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
Montreal’s latest destination for socializing has nothing to do with cocktails or conversation. When DJ Brinassa’s pulsating house track filled the air, the Friday night crowd at RECESS Thermal Station was already perspiring under the club-like lights of its circular sauna. The heat wasn’t accidental—attendees were fully immersed in the experience, their bodies glistening as they moved in sync with the rhythm. A shirtless staff member, adorned with tattoos and necklaces, circulated with a folding hand fan, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Outside, the ambiance shifted to more intimate gatherings. Couples lounged in cozy chairs near the DJ setup, while singles sipped herbal tea and engaged with icebreaker prompts from branded cards. RECESS, which launched in September, is part of a growing movement across North America known as “social bathhouses”—spaces where traditional saunas and bathing rituals are rebranded as community hubs. These venues blend wellness with social interaction, offering everything from first dates to group events.
“There’s a possibility of meeting new people. There’s a high energy, or vibe. You can dance,” said Adam Simms, co-founder of RECESS, describing the appeal of these shared experiences.
Similar concepts are expanding rapidly. Montreal will soon welcome another social bathing spot, JOY Wellness Club, set to open this spring. Meanwhile, Bathhouse, already a NYC fixture with its vibrant scene, is launching a Philadelphia location later this year. In New York City, The Altar is scheduled to debut on Fifth Avenue in 2026, promising a 50-person sauna with the slogan “Health as a cultural gathering space.”
These developments reflect a broader shift in how people view wellness. Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognized as health risks, prompting a search for connection. “In the pandemic, we had this monumental shift where we were glued to screens all day,” explained Simms. “People now understand they need community, support, and a way to recharge. Spaces like RECESS help fulfill that.”
A Global Trend Rekindled
The concept isn’t entirely new. Robert Hammond, president of Therme US, notes that humans have long gathered to sweat together—Ottoman hammams, Roman thermae, North American sweat lodges, and Finnish saunas all share this communal origin. However, many of these traditions faded with the rise of private bathrooms in the 20th century.
Mikkel Aaland, a Norwegian-American photographer and writer, has documented these practices for decades. His 1978 book “Sweat” and 2023 documentary series “Perfect Sweat” explore the cultural significance of shared bathing. Aaland’s upcoming project, “Naked Sweat,” will further examine this revival. “The last decade has seen a global resurgence,” he said. “It’s what I call a ‘long remembering’—a reconnection with ancient rituals through modern design and purpose.”
From Oslo’s sleek floating saunas on the fjord to the experimental events at Othership in Toronto, the trend began with the 2022 opening of the first such venue in downtown Toronto. Othership’s founders, including Myles Farmer, envisioned a new form of socializing. “It’s about combining relaxation with community,” Farmer said. “People in big cities often struggle to form genuine connections, so we wanted a space where they could come together offline.”
