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
In Montreal’s latest social hub, the atmosphere was electric long before the music started. As DJ Brinassa’s house beat began to pulse through the air, the crowd—dressed in minimal attire—was already radiating warmth, their bodies steaming in a circular sauna space. The environment was more than just a wellness retreat; it was a lively gathering, lit by club-style illumination and infused with a communal energy that defied traditional notions of nightlife.
Reimagining the Sweat Experience
Inside RECESS Thermal Station, a venue blending sauna and cold plunge with entertainment, attendees moved as one. A staff member, bare-chested and adorned with tattoos and jewelry, circulated with a massive hand fan, adding to the rhythm of the evening. Outside, couples lounged near the DJ booth, while singles engaged in lighthearted conversations over herbal tea and prompts from branded cue cards. This space, launched in September, is part of a growing movement across North America known as “social bathhouses.”
“There’s a possibility of meeting new people. There’s a high energy, or vibe. You can dance,” said Adam Simms, cofounder of RECESS. “There’s just some beautiful connections to come out of that.”
These spots are emerging rapidly, with Montreal set to host another in the spring when JOY Wellness Club opens. Meanwhile, Bathhouse, a New York City staple, expands to Philadelphia later this year. The Altar, a 50-person sauna, will debut on Fifth Avenue in 2026 with the mission to make health a shared cultural experience.
A Global Revival in Local Spaces
The trend reflects a broader shift toward reconnecting in physical spaces. Mikkel Aaland, a Norwegian-American photographer and writer, notes that this revival is part of a “long remembering” after a period of “long forgetting.” His work, including the 1978 book “Sweat” and the 2023 documentary “Perfect Sweat,” highlights the enduring appeal of communal bathing rituals.
“As soon as we were able to create heat, we were creating structures to sweat in together,” said Robert Hammond, president of Therme US. “That precedent goes from the Ottoman-era hammam to Roman thermae, North American sweat lodges, and Finnish saunas.”
While some traditions faded with indoor plumbing, the last decade has seen a global resurgence. In places like Norway, where Aaland spends part of the year, modern twists—such as floating saunas on the Oslo fjord—have reinvigorated ancient practices. North American bathhouses often blend these global influences with local reinventions, appealing to a generation seeking deeper, more authentic interactions.
From Pandemic to Pelvis
Many credit the 2022 launch of Othership in downtown Toronto as a catalyst for this trend. The company’s venues in Toronto and New York City now host a range of events, from stand-up comedy to sound baths, pairing wellness with social engagement. Myles Farmer, a co-founder, described it as “a new form of socializing.”
“There are a lot of people in these big cities who are not regularly having authentic connections with each other,” Farmer noted. “That’s why we focused on creating a space where people can come together, sweat, and share moments.”
Simms echoed this sentiment, linking the movement to post-pandemic needs. “People understand that they need community, support, and a way to reenergize,” he said. “RECESS and similar projects help fulfill that.” The blend of heat, music, and shared experience is turning saunas into unexpected venues for connection and celebration.
