in pairs or small groups.
Not only are people booking bathhouse appointments with friends but these are becoming celebration destinations.
My friend asked me to join her at Othership at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, which was completely guided.
The Friday morning session with friends felt so much more community-driven.
I prefer a solitary experience.
However, it depends on where you go, says Boog.
It was beautiful to catch up with a friend in that way.
I love to go by myself, close my eyes, and meditate in those spaces.
They tend to be really regular users, adds Goodman.
If you arent sure where to start, opt for a guided experience.
If you are craving an exploratory session, following your gut throughout a space can be equally as freeing.
To get yourself ready for your first bathhouse experience, double-check to pack the essentials.
Be prepared by bringing water, electrolytes, and a bikini, says Boog.
(But any swimsuit style will work.)
Similarly, Cohen suggests bringing a refillable water bottle so you’re free to prioritize hydration.
The towels there are tiny, so bring a hair towel.
Book your appointment when you have lots of time to spare.
If youre going for the first time, do it on a Sunday evening with a friend.
Dont feel rushed, adds Cohen.
Go into it with the intention of relaxation and knowing your limits, says Boog.
Dont let your ego be your guide.
While bathhouses can be enjoyed year-round, there is something especially appealing about them during the bitter cold months.
Heres to all of us embarking on more time to intentionally disconnect.
