Amidst the frigid, there’s a certain calmness that seeps in after the pain abates. That perhaps is the sweet spot for anyone who’s a fan of cold plunges. A practice that certainly isn’t new, not with Wim Hof’s method being one of the most famous (albeit controversial) wellness breakthroughs, but on our shores, there has been an emerging cognoscenti devoting their spaces to frigid baths. Or more specifically, contrast therapy. Where you alternate between hot and cold environs to reap a suite of health benefits—from pain relief, enhanced circulation, performance enhancement to better mental wellbeing. The recommended duration starts from 30 seconds to ten minutes. Typically, the initial dunk is the hardest to overcome, but with breathing in control and body fully immersed, the biting cold will slowly feel like heat unravelling all over.
Post-plunge and the effects are instantaneous. It starts off with a zapping sensation that ripples through the body, before lulling to a cool, pleasant state. Akin to how the body feels like after a massage at a spa—you’re relaxed, blissed out and already planning your next session. More so than ever, the mood lift is reason enough to be swayed by the effects of an icy plunge. A growing phenomenon that wellness spaces are deeming mandatory. To that end, there’s no lack of options on our shores to attempt a novice plunge or stop by post-run. Dempsey’s Nowhere serves as the ultimate hideout if one is seeking complete refuge from the city strain and then there are many addresses in the CBD for that quick stop—from Sphere to Rekoop.
Below, find Vogue Singapore’s shortlist of wellness spots where one can enjoy a cold plunge, whether coupled with a salt bath or a sauna.
1 / 5
Rekoop
A literal tub awaits you at Rekoop—anointed with battery-operated candles—alongside a suite of many other facilities. From a cryo chamber to oxygen hydroxy therapy, one can spend a half day recovering and recuperating with the aide of science-backed technology and plenty of equipment.
2 / 5
Nowhere
A bathhouse that is built like a cave and tucked within the verdant green of Dempsey; here’s where you leave your perils and notifications at the door—given that no phones are permitted when entering the various nooks of baths. The founders played with temperature, humidity and interactions with steam and water. The weight of water can come through the cold bucket shower or the slow descent into the cold plunge pool. As far as the hot baths go, the Epsom Salt Bath and Cloud Bath (of nanobubbles to cleanse and calm) are roomy and strategically placed for you to overlook the fauna through the windows.
3 / 5
Shelter
Situated in the crossroads of City Hall, Shelter is the newest pitstop for office folk or runners who have just completed their circuit around the Marina Bay. Within, there’s a heated salt bath, a state-of-the-art dry sauna as well as three different ice baths of differing temperature ranges (3℃, 5℃, 10℃). The city sanctuary also works with Aesop for all its scents—from aromatic oils to shower products.
4 / 5
The Ice Bath Club
Like its name suggests, The Ice Bath Club seeks to be a cohesive community—across its many locations around Singapore—with the ease of dropping in anything sans a booking. Each address boasts large communal pools kept at 3℃ to 10℃, hot baths, saunas as well as a cafe for patrons to lounge and mingle.
5 / 5
Sphere
In Sphere’s spacious contrast therapy suite, you get the luxury of space and privacy and your very own Bluetooth speaker to stream your own music. For first-timers, the space also offers Guided Contrast Therapy with a facilitator on hand to take you through an introduction, breathing exercises before leading up to the actual cold immersion.
