What Is a Bathhouse? (And Why They’re Making a Comeback in the USA)
HUUM sauna in a modern bathhouse sauna.
So… what exactly is a bathhouse?
When I tell people I’m opening a bathhouse in Davis, I usually get one of two reactions:
“Wow, that sounds amazing. Like saunas and hot springs?”
“…uh, what exactly happens in a bathhouse?”
A fair question — especially since the U.S. hasn’t historically been home to many.
A bathhouse is essentially a community spa and wellness center built around water, heat, and recovery rituals. Think of it as the original “spa,” long before the modern luxury spa became a place for facials and massages. Historically, bathhouses were where people gathered to sweat, soak, and restore together.
A short history lesson (the fun kind)
Roman Baths: Giant social hubs where everyone, from senators to laborers, came to relax and restore.
Turkish Hammams: Steam-filled spaces that combined ritual, community, and deep rest.
Japanese Onsens & Sentōs: Natural mineral baths rooted in healing and cultural tradition.
Across cultures, bathhouses were always about more than “getting clean.” They were about community, recovery, and connection.
Why are bathhouses making a comeback in California?
Today, people are searching for more than a workout or a massage. They want holistic wellness experiences. Places to unplug, recharge, and reconnect. That’s why modern bathhouses in California and beyond are experiencing a major revival.
From Asha Urban Baths in Sacramento to Aire Ancient Baths in New York and Othership in Toronto/NYC, people are rediscovering the timeless benefits of saunas, cold plunges, and communal hydrotherapy.
Some are silent sanctuaries, perfect for meditation and reflection. Others are social wellness clubs where conversations and laughter flow between rounds in the sauna and ice bath.
Either way, the trend is clear: bathhouses are redefining modern wellness in California and across the U.S.
Enter Tulē: A new bathhouse near Sacramento
When Tulē opens in Davis, we’ll be bringing this global tradition to our own backyard creating the most unique urban bathhouse and spa near Sacramento.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
Saunas built from aromatic cedar, designed for deep heat therapy.
Cold plunges for contrast therapy and recovery.
Steam Rooms to help clear the sinuses and reduce inflammation.
Epsom salt float pool for stress relief, recovery, and true weightlessnes.
Resting lounges where you can truly exhale.
Coffee, tea, and juice bar to unwind and slow down with a friend.
This isn’t just about recovery. It’s about creating a community wellness retreat in Davis — a place designed to support health, longevity, and connection.
Why Davis needs a wellness retreat
Davis is already known for its bikes, farmers’ markets, and healthy living, but it’s never had a true urban wellness retreat. Tulē will change that, blending the ancient bathhouse tradition with modern recovery science and the comfort of a down-to-earth and affordable spa in Davis that feels like luxury.
Because wellness isn’t just about what you do alone. It’s about the spaces you share with others.
✨ Your turn: Have you ever been to a bathhouse in California or abroad? Message us, I’d love to hear about your experience.
👉 Want to see Tulē come to life? Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates on Davis’ first urban bathhouse and spa.