The new going-out spot isn’t a bar. It’s so much hotter than that
The new going-out spot isn’t a bar. It’s so much hotter than that
At Montreal’s RECESS Thermal Station, the air buzzed with anticipation as DJ Brinassa spun her rhythmic house beat. By 10 p.m., the gathering of patrons, many clad in minimal attire, had already begun to perspire under the warm, inviting glow of the circular sauna. The setting, blending wellness with social interaction, offered a unique blend of communal energy and aesthetic appeal, with its club-like lighting casting a flattering light on the assembled crowd.
Meanwhile, outside the sauna’s heated confines, the atmosphere was equally vibrant. Couples found comfort in cozy seating near the DJ booth, while individuals engaged in lighthearted conversations over herbal tea and icebreaker prompts. This environment, designed to foster connections, has become a hallmark of the new wave of social bathhouses emerging across North America.
A Trend in Wellness
RECESS, which launched in September, is part of a growing movement that redefines traditional sauna spaces as hubs for social engagement. These venues, often referred to as “social bathhouses,” cater to a desire for both relaxation and community. “There’s a possibility of meeting new people. There’s a high energy, or vibe. You can dance,” said Adam Simms, one of RECESS’s co-founders. “There’s just some beautiful connections to come out of that.”
Other locations are soon to follow. Montreal will soon host another such space with the upcoming launch of JOY Wellness Club in the spring. Meanwhile, Bathhouse, a well-known chain in New York City, is set to expand to Philadelphia later this year. The Altar, a new entry in the trend, is scheduled to open on Fifth Avenue in 2026, offering a 50-person sauna and emphasizing “Health as a cultural gathering space.”
Historical Roots
The concept of shared bathing as a social activity is far from new. From the Ottoman-era hammam to Roman thermae, and North American sweat lodges, communities have long gathered to share warmth and conversation. Robert Hammond, president of Therme US, noted that “As soon as we were able to create heat, we were creating structures to sweat in together.” These traditions, once common, have seen a decline in some regions due to the rise of private indoor plumbing.
Yet the idea of collective wellness is resurging. Mikkel Aaland, a Norwegian-American photographer and writer, described this revival as a “long remembering.” His work, including the 1978 book “Sweat” and the recent documentary series “Perfect Sweat,” highlights how global practices have been reimagined with modern twists. In Norway, where Aaland resides part of the year, floating saunas on the Oslo fjord represent a sleek update to age-old rituals.
A Global Resurgence
While many North American bathhouses draw inspiration from international traditions, they also innovate to suit local tastes. This blend of heritage and contemporary design has created a space where wellness and socialization intersect. “It’s the beginning stages of something very exciting,” Aaland remarked, acknowledging the shift in how people engage with communal bathing.
The trend gained momentum following the 2022 opening of Othership in downtown Toronto. The company’s locations in both Toronto and New York City now host a range of events, from stand-up comedy to sound baths, alongside their sauna and cold plunge facilities. Myles Farmer, a co-founder of Othership, described their vision as “a new form of socializing.” He emphasized the post-pandemic need for in-person interaction, stating, “There are a lot of people in these big cities who are not regularly having authentic connections with each other.”
