Sauna, cold plunge, steam. Los Gatos.
A neighbourhood bathhouse on Santa Cruz Ave. Cedar sauna at 185 F, three plunge pools from 45 F, a eucalyptus steam room and a quiet lounge with tea. Swimsuit on, phone in the locker.
Sample data for this demo. A real install reads the room sensors.
The circuit
That is the whole method. Heat until you want out. Cold until your breathing slows down. Rest until your heart settles. Most people do three rounds, then sit in the lounge with tea and not much to say.
Step one185 F
Dry heat, three tiers, 22 seats. Sit low if it is your first time, climb when you want more. Somebody pours water on the stones at the top of every hour and the room gets loud with steam for a minute.
Step two45 F
Three pools at 45, 50 and 55 F. Walk in, do not jump. Breathe out longer than you breathe in. Thirty seconds counts. A minute feels like a small win. Tap the water if you want to see it move.
Step three72 F
This is the part people skip, and it is the part that makes the whole visit feel finished. Lie down in the lounge, wrap up, drink the ginger and lemongrass tea we keep hot by the window. Five to fifteen minutes. Talking is fine here, softly.
Step fourx3
Round two always feels easier than round one. Round three is where people go quiet and stop checking the clock. End on cold if you want to feel awake for dinner. End on heat if you are going straight to bed.
How the house works
We cap the whole building at 30 so there is always a seat in the sauna and a free pool. When it is full, the next slot opens as someone leaves. Book ahead on weekends.
Fourteen of thirty dots lit, like a quiet Tuesday at 2pm.
Every room, every hour. It keeps things relaxed for everyone, first timers most of all.
No talking in the sauna or steam room. Chat all you like in the lounge and by the pools.
Lockers have chargers. The lounge has a wall clock. That is enough.
Most visits are a 2 hour session. Plenty for three full rounds and a slow shower.
Circuit builder
Slide the numbers to match the visit you want. It adds 10 minutes to shower and change, rounds to the nearest five, and tells you which pass covers it.
Estimates only. Not medical advice: check with your doctor first if you have a heart condition or are pregnant.
Before the cold
The cold is mostly a breathing problem. Many people find that a longer exhale than inhale settles the first gasp. Practise here, then do the same thing standing at the edge of the 45.
Our guides teach this every Tuesday and Saturday in the guided contrast sessions.
In through the nose for 4. Hold for 4. Out slowly for 6. Five rounds takes about a minute and a quarter.
From the lounge book
Sample reviews for this demo
5 out of 5 stars
I came in wound up from work and left an hour and a half later unable to remember what I was annoyed about. The 50 degree pool is the friendly one.
5 out of 5 stars
Quiet sauna rule is the best thing about this place. Nobody narrating their workout. Just heat and the sound of the stones.
5 out of 5 stars
Took my dad for his 60th. The front desk talked him through the cold like it was nothing. He did three rounds and now he has a membership.
The rooms
185 FDry heat, hourly steam pour.
45 FThree pools, three temperatures.
112 FEucalyptus on the hour.
12 peopleThree rounds with a guide.
Up to 30The whole house, two hours.
Ask before you come
Questions about a first visit, a membership, a group booking or a gift. The front desk answers the same day, usually within the hour while we are open.
Open today until 10pm
First visit is a 2 hour session at $58, towels and tea included. Book a time or just walk in on a weekday morning, when the pools are at their calmest.