Othership Flatiron

Othership Flatiron is a sauna and cold-plunge club at 23 West 20th Street in Manhattan, built around a repeated cycle of heat and cold. Guests spend time in a performance sauna heated to as much as 85°C, take a short plunge in one of eight ice baths kept at 0–4°C, then rest in the Social Commons. Othership's suggested starter circuit is 15 to 20 minutes in the sauna, one to three in the plunge and ten at rest, repeated as often as you like.

Sessions come in two forms: guided classes led by a facilitator through each stage, and Free Flow, a self-paced session with a guide on hand for first-timers. Changing is in non-gendered stalls, the space beyond is barefoot, and phones stay in lockers. Access is by single session, class pack or monthly membership, and the club also runs private group rounds.

This is a good fit for people who want heat and cold as a structured, social routine in the city, repeated through the week rather than saved for a holiday. It is not for anyone under 18. Othership asks guests with heart conditions, blood-pressure problems or a history of fainting to use the facilities only with a doctor's approval, and anyone hoping for a silent, solitary soak should expect a communal space.