It's early January, and the familiar post-holiday slump has set in. Hormonal acne flare-ups, persistent fatigue, and an unwelcome bout of bloating are making their presence felt. The remedy? The writer knows it well, armed with two health degrees to back it up: a sauna session—but not just any sauna, an infrared one.
While traditional saunas rely on high temperatures to induce sweating and relaxation, infrared saunas use light to penetrate the skin, heating the body directly rather than simply warming the air. The benefits are widely lauded. For those grappling with gastro conditions such as IBS, the deep, penetrating heat can help reduce bloating and improve digestion by increasing circulation and relaxing tense abdominal muscles. Acne sufferers, on the other hand, might find solace in the detoxifying effects of infrared heat, which opens pores, flushes out impurities, and supports overall skin clarity. On a broader level, infrared therapy is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, soothing aching muscles, supporting joint health, and boosting the body's natural healing processes.
Yet, despite the growing popularity of infrared saunas, finding one in a conveniently central location proves surprisingly difficult. Scrolling through endless listings reveals little within reach—until Revitalise Urban Spa appears on the radar. Nestled in Hackney, East London's epicentre of effortlessly cool creativity, the newly opened wellness sanctuary promises to deliver exactly what the body and mind crave: rejuvenation, restoration, and a much-needed reset.
The Vision Behind Revitalise Urban Spa
At the heart of Revitalise Urban Spa is Kacper, whose lifelong passion for movement—spanning powerlifting, strongman competitions, CrossFit, white-water kayaking, and long-distance cycling—has always been paired with a deep respect for recovery. Yet it was a visit to an outdoor community sauna that sparked the vision for Revitalise: a space that bridges the gap between exclusive luxury spas and basic gym facilities, offering something premium yet accessible.
Qualified through Dr. Susanna Søberg’s Thermalist Instructor course, Kacper brings expertise rooted in science. Dr. Søberg, a pioneer in metabolism and thermal therapy, is celebrated for her globally recognised Søberg Principle, endorsed by Stanford University's Dr. Andrew Huberman. Her research highlights the optimal balance of 11 minutes of cold and 57 minutes of heat exposure weekly to maximise health benefits.
At Revitalise, recovery isn’t a fleeting indulgence—it’s a sustainable habit. Here, science meets intention, creating an environment designed to educate, empower, and inspire.
Boasting an open-plan and industrial design reminiscent of a Manhattan loft, the space features two Clearlight saunas, one large sauna, a plunge shower, and three cold copper baths. The running theme here is to not make these elements of wellness a spa treat but instead integrate them into your daily routine—and it works. Clients have flexible options for accessing the space, whether through pay-as-you-go visits or memberships that cost less than a typical health club, offering access to all facilities tailored to busy city life.
For example, a single session of a regular sauna and steam room at a London spa would usually set you back £35 for access alone in Covent Garden—and they don't even boast the cold baths or infrared saunas that Revitalise does. The options here though are endless. Pay-as-you-go pricing includes Sauna and Plunge: £25.00, and Infrared and Plunge: £35.00 (use of infrared sauna, traditional sauna, and ice baths). For those wanting to make wellness a regular part of their routine, a Monthly Membership costs £170.00 for 14 visits, which can even be shared with a friend. For those wanting to add Clearlight sessions, the membership is £240 for 14 visits.
This not only makes wellness accessible but also allows guests to truly connect with their bodies. Where others might see sauna visits as an occasional luxury, Revitalise Urban Spa repositions them as part of daily life—a philosophy embraced by Scandinavians, who enjoy some of the highest life expectancies in the world. Now, Londoners can experience this lifestyle in an inclusive and non-elitist setting.
At Revitalise, recovery isn’t treated as a fleeting indulgence but as a sustainable habit, grounded in proven science and delivered with intention. This isn’t just a space to sweat and submerge; it’s an environment designed to educate, empower, and inspire. Here, contrast therapy isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life.
The spa boasts three open copper ice baths, with no time limits imposed on guests—a rarity in London. Cold baths are known for their myriad benefits, including improved circulation, reduced muscle soreness, enhanced immune response, and a natural endorphin boost. The sharp contrast between the cold immersion and sauna heat promotes resilience, reduces inflammation, and improves overall energy levels.
Guests also have access to lockers and two showers. The open space fosters an environment of body positivity and comfort. The atmosphere is social and encouraging, with guests cheering one another on—transforming wellness from an isolated luxury into a shared, empowering lifestyle choice.
Beyond its core services, Revitalise Urban Spa sets itself apart with an array of unique workshops. These include Sauna Soundbaths, guest sauna masters specialising in Aufguss—a German sauna tradition combining heat, aromas, and towel movement techniques—as well as breathwork sessions and even Sauna Astrology. These offerings elevate the experience from routine wellness to something truly enriching, making Revitalise not just a spa, but a vibrant wellness community.
OK, let's talk about results. After spending 40 minutes at full power in the Clearlight sauna, pores were significantly tightened instantaneously, and inflammation had noticeably calmed. Next came a cold shower under the drench bucket—an essential prep step before trying one of the cold baths, an experience we usually dread but endure for the benefits. Afterwards, our lovely host offered an electrolyte drink, and we returned to the sauna to warm up.
Spending an hour and a half not only healing the body but also pushing the mind and reconnecting with oneself felt transformative. To round off the experience, we grabbed a coffee next door in the trendy village and took a peaceful walk in the nearby marshes to connect with nature.
The space is brand new to London and the wellness market, but they will be celebrating their official launch with a weekend event on the 17th and 18th of January.
Start making wellness sanctuaries a normality, not just a treat, this year.
For more information, visit HERE
Revitalise Urban Spa
2 Maple Path, Lower Clapton, London E5 8FD
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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