Silence or Social? Honoring the Ancient Roots (and Modern Inspirations) of the Spa Experience
Roman baths in Bath, England.
At Tulē, every design decision we make feels like it carries more weight than just function. We’re not only building an urban wellness retreat in Davis, California, we’re building an experience. One that blends ancient rituals with modern needs. One that helps people reset and reconnect.
Lately, we’ve been sitting with one particular question:
Should Tulē be a silent space… or a social one?
If you’re a visual person, check out the post on our instagram on this topic!
Ancient Roots of Wellness as a Social Ritual
Historically, public baths and wellness spaces have been deeply communal. In ancient Rome, the thermae were sprawling hubs where people didn’t just soak—they shared meals, discussed politics, made business deals, and lingered for hours. In Turkey, hammams were places of ritual, healing, and connection—social wellness at its core. Even the Japanese onsen and Nordic saunas, while more meditative, held an unspoken invitation to be together in quiet harmony.
These weren’t transactional pit stops.
They were vital third spaces. Places to be human together.
Drawing Inspiration from Modern-Day Bathhouses
As we’ve designed Tulē, I’ve spent a lot of time visiting and studying the places that have influenced me most.
🌿 Aire Ancient Baths—have mastered the sacred silence approach. These spaces feel like a deep exhale. Phones off. Voices low. The kind of environment where you return to yourself.
🔥 On the flip side, Othership in New York and Canada completely reimagined the sauna experience as a social ritual—and it works. People connect, laugh, even cry together in saunas and cold plunges, often supported by music and guided breathwork. It feels electric in the most grounded way.
Both approaches have moved me deeply. And both have a place in the modern wellness world.
So... What Vibe Should Tulē Have?
We don’t think we need to choose just one.
Silence helps us reset.
Connection helps us belong.
So maybe the answer is to do both—intentionally.
At Tulē, we’re exploring the idea of:
Silent hours for deep restoration and mindfulness
Social hours for connection, conversation, and shared energy
Designing each zone—sauna, steam, cold plunge, float pool, and lounge—with its own unique rhythm and vibe
The goal? To help you find what you need most, when you need it.
Help Us Design the Vibe
We’d love your voice in this process.
Do you lean toward silence and solitude when you recharge?
Do you crave laughter, shared space, and organic connection?
Would you appreciate the option for designated hours for each experience?
Let us know your thoughts—your input is shaping the heart of Tulē.
Thanks for walking this journey with us as we build something timeless, modern, and most importantly—yours.
Warmly,
Miles G.
Founder, Tulē