My first Othership experience as a sauna lover and ice bath beginner

I’ve always liked saunas. Ice baths, on the other hand, were something I had never tried before. To be honest, I wasn’t even entirely sure I wanted to do it.

But after hearing about Othership, I finally went for my first visit. I was curious about the combination of sauna and cold plunge, but what made me feel more comfortable trying it was the guided format. Having someone walk me through the experience made a huge difference, especially when it came to the part involving very, very cold water.

And I’m not going to lie, yes, the ice bath was extremely challenging. I was only able to stay in for about 6 seconds on first try (instead of the 2-minute goal). My love for saunas did not magically translate into a love for being cold. At all.

So, what Is Othership?

Othership is a modern bathhouse that combines sauna, ice baths, and guided breathwork. There are 2 locations in New York City: Flatiron and Williamsburg. Its approach emphasizes the experience itself, with music-driven sauna sessions and opportunities to connect with other people, too. Alongside guided classes, it offers Free Flow sessions for those who prefer to move through the space at their own pace, with guides available for support on-site.

For my first time, I went for a Free Flow session because I figured I might feel intimidated in a guided class. But the vibe was so great and stress-free; no one made me feel stupid for asking questions. Everyone was so approachable and friendly.

You can use promo code TRICIACHEN for 11% off at Othership. This applies to the intro 3 pack, intro 2 week, single credit, and the 5, 10, 20, and 50 class packs, too. Or click here to book your intro offer.

Why having a guide made all the difference

When you’re new to ice baths, even the basic questions can take up a lot of space in your head. Like, a lot. How long do I stay in? Is what I’m feeling normal? When do I switch? What order does everything happen in?

Having a guide meant I could follow the session’s timing and transitions instead of making those decisions myself. It gave me reassurance that there was a structure to what we were doing. And that was probably my favorite part of the experience. I could enjoy the sauna, approach something unfamiliar, and let someone else handle the sequence. As someone who spends a lot of her day making decisions for work and motherhood, I appreciated that more than I expected.

The ice bath was a challenge

I was already comfortable with the idea of sitting in a sauna. The ice bath was where things got… interesting.

I found it challenging, and I wouldn’t describe that part as relaxing if I’m being 100% honest. But I was glad my first attempt happened in a guided setting. Trying something unfamiliar felt more approachable when I had that support, rather than having to figure it all out on my own.

I’m not going to pretend one visit turned me into an ice bath enthusiast. It did, however, give me a chance to try something I had been curious about and understand the experience for myself.

The practical details I appreciated

The space was clean, the staff was kind and friendly, and drinking water was available in lots of places. These might sound like small details, but they mattered to me. Cleanliness is something I notice immediately in a shared wellness space, and welcoming staff makes a first visit feel easier.

I also appreciated how easy it was to find water. It’s a simple convenience, but when you’re spending time in a sauna, it’s one you notice.

So, what makes Othership different?

What stood out to me was the structure. The guided format made the sauna and ice bath feel like parts of one thoughtfully arranged experience.

Othership’s broader offering adds other layers, too. Depending on the class, sessions can include aromatherapy, towel waving, movement, guided breathwork, etc. The elements vary by format, so it’s worth reading the class description before booking, just FYI!

There’s also a social side to Othership, with a commons area and experiences designed around connection. That gives it a different feel from the idea of going somewhere simply to sit quietly by yourself in a sauna. When I was there, I noticed some people would say hi to one another as they walked through the space; I imagine they see each other at Othership often and have started recognizing each other!

For me, though, the most meaningful difference was having someone lead the experience. I didn’t need to arrive already knowing how everything worked. Assistance was within reach and I found that so helpful.

My take after my first visit

I enjoyed my first Othership experience, even though the cold plunge pushed me way outside of my comfort zone.

The combination of a clean space, kind staff, easy access to water, and a guided session made it a welcoming introduction. The guidance was really what brought everything together for me. I also love that it’s an option where you can just go with a friend and hang out there, like “a night out” but something different.

If you’re curious about Othership but have never tried an ice bath, that’s the part of my experience I’d highlight most: I appreciated being able to show up as a beginner and follow along. Here’s an intro offere if you want to give it a try, too: https://othership.us/copilot/intro-offer?id=TRICIACHEN

Hope you guys found this post helpful! As always, thank you for stopping by Happily Ever Style.

xoxo,

Tricia

What others are reading now: