For centuries, the ancient Greeks and Japanese have embraced the therapeutic benefits of bathhouses. Now, Melburnians are rediscovering this time-honored tradition. From heated mineral pools to hammams, modern bathhouses in Melbourne are reshaping how we prioritize wellness and connection.
The Resurgence of Bathhouses in Melbourne
Freya Berwick, founder of the Sense of Self bathhouse in Collingwood, describes a shift in how people connect in today’s digital age. “Historically, we had places like pubs or churches where we would convene and socialize. Now, people are looking for healthier and more meaningful ways to connect,” she explains. Opened in 2021, Sense of Self boasts amenities such as a heated mineral pool, a cold plunge pool, a sauna, and a hammam, providing an alternative space for relaxation and reconnection.
Several other bathhouses have since emerged across Melbourne. This revival harkens back to 1903 when Turkish baths were an integral part of Melbourne City Baths’ design. As social media and technology continue to dominate daily life, the communal nature of bathhouses offers a refreshing contrast, fostering face-to-face connections in a calming environment.
Beyond Wellness: A New Social Space
Bathhouses are about more than relaxation; they’re emerging as social spaces. Alexis Dean, co-founder of Soak Bathhouse, describes their appeal as “social wellness.” The South Yarra location features amenities designed not just for personal rejuvenation but also for meaningful interactions. “You can have a conversation and connect with the person you came with, or even meet new people,” Dean says. This alternative to traditional alcohol-centered gatherings is particularly appealing as younger generations shift away from drinking culture.
Soak Bathhouse, which began on the Gold Coast during the pandemic, has expanded nationwide, including a Melbourne location that opened in June. “Bathhouses combine wellness activities with social experiences,” says Dean. “You walk out feeling great physically and emotionally, having spent quality time with friends.”
Urban Wellness in High Demand
The growing popularity of bathhouses in Melbourne and other urban locations reflects a larger trend toward wellness in everyday life. Developers have even approached Berwick to include wellness spaces in commercial and apartment buildings to entice people back to offices and city living. “We’re constantly asked to open bathhouses in urban developments,” Berwick reveals.
Future expansions are already in motion. Soak Bathhouse is working on a second Melbourne location, while Sense of Self plans to open a massive site in Sydney’s Surry Hills. At nearly 1,200 square meters, this venue will double the size of the Collingwood site. Berwick hopes to open another bathhouse in Melbourne’s south once the right location is found.
Here to Stay
Both Berwick and Dean believe the bathhouse renaissance is far from a passing trend. “For us, it’s about creating genuine, long-term spaces where people can relax, recharge, and reconnect,” Berwick shares.
As Melburnians embrace a slower, wellness-driven lifestyle, modern bathhouses serve as both a sanctuary and a new way to socialize. With their blend of relaxation and connection, these spaces seem poised to grow in popularity for years to come.