Relaxation redefined—the hustle and bustle of urban life may bring excitement and opportunities, but is ultimately taking its toll. Enter Othership, an immersive, sauna and ice bath experience with a strong sense of community. Originally founded in Toronto by Rob Bent (CEO), Emily Hunter (a registered dietitian and breathwork expert), Amanda Laine (lead facilitator and sauna master), Harrison Taylor (lead facilitator and sauna master), and Myles Farmer (entrepreneur), Othership began modestly in a backyard on a residential street prior to COVID-19 where they built a community around a homemade ice bath and sauna. Since its inception, Othership has raised more than USD 10 million in venture funding to date to take its operations to the next level.

Key backers include Headspace, as well as the founders of Soul Cycle, Daybreaker, and last but not least, popular Gen Z minstrel Shawn Mendes. The founding team travelled across the planet to learn more about hot and cold therapy, and honed their skills in Scandinavia, Russia and Asia with the aim to create Othership as a modern and unique take on the science-backed routine that’s proven to reduce stress and inflammation, increase immunity, and even reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. As of late, Othership has inaugurated its first outpost in New York City. The sauna, situated on the premises of a modern, seven-storey building, occupies no less than 9,550 sq.ft. (887 sqm.), and features an interior by Toronto-based design practice Futurestudio.

So, what can you expect? Well, the venue is anchored by a spacious 640 sq.ft. (60 sqm.) performance sauna, and additional core facilities include ice baths for up to 16 journeyers in a private cold sanctuary room, and an amphitheatre-style tea lounge. Through research and interviews, it was assessed that it takes for most people to let go of outside distractions, and accordingly, the arrival sequence has been concepted to allow them to adapt to a new grounded presence. The 700 sq.ft. (65 sqm.) circular tea lounge was designed to bring guests together between sessions, encouraging meaningful conversations and connections. The setting sees a fireplace in the centre of the stadium seating, encircled by a custom-made orb-shaped light designed by Futurestudio and lighting design studio Anony.

Given the intimacy of the venue and its distinct purpose, lighting contributes a great deal to the desired atmosphere. As such, lighting was selected that would optimise comfort and enhance a feeling of empowerment, using shaded sconces, Noguchi rice paper lamps, ceiling lights, and hidden light sources. Further enhancing the state of utter relaxation and awareness is a state-of-the-art sound system. Othership features guided group classes in three categories (up, down, and all around for energy, relaxation, or emotional connection) and offer a variety of elements including breath work, aromatherapy via essential oils, towel waving, and a curated soundscape designed for a desired effect. © superfuture