Wellington’s New Bathhouse, Sink, Is Offering A Place Of Connection

When Sasha Ortega opened Hoi pilates studio in six years ago, she didn't expect it to become such a hub for connection. "I watched people treat their hour at Hoi as the one part of the week that was entirely theirs," she tells me. "People made friends there, would stand outside under the awning in the rain to chat to each other." 

It felt natural to extend that opportunity for connection and create a space that encouraged people to settle in and linger for a while. That manifested itself as Sink, a new bathhouse in Miramar which is, as Ortega tells me, in many ways "an extension of Hoi". 

Image Credit: Adrian Vercoe | Supplied

Home to a dry traditional cedar sauna, and two large magnesium pools, one warm at 38 degrees, and one cold at 12 degrees, each 90 minute session encourages visitors to move between the space at their own pace, taking time througout the spaces as they see fit.

There is an audible element woven into Sink too. "Music is a big part of what makes Sink unique," explains Ortega. "We are building programming across the week and have recently welcomed our first weekly resident DJ. We're also hosting album listening sessions, built around a single album played start to finish." 

Image Credit: Adrian Vercoe | Supplied

And while most bathhouses are established as individual experiences, at Sink, community and connection sit at the heart of the space. "In the last three weeks of being open, I've seen two ladies leave saying they solved all of their problems, people swap numbers for friendship, people reading, stranfers talking, friends catching up—and basically everyone leaving with their eyes half shut," she tells me. "I honestly couldn't be happier. It's been a gnarly year building this space with literal blood, sweat, and tears, but a lot of hope to see it be used like this." 

More than simply an experience for the exterior, Sink is intended for holistic wellness; for the body yes, but also the mind, the soul and the heart. Connection is a big part of that, and that's exactly what Sink hopes to foster.