In June of this year, a new kind of wellness destination opened across from Vancouver’s English Bay Beach. AetherHaus Vancouver introduces a reimagined approach to sauna and cold plunge culture, offering experiences designed to restore presence and connection rather than promote performance. Founded by Vancouver hospitality entrepreneur Kevin Frank, AetherHaus blends ancient European traditions with a sense of warm inclusivity rarely found in modern wellness spaces.
Positioned in one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, AetherHaus stands as a sanctuary from the city’s high-intensity fitness culture. Its ethos is simple yet profound: wellness without pretension. Guests are invited to “show up as they are,” embracing a slower rhythm that prioritizes stillness and authentic connection.
“We created AetherHaus to welcome everyone, not just the hyper health-conscious,” explains Frank. “This is a space for people to simply show up as they are and experience the power of stillness.”
AetherHaus draws its inspiration from German Aufguss, a sauna ritual where aromatic steam is circulated to enhance heat and scent, and Russian Banya, known for its communal, social environment. Both traditions emphasize physical rejuvenation and shared experience, qualities that AetherHaus has adapted to suit Vancouver’s diverse and curious wellness community.
“The Aufguss format is one of our most popular sessions,” says Frank. “It originated in the early eighties with a lot of heat, a lot of steam, and towel fanning. It’s a unique offering that feels both ancient and fresh at the same time.”
The studio’s name also reflects this blend of elements. “In Greek mythology, Aether was the pure air the gods breathed,” Frank explains. “And Haus, the German word for house, evokes warmth, comfort, and belonging. Together, they represent a home for the elements and for connection.”
Designed for Presence, Not Performance
Inside AetherHaus Vancouver, every detail encourages calm and reflection. Guests are asked to leave their phones behind to help maintain a focus on the moment. The design features a Himalayan salt block sauna, communal cold plunge pools, a tranquil tea lounge, and dark, ambient lighting that replaces the harsh brightness found in typical spas.
“The goal here isn’t to push or perform,” adds Dave Gu, AetherHaus’s Program Director. “It’s to allow people to be with themselves in whatever state they need—calm, clarity, or introspection. We’re here to guide, not dictate.”
Unlike most Western sauna facilities that use timers or rigid cycles, AetherHaus encourages guests to tune into their own body’s rhythm. “In Scandinavia, there are no timers,” Frank says. “We’ve intentionally removed that element because it takes away from the experience. Instead, we want you to go within—listen to your body and leave when it feels right.”
The Experiences: From Sound Journeys to Cold Immersion
AetherHaus offers a series of 90-minute semi-guided and open-format sessions designed to suit a variety of moods and needs. Guests can choose from classes such as Haus Classic, Sound Journey, Breath and Sound, Yin Stretch, The Cold Enthusiast, The Pause, The Release, and The Space Within. Each session integrates sensory and meditative elements, including live music and breathwork, to help participants reset.
For those seeking flexibility, Open Haus sessions allow guests to move freely between the sauna, plunge pools, and tea lounge. Guides circulate aromatic steam infused with organic flowers or tree essences, enriching the multisensory experience.
Frank notes that many visitors have quickly found their own rhythm. “Some guests come for recovery after a workout, others for relaxation or reflection. What’s beautiful is how everyone connects through the shared experience, even in silence.”
A Cold Plunge Revolution in Vancouver
Cold exposure is a core pillar of the AetherHaus philosophy. The studio’s communal cold plunge pools are the first of their kind in Vancouver, accommodating both group and individual immersion experiences. Temperatures vary to suit beginners and experienced plungers alike.
AetherHaus’s cold program is led by Gu and Jon West, both trained in the Wim Hof Method, which combines breathwork and cold immersion to enhance physical and mental resilience. The pair have also trained the studio’s guide team to provide safe, informed instruction.
“Cold exposure has incredible circulatory and mental health benefits,” Frank says. “It’s not about endurance, it’s about awareness. You learn to work with your breath and body, rather than against them.”
He adds that results often come quickly. “Even after a couple of days, people notice their tolerance building. The benefits vary. Some find it helps with inflammation, others with mental clarity. We hear stories from athletes and people with arthritis saying it’s made a real difference.”
Vancouver’s First Fully Compliant Communal Cold Plunge
In creating AetherHaus, Frank and his team worked closely with City of Vancouver and Coastal Health authorities to meet the highest public health and safety standards. The studio is the first in the city purpose-built to comply fully with regulations governing communal cold plunge facilities, setting a precedent for hygiene and operational integrity.
“Every detail, from the water quality to the filtration systems, was designed with safety in mind,” Frank notes. “Guests can immerse themselves completely, knowing that everything meets or exceeds public health standards.”
The design of the plunge area itself reflects the studio’s aesthetic philosophy. “We call it the Ice Cave,” says Frank. “It’s a rock-walled space that feels almost elemental, a contrast to the heat of the Himalayan salt sauna.”
Building Community at English Bay
The 3,100-square-foot studio sits just steps from the English Bay shoreline, a location chosen both for its natural beauty and its strong sense of community. “English Bay felt like the right fit,” says Frank. “It’s a dense, walkable neighborhood where people already engage with the outdoors including the Polar Bear Swim, the beach, the seawall. It made sense to build something that complements that lifestyle.”
The space quickly became a point of local curiosity during construction. “Our hoarding was up for more than a year while we worked through permitting,” Frank recalls. “We had constant emails from people asking when we were opening. Locals were excited to see something new coming to the neighborhood.”
Since opening, AetherHaus has seen strong local engagement. “Many residents signed up for founding memberships before even stepping inside,” says Frank. “We’ve had a wonderful response from the community.”
Hospitality at Its Core
AetherHaus’s success is grounded in hospitality, a reflection of Frank’s own professional roots. Every guest interaction is handled with care, and much of the praise the studio has received centers around its people.
“We get so many comments about how friendly and helpful our staff are,” Frank says proudly. “It’s the most rewarding part.”
Program Director Gu personally selected every member of the team through his own wellness network. “We didn’t even have to post a job ad,” Frank shares. “Dave handpicked everyone who works here, and that sense of purpose shows up in how guests are treated.”
The result is an atmosphere that feels deeply human. The tea lounge offers complimentary loose-leaf teas for reflection between sauna and plunge sessions, encouraging conversation or quiet contemplation. The entire design encourages community and calm rather than speed or competition.
Setting the Tone for the Future of Wellness
While AetherHaus Vancouver is the first location, Frank envisions more studios over time. “In the near future, I’d love to open a second location in Vancouver,” he says. “Eventually, maybe Whistler or the Okanagan. I could see two or three locations over the next five years.”
Each would stay true to the brand’s intentional design principles. “Our 3,100-square-foot English Bay location works really well, but future spaces could be a bit larger,” he adds. “It’s hard to find big spaces in downtown Vancouver, but there’s room to grow.”
For Frank, the goal isn’t rapid expansion but thoughtful evolution. “We’re not trying to chase trends. We’re building something with meaning, something that can genuinely make people’s lives better.”
