BATHHOUSES ARE BOOMING

If you’ve noticed the surge in stylish bathhouses opening across Australia lately, you’re not imagining it: Australia is in the midst of a modern bathhouse revolution. In 2025, these sleek, wellness-focused retreats are more popular than ever, drawing in everyone from wellness enthusiasts and urban professionals to groups of friends looking to unwind in style.

I was at the Global Wellness Summit in 2015 where I met Elmar the CEO of Bradford Wellness and Spa. You could call him the Godfather of the modern day bathhouse, as his original company Thermarium began creating luxury hydrothermal experiences across Europe in the early 1990’s. Anyhow we got to chatting about how we saw that bathhouses would be the next big thing in Australia and now 10 years on our predictions are certainly coming true.

So… what is driving the Bathhouse Boom?

Social Wellness Is In. The newest generation of bathhouses, like Soak Bathhouse, which began on the Gold Coast and has now expanded to Sydney and Melbourne, are designed not as quiet sanctuaries but as vibrant, communal wellness hubs. Think of them as social spas where mingling, relaxing, and even working remotely is encouraged.

Accessible, Urban Escapes. Gone are the days when bathhouses were remote getaways. Today’s bathhouses are popping up within city limits, such as Sense of Self in Collingwood, Melbourne, providing easy access for time-poor urbanites seeking restorative experiences after work or on weekends.

Modern Touches on Ancient Rituals. There’s a blend of old and new: magnesium-rich mineral pools, cold plunges, spa gardens, infrared and cedarwood saunas, steam rooms, and even outdoor social spaces. The focus is on holistic health, but with contemporary Australian flair, aesthetic design, and Instagram-worthy interiors.

Science-Backed Wellness. The latest trend isn’t just about relaxation. There’s a strong emphasis on the proven benefits of hydrotherapy, contrast therapy (such as hot-cold plunges), and mineral bathing for immunity, circulation, and stress relief. Medical-grade offerings are emerging, too, such as the Byron Bathhouse, which has specially treated water and links wellness to research and outcomes.

The Key Trends Defining the Bathhouse Scene

Community and Connection: Bathhouses are increasingly making space for group sessions, communal lounges, and social rituals—even events like sound baths and guided meditations. I expect we will see more ways these spaces will be activated in the future.

Ice Bath Craze—With a Twist: While cold plunges remain popular, there’s a move toward safer, more sustainable, and “gentler” therapies in response to the so-called “ice bath backlash”.

Design-Forward Wellness: Expect lush urban interiors, calming outdoor gardens, and spaces that make you want to linger far longer than you planned.

Eco-Conscious Operations: New bathhouses are keenly focused on water sustainability—smart design and tech are being used to minimize their environmental footprint. Definitely a move in the right direction!

Membership Model: Bathhouses can cater to flexible memberships in a way that spa services cannot, and this makes regular wellness routines more accessible.

Notable Australian Bathhouses

Sense of Self, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse, Comma, About Time, Capybara, The Banya, Soak Bathhouse, Sol Elements, Merse Wellness, The Albion Bathhouse, Native State, Greenhouse the Bathhouse, Ember and Others.

Why Australians Love the New Bathhouses

Australians are embracing bathhouses because they offer accessible, affordable luxury and genuinely boost wellbeing—minus the intimidation factor of exclusive day spas. While this is a new era that is about socialising, recharging, and self-care it is also a concept that speaks to the multicultural nature of Australia. Many people living here come from a culture that some form of bathing at its core.

Whether you’re after a quiet solo escape or a lively soak with friends, 2025 is the year to discover Australia's new bathhouse culture. Get ready to soak, socialize, and celebrate a new era of wellness down under.

If you are seeking to create a bathhouse business then please reach out for expertise in this space as we are now the Australian representatives for Bradford Wellness and Spa.

Sense of Self, Collingwood, Australia

BUILDING A BATHHOUSE?

A hydrothermal designer typically focuses on the design and creation of hydrothermal facilities and systems that involve heat, water, and therapeutic environments. This includes designing spaces like steam rooms, saunas, thermal cabins, and hydrotherapy pools for wellness and spa environments. Their work involves ensuring the luxurious, functional, and comfortable integration of heating, humidity, water features, and relaxation spaces to optimise health benefits and user experience. They must also address technical aspects such as material choice, drainage, electrical systems, and environmental sustainability.

In a wellness or spa context, a hydrothermal designer crafts custom hydrothermal journeys involving various heat therapies (hot/dry, hot/humid, warm/humid), cold therapy, and relaxation spaces. Their goal is to leverage the health benefits of thermal and wet treatments while delivering visually appealing and efficient design solutions that comply with health and building regulations.

In a more technical or energy-related context, hydrothermal design can also refer to designing geothermal energy extraction systems where heat, fluid circulation, and rock permeability are critical parameters. In this case, designers consider geological factors, fluid flow, well placement, and temperature gradients to optimize the recovery of geothermal energy.

When creating a bathhouse or any type of bathing experience it’s important to engage the specialist design services of a hydrothermal engineer. Here at Spa Wellness Consulting we work with Bradford Wellness & Spa a global leader specialising in the design, engineering, and realisation of world-class spa and hydrothermal wellness environments.

With over 30 years of expertise, they offer comprehensive services that encompass strategic economic planning, creative aesthetic solutions, technical engineering, project management, and seamless implementation of custom spa amenities. Their capabilities include the design and construction of a broad range of hydrothermal facilities such as saunas, steam rooms, hammams, cold rooms, vitality pools, experience showers, heated loungers, cryotherapy rooms, and many other bespoke spa treatment areas.

Bradford Wellness works closely with interior designers and technical consultants to ensure that every wellness space is both visually striking and functionally flawless, serving luxury hotels, resorts, day spas, private residences, and cruise liners worldwide. Their multidisciplinary team ensures that every project fulfills high-quality standards, operates efficiently, and is delivered within budget constraints, making them a trusted partner in creating exceptional wellness environments.  

Native State, Kirra, Queensland, Australia

BATHHOUSE HISTORY

Bathhouses have a rich cultural heritage and continue to thrive globally as spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation, and social connection. Originating in various forms across cultures—from Japanese onsens to Turkish hammams and Russian banyas—bathhouses serve as communal pools of warmth, healing waters, and traditional wellness practices.

In Japan, bathhouses or onsens are often geothermal baths treasured for their health benefits and serene atmosphere. Visitors follow etiquette such as thorough pre-bathing showers, tying up hair to keep the water clean, and modesty with small towels, all of which enhance the communal soothing experience. These baths allow people to relax, unwind, and socialize with others in a calm setting.

Modern bathhouses have also evolved into sophisticated wellness destinations, particularly noticeable in places like Queensland, Australia. Here, bathhouses blend ancient healing customs with cutting-edge technology—such as magnesium-infused spas, steam rooms, dry cedar saunas, and open-air mineral pools. Facilities often include bars and restaurants to create a holistic day spa experience where guests can rejuvenate fully, enjoying both body and mind benefits.

In the Western context, bathhouses have also been important social spaces, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, providing safe environments for gathering and liberation. This adds a rich layer of cultural and social significance beyond pure wellness. While some American bathhouses can have a nightlife or optimized, almost sportive, approach to bathing, others emphasize relaxation and connection in a communal spirit.

Traditional Turkish baths, or hammams, offer a unique ritual blending steam, scrubbing, and massages, emphasizing both cleanliness and spiritual restoration. These bathhouses have been embraced worldwide and can be found in modern urban centres like Perth, offering an exotic and luxurious wellness experience.

New bathhouses are opening worldwide focusing on body positivity and experiential design, inviting people to reconnect with the history and ritual of bathing as an act of self-care and socializing. For instance, Melbourne’s "Sense of Self" bathhouse embodies a culturally rich and inclusive approach, highlighting bathing as a sacred, rejuvenating art form.

In summary, bathhouses today are more than just places to wash; they are vital cultural hubs and wellness retreats that promote physical health, mental relaxation, social interaction, and cultural continuity. Whether through the ancient hot springs of Japan, magnesium spas in Australia, or the vibrant communal spaces in the West, bathhouses offer timeless benefits that continue to resonate in contemporary life.

When creating a bathhouse or any type of bathing experience it’s important to engage the specialist design services of a hydrothermal engineer. Here at Spa Wellness Consulting we work with Bradford Wellness & Spa a global leader specialising in the design, engineering, and realisation of world-class spa and hydrothermal wellness environments.

With over 30 years of expertise, they offer comprehensive services that encompass strategic economic planning, creative aesthetic solutions, technical engineering, project management, and seamless implementation of custom spa amenities. Their capabilities include the design and construction of a broad range of hydrothermal facilities such as saunas, steam rooms, hammams, cold rooms, vitality pools, experience showers, heated loungers, cryotherapy rooms, and many other bespoke spa treatment areas.

Bradford Wellness works closely with interior designers and technical consultants to ensure that every wellness space is both visually striking and functionally flawless, serving luxury hotels, resorts, day spas, private residences, and cruise liners worldwide. Their multidisciplinary team ensures that every project fulfills high-quality standards, operates efficiently, and is delivered within budget constraints, making them a trusted partner in creating exceptional wellness environments.  

DOES YOUR WEBSITE NEED A MAKEOVER?

Every so often (approximately 5 to 7 years) it’s important to take a step back and review the look and feel of our brand. Is it outdated? Have we evolved? Does our brand adequately represent who we are today?

Depending on our honest appraisal, or the honesty of others, it might be time for a brand makeover, which can unfold in a number of ways. It could be that we change logo, identity, colour palette, imagery and the overall look and feel of our brand. This then ripples out across our digital mediums such as website and social media and also across all printed collaterals, such as brochures and business cards.

Another way we may need to level up our business and the guest experience is through the aesthetics of our interior design and styling. This might be a light upgrade through new equipment, furniture, soft furnishings and artwork, or a more major renovation that involves freshly painted walls, new floor coverings, window furnishings, joinery and alot of new materials in general.

A rejuvenated guest journey might also be order and this can include upgrading our booking process and software, or the guest journey sequence and service deliverables from start to finish, extra touch points that surprise and delight, new towels, slippers and bathrobes. Perhaps a new retail offering.

Whatever the case, a thoughtfully considered makeover is well worth it. A tired business and team can quickly turn a corner with a bit of love and TLC.

FEATURE PROJECT - DESIGN AWARDS

It isn’t easy planning and opening a new day spa in the middle of a pandemic and a city that is in constant lockdowns. This was the situation we were faced with while working on Relinque Urban Retreat and Spa throughout 2020 and 2021.

However, we did get there, and Relinque finally opened it’s doors in the Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe in December 2021. Featuring treatments by La Gaia Unedited and a beautiful retail selection carefully selected by our retail expert Holli, the experience at Relinque is one we are very proud to have shaped.

Working closely with Studio Tate to craft a functional floor plan was an absolute joy. They noted every detail on the design brief, which I so appreciated and after massaging the plan several times we arrived at the final result. The procurement was a big job as beautiful design deserves the very best in styling, so a lot of online research and then a lot of in store shopping was done the minute retail stores reopened. I had to make sure the organisational and styling elements did the Interior Design justice. This included the uniform selection for the team, as our staff are all part of the aesthetic.

Anyhow, just 4 months later, Relinque has been shortlisted for the Australian Interior Design Awards & the Dulux Colour Awards. Wow! We are all thrilled that the very thoughtfully curated materials and colour palette has been so well received by the Interior Design industry.

Here are a few paragraphs from the Studio Tate team themselves.

AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Celebrating the natural verdant landscape of its locale, Studio Tate created a collection of immersive spaces with circular architectural form at Relinque, to support an intuitive client journey, offering an ‘all gender’ day spa experience, with an inherently natural feeling palette.

A functional floor plan underpins a day spa on one side ice and steam contrast therapy, hydrotherapy, body and face treatment spaces and yoga studio-offering holistic wellness. On the other side, a spinal clinic pilates and osteopathy complete the circular client journey with a natural flow as they move through the space. The functionality component was also key to enabling staff to work efficiently and support the client experience.

A palette of greens, greys, burgundy and earth tones feature through
the collective space, reflecting a sense of textural ‘earthiness’ whilst also being contemporary and sophisticated. A concrete floor in reception with coloured aggregate is offset by a forest green marble desk, forest green joinery and leather banquette seating, set against a backdrop of textured paint with timber battens. Within the spa, the five individually contained treatment rooms feature a colour datum in a deep rust tone and steam showers tiled in a soft, sage green, with a granite shower bench.

By Studio Tate

If you are from Melbourne, or if you are ever visiting, please do go and visit Relinque Urban Retreat and Spa. I promise you won’t regret it!

Dulux Colour Awards

Australian Interior Design Awards

POSTPARTUM HEALTH

In traditional Chinese medicine, the belief is that after a woman has a baby, there is an empty space in her body where the baby once was. Her body is open, her ligaments loose, and it’s believed that if "yin" or wind/cold comes into this open space, it will cause future ailments and prevent the body from properly recovering.

To improve a woman's wellbeing post childbirth, the Chinese practice zuò yuè zi, also called "sitting the month" or "confinement month”, which has been around for over 2,000 years. Confinement represents a key feature of Asian populations, most notably in countries dominated by Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures but it is also practiced in many non-Asian cultures as well, including South African, Mexican and Amish women.

The confinement month is an extended period of rest for mothers postpartum lasting anywhere from 26 to 45 days in which mothers and their babies are confined to their homes and cared for by other women; traditionally mothers or mothers-in-law step into this caretaking role, but hiring a confinement nurse or checking into a confinement hotel have become new norms in our modern society.

During this postpartum period, mothers often undergo a set of practices to assist them in recovery from pregnancy and childbirth. Some of these practices may include prolonged rest, a special diet and actions to heighten personal hygiene.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concept of the recovery month is divided into stages: The first week is to restore uterine function and help with the discharge of lochia [blood, mucus, and uterine tissue]. The second week is about promoting metabolism and restoring physical strength. The third and fourth weeks are to regulate blood energy and improve physical conditioning.

Confinement practices have been linked to reducing later maternal health conditions such as postpartum depression. With the best results seen in trials that combined TCM herbal formulas and practices with conventional treatments such as psychotherapy.

There is no doubt that this time in a woman’s life requires special attention to her wellbeing and that drawing on the wellness practices of ancient models has an application in our modern world.

DEFINING SPAS AND RETREATS

I had a client recently ask me what was the difference and distinctions were between the various terms applied to spa’s and retreats, so I decided to get clear on this for myself and my client. Here are the definitions and differences as I see them. I hope this helps you if you have ever wondered.

MEDICAL SPA 

The Best Medical Spas, also called Medi Spas or Med Spas, operate under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complementary, alternative therapies and treatments.

HOLISTIC SPA 

A holistic spa is a type of spa where you get special treatments to relax you mind, soul and body. Holistic treatments have been present for centuries and they are associated with a belief that spirit, mind and body must be active and healthy in order to achieve wellness. 

DESTINATION SPA

A destination spa is a resort centred on a spa, such as a mineral spa. ... Typically over a seven-day stay, such facilities provide a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthy cuisine, and special interest programming.

HEALTH RETREAT 

A health retreat offers a purposefully designed programme of therapies and activities, guided by leading health and fitness experts.

WELLNESS RESORT 

A wellness hotel is typically a luxury hotel that offers wellness facilities, such as a spa or fitness centre.

HEALING RETREAT

Emotional Healing Retreats put the calm back into your life with various healing methods including yoga, acupuncture and Ayurvedic spa therapies; emotional healing is a very personal process often aided by a combination of therapies from natural and holistic to active and energetic.

DESIGNING MY WEBSITE

Designing my own website was truly a labor of love. I poured over stocksy images for hours so that I could capture the essential essence of my brand. It reflects who I am and what I believe in... spa and wellness in its most natural, beautiful and raw form. This website is also a living resume of the attention to detail and care I put into anything I do, as well as my style of copy writing. I hope it inspires and relaxes you in the same way it does me. 

In my case I had to keep costs down so I managed a lot of the design and had Marc Gimbrere, my web designer, handle the technical details and coding. He also guided me through the process of meta tags, organic SEO, site silos, keywords and other web language. I love learning and this was my way of understanding the world of web design so that I can support my clients when developing theirs. 

Its so important to offer navigational ease, charisma and great copy through this online forum. After all, it speaks volumes about what you can offer as a business.

I was very lucky to find a great web developer who also had an eye for design and detail. He helped me to map out a strategy in the same way any good consultant helps to guide a client through their area of expertise in a way that is easy to understand. We opted for Squarespace and 5 years on I am still very happy with having gone down this path. I find the back end really intuitive and easy to use. I also find there is a lot of freedom to work with a template and then make it your own. Plus one other important factor is that the squarespace site is mobile friendly, especially now that a growing number of people are searching and shopping online.

I love branding, design and detail so working on this website, despite being a major learning curve and taking many hours was an incredibly rewarding journey for me. I often get compliments on my website too and that is a great feeling.

Please give me a call if you would like to chat about how I can assist with your web design process.

WOMENS WISDOM

Once upon a time in a faraway land called Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, I facilitated and led the Women’s Discovery Retreats. At the end of the retreat I used to share a handout called Womens Wisdom, so I thought I would share it here, in case it might be just the reminder or wisdom you need.

Learn the art of rest… Breathe Deeply, Slow Down, Stretch Jaw, Cup Breasts, Massage Tummy, Soak Feet, Use Aromatherapy, Light Candles, Have a Sleep, Play Soft Music, Have a Bath, Indulge in Self Massage, Practice Yoga etc

Have more fun… Dance and rediscover all aspects of yourself… Embody all of the feminine archetypes… The playful child, the warrior woman, the temptress, the mother, the sensual goddess, the angelic goddess, the rebel and the rule breaker…be random, be wild, be big, be unapologetic, be succulent, be juicy, be childlike etc

Create a life that is whole… Fresh air, clean water, sunshine, exercise, rest, wholefoods, connected relationships, passion, hobbies, fulfilling work, constructive thoughts, laughter, fun, playfulness, self love etc

Practice self love as it is the true pillar of calm… Wrap yourself up in warm acceptance, love yourself no matter what, be with life more deeply, practice self-kindness and self-compassion, practice mindfulness, feel more, breathe deeply, release the judgement, self-criticism and shame etc

Nourish your soul… With friendships, relationships, activities and practices that light you up. Place a nourishment menu on the fridge that lists all of the things you love and make time to do one or more of these things that give you joy.

Spend time in silence… Silent and listen have the same letters… In your silence you can listen to your body’s inner voice and wisdom. 

Practice inspiring affirmations in the present tense… I love and approve of myself. I am loved. I am safe and supported. I am at peace.

Practice Ho’opono’opono… speak these comforting words towards yourself when thinking of past mistakes and where you may have let yourself down. Shower yourself with love, nurturing and compassion. 

 I’m Sorry * Forgive Me * Thank You * I Love You

Make everything in your life a love story! 

THE POWER OF A PRESCRIPTION

A natural part of this job is spa research and mystery audits. Call it a work perk! But what I find is often lacking when I receive a treatment, is that I almost never receive a skin prescription. Why does this make me sad? Well firstly, its because I meet so many spa directors and owners that lament the lack of retail sales. Then secondly, it’s because I’m actually yearning for a skin diagnosis and some good solid advice from a professional. After all, I have just had a therapists undivided attention on my face or body for at least an hour, maybe even more - observing my skin under a light, feeling its texture, seeing the way it responds to various products. The least I expect is a little bit of guidance. What type of skin do I have? Am I prematurely ageing? How do I best take care of my skin? Are there any particular products that are highly recommended?

Now while I may have ticked all product boxes on my consultation form, it does not mean that I am closed to considering a new brand or a particular product in that brand. I might even be ready for a complete skincare overhaul! You never will know if you don’t tell me what I need.

Guests and clients are looking for solutions and aestheticians and therapists are perfectly poised, given their expertise to give it. In fact, if they don’t, that same client may be buying their skincare from the local chemist.

One simple solution to this, is designing an easy to use prescription that therapists give to each client. They simply tick all of the products used in the spa ritual, down to the essential oil used in the space, and then asterix or underline 1 to 3 hero products they believe would work wonders for their client. It takes all of one minute or less!

It’s a good idea for your prescription form to feature each product, along with how to use it - am, pm or weekly. The other thing to note when designing your form is to add the price discreetly alongside so that it serves as a price list. Many guests are too embarrassed to ask for a price, so this helps them do the maths in case they wish to purchase.

And finally, even if your client does not purchase product today, they may return tomorrow, or at the very least they have received the full circle of professional advice and guidance that we all expect when visiting a day spa or beauty salon.

If you need a prescription designed do let us know as we would love to help, or take a cue from the example in the photo.