AetherHaus, a 31,000sq ft contrast bathing facility, has opened to the public and members in the West End of Vancouver, minutes from English Bay Beach, Canada.

Owned by founder Kevin Frank, the studio has been designed as an inclusive space with an ethos of warm hospitality.

AetherHaus offers a range of semi-guided and self-guided sessions in addition to a cold plunge programme led by certified instructors.

In order to foster connection and allow guests to create deeper relationships with themselves and the community, the space is a phone-free environment. This is an intentional choice, to provide a no-pressure and no-pretence environment.

Frank said: “We created AetherHaus to welcome everyone, not just the hyper health-conscious. This is a space for people to simply show up as they are and experience the power of stillness.”

The name is based on the Greek mythological essence that gods breathed, called ‘aether’. ‘Haus’ comes from the German word for ‘house’, which evokes a sense of belonging and shared experience. Together, the words represent a home for the elements and connection.

A spokesperson told Spa Business that AetherHaus would like to expand across British Columbia and is aiming to open a second location in 2027.

Facilities

The property has a large Himalayan salt sauna (supplied by Vancouver Sauna), group cold plunge pools in varying temperatures by Ice Works Bath Co and a tea lounge.

Pacific Solution worked on the construction, with Karina Hamnan who designed the studio. An artist, Ronan Boyle, created the facility’s ice cave and rock wall and Inform Interiors designed the lighting.

Programmes

AetherHaus offers a cold plunge experience led by in-house instructors who are certified in the breathing and cold exposure practice known as the Wim Hof method.

Instructors Dave Gu and Jon West have trained the AetherHaus guide team to provide advice that can be adapted depending on contrast bathers’ level of experience.

In addition to free-flow sessions that allow for different preferences and moods (group/ silent/ ambient sessions), guests can take part in 90-minute semi-guided programmes to experience the facilities.

• Haus Classic – This is an Aufguss-inspired sauna ritual that uses darkness, curated playlists and high heat for guests to experience self reflection.

• Sound Journey – Skilled musicians play singing bowls, the flute, guitar, percussion and other instruments live during a meditative practice to promote relaxation.

• Breath and Sound – Similar to the above Sound Journey, this experience features live music, vocal expressions and breathwork.

• Yin Stretch – AetherHaus’ in-house yoga teacher leads a grounding session via a series of deep stretches, gentle twists and breathing exercises.

• The Cold Enthusiast – This session provides practical tools and expert guidance to deepen guests’ cold exposure practice for a more intentional connection with the cold.

• The Pause – This experience emphasises stillness and silence, with three silent meditations.

• The Release – Gentle movement, breathwork, vocal release and towel waving are all used to help guests release tension and reset themselves emotionally.

• The Space Within – This is a guided meditation journey using music and visualisation prompts.

Business model

The studio offers a hybrid model, offering both session-based pricing and recurring memberships for more consistent access.

A single drop-in session costs CA$48 (US$35, €30, £26) and a 10-session pass costs CA$440 (US$321, €275, £238). Off-peak prices are also on offer.

Various membership packages are available. An unlimited membership costs CA$275 (US$201, €172, £149) per month.

The company also advertises private sessions for team building, which could suit corporate wellbeing retreats. Though the studio does not have treatment rooms for massage, AetherHaus offers the Russian Banya massage ritual to these group sessions. This involves a therapy of vigorously applying veniks (a bundle of leafy twigs) to the body to improve circulation and open pores.