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.