After being smashed with an unprecedented cost of living crisis, battered by smoky haze and with an El Niño heatwave on the cards for later this year, Sydneysiders are long overdue for a bit of pampering, but there is good news. Soak Bathhouse, the ultra-luxury spa, social wellness and relaxation hub, is set to open its doors to a new boutique in Bondi. The only downside? We’ll have to wait a little longer before we can finally unwind.
Slated to open as part of the new Vertical development, Soak Bathhouse Bondi Junction will officially kick off in late 2024, bringing a familiar brand of relaxation to the iconic beach suburb. Described as a ‘fusion of urban convenience and natural serenity’, the new outpost will offer access to two large mineral pools, three hot springs-inspired thermal spas, a sauna, a steam room, a cold plunge pool and something referred to only as ‘an invigorating cold bucket’.
“So many Sydneysiders lead busy lives and sometimes we forget to make time for ourselves. Soak offers an opportunity to create some downtime, either individually or with friends, where people can spend 90 minutes and get a microdose of self-care on a regular basis,” Soak Bathhouse co-owner Alexis Dean said. “Offering convenience and affordability was high on the list of priorities when setting out on the journey of developing Soak Bathhouse because it is something that is not typically associated with day spas and wellness.”
The luxe new spa will be the third to be unveiled under the Soak nameplate and the first outside of Queensland, following boutiques at the Gold Coast and West End in Brisbane’s southern CBD area. The Sydney location will offer a more upscale service list, however, with the local market presumably dictating a more holistic approach to wellbeing.
To meet demand, Alexis and Niki Dean have shelled out for a series of state-of-the-art machines and incorporated premium luxury treatment packages, guests will be able to choose from a range of options that includes infrared saunas, LED facials, and full body massage.
The elevated offering also extends to the fit-out, with the Luigi Rosselli Architects’ developed design of the Verdical building providing the perfect backdrop for the brand’s inviting aesthetic. Soak Bathhouse Bondi Junction will feature a design laden with natural materials, which Dean suggested gave an ‘authentic touch of nature’ while still providing a sense of luxury.
“The vibrant, central location of Bondi Junction fits perfectly with our philosophy of creating natural environments in urban locations,” Dean said. “Our goal is to create a space that offers a moment of escapism to a nature-filled experience, similar to that of a hinterland hot spring. Because we are creating an indoor oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of Sydney, our plan is to bring the nature element in ourselves.
Soak Bathhouse Bondi Junction will be located in the Vertical development, with plans to open to the public in late 2024. You can currently visit the brand’s two existing locations in Mermaid Beach and Brisbane.
