Sóma Bathhouse
On Rose Street in Essendon, Sóma Bathhouse keeps things focused: a magnesium hot spa, an infrared sauna, and a cold plunge. That’s the whole circuit, and the point is doing it properly rather than offering more of it. A 4.8 rating from over a hundred reviews, with cleanliness and design mentioned consistently, suggests the approach is working.
The core offering is the Sóma Trio, a 60-minute session built around temperature contrast. The infrared sauna runs at 60 to 70 degrees and uses both near and far infrared wavelengths, which gives it a different feel from a conventional dry sauna. After that, the ice bath. After that, the magnesium hot spa at 39 degrees. The order matters; each stage makes the next one count.
The sequence is the point. Each element shapes the one that follows.
The venue is small, which works in its favour. You can book communal or private sessions, so if sharing the circuit doesn’t appeal, say so when you reserve. For something in between, the Zen Zone sessions (no talking permitted) run on Tuesday mornings, Thursday afternoons, and Sunday afternoons within the regular schedule.
A few reviewers mention arriving on a weekday afternoon to find the place largely to themselves, though that’s not guaranteed. Weekdays run two sessions with a midday break, weekends are continuous, and Monday is closed. For pricing, the booking flow on the website is the clearest place to look. First-timers get an introductory offer valid for three weeks, but the window opens on purchase rather than on your first visit, so buy it when you’re ready to go. The phone number is 0423 238 408.
The introductory offer clock starts on purchase, not on your first visit. Buy it when you’re actually ready.
FAQ
- What's the main circuit here?
- The signature offering is the Sóma Trio, a 60-minute rotating session between the infrared sauna, ice bath, and magnesium hot spa. It's structured as temperature contrast therapy, so the transitions between heat and cold are part of the point.
- How hot is the magnesium spa, and what temperature is the sauna?
- The magnesium hot spa sits at 39 degrees. The infrared sauna runs between 60–70 degrees, using both near and far infrared wavelengths rather than the conventional steam or dry-heat approach.
- Can I book a private session, or is it communal only?
- Both options exist, there's a communal bathing experience and a private one. Specify which you want when you book.
- Are there quiet sessions available?
- Yes. Zen Zone sessions run Tuesday mornings, Thursday afternoons, and Sunday afternoons with no talking allowed. These sit within the regular operating windows, so if silence matters to you, it's worth timing your visit around them.
- Is there an introductory offer for first-timers?
- There's an exclusive introductory offer for new customers, valid for three weeks from the date of purchase. Use it sooner rather than later, the clock starts on purchase, not first visit.
- What are the opening hours?
- Tuesday to Friday, 9:00am–1:30pm and 3:00–8:00pm (two sessions per day with a break between). Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am–6:00pm. Closed Monday.
15 Rose St, Essendon VIC 3040
Sauna 60–70°C
Zen Zone sessions (Tue mornings, Thu afternoons, Sun afternoons) run silent, no talking allowed.
Information verified 24 July 2026