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Steam and Stillness at Capybara Bathing
26/06/2025
There’s something wildly indulgent about clocking out of the workday and straight into 90 minutes of self-prescribed serenity — and at Capybara Bathhouse in Surry Hills, that’s exactly what we did. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure for your nervous system. Only instead of dragons or puzzles, there’s mineral-rich pools, steaming saunas, and cold plunges that will humble even the bravest among us.
My boyfriend and I tried Capybara’s bathing experience with a Best Wellness gift card in hand—and while it made for a unique date night, this is one solo-friendly sanctuary too.
First Impressions: Essential Oils and Instant Calm
Walking in, the vibe was equal parts zen and luxe—clean lines, moody lighting, and a whisper of essential oils in the air. Minimalist, warm, and immediately soothing. The kind of place where your shoulders drop the second you walk through the door.
We were greeted with the kind of friendliness that doesn’t feel forced: slides and towels handed over in a heartbeat, followed by a relaxed tour of the space. Our guide walked us through each bathing element, offering little tips like a seasoned bathhouse whisperer.
The Circuit: Steam, Soak, Plunge, Repeat
Capybara doesn’t have a rigid program — you’re free to do what you want, when you want. But we followed their suggested flow to get the full effect.
First, a quick communal rinse under moody lights and pink tiles that made everything feel soft and cinematic. Luxe essential-oil body wash? Tick.
Then, into the hot stone sauna. Scented with cedar and set to a sweat-inducing 90°C, we were slick within minutes, but not uncomfortable. Just... releasing. The kind of sweat that feels like it’s dragging the week out of you.
Post-sauna, it was time for a gentle float in the mineral bath. Sunken into the floor and kept at a dreamy 38°C, this pool is like a warm hug for your muscles.
Feeling self-assured, we hit the cold plunge next. And oh boy — she bites. A small above-ground cedar tub just wide enough for two, it takes your breath away in the best possible way. I made it to 20 seconds on the third try. My boyfriend, smugly submerged for two minutes, was positively glowing with endorphins afterwards.
From there, it was into the steam room. Thick clouds made everything feel still and sacred. This was my favourite part: a slow, sensory sauna you could disappear into.
We scrubbed down with magnesium salts (your skin will thank you), cooled off on the ice bench (your body will panic and then thank you), and sipped on earthy barley tea in the lounge (your tastebuds will blink twice, then thank you).
And then we did it all again. Twice.
The Afterglow
By the end, we were borderline puddles. My skin felt buttery, my brain blissed out, and my anxiety? Nowhere to be seen. My boyfriend was ready to nap right there on the couch.
This was nothing like the hectic bathhouse experiences I’ve had overseas — this felt slow, elegant, and entirely on your own terms.
Final Verdict
Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Would I recommend it? To absolutely everyone.
Whether it’s a date night, bestie bonding session, solo reset, or recovery day, Capybara delivers serious chill. And if you want to level it up? I’ve got my eye on their Sunday morning bathing + sound healing class — a sensory experience I’m now convinced my soul requires.
