I Went to AIRE Ancient Baths—Here's Why You Should Go Too

As a former nurse, I am well-versed in being a hypocrite. “Eat your veggies,” I’d say, knowing damn well I had a Reese’s bar instead of that Trader Joe’s pre-made salad for lunch 32 minutes prior. “Get quality sleep,” I’d suggest with a twitch in my eye, actively suffering the consequences of staying up until 2 a.m. watching The Vampire Diaries the previous night. “Take care of your mental health,” I’d recommend, unable to recall the last time that I set aside one singular hour for self-care.

So, while I know that taking a few hours to indulge in self-care can be a game-changer when it comes to reducing stress, improving energy levels, and even reducing your risk of illness, getting myself to actually do it can be a challenge. But last week, I finally carved out some “me time” at AIRE Ancient Baths, and after just a few hours of floating and unplugging, I was reminded of just how much payoff you get from investing time and energy into yourself.

When I got back to work after a morning of enjoying AIRE’s thermal baths and taking them up on their Love Myself Massage, I was bamboozled to find that I was … energized? Genuinely happy to answer an email? Cool as a cucumber while putting out a work fire? And when I went to the office the next day sans my Starbucks and my signature stress-induced grimace, my coworkers were simply shocked to their core. I was on cloud nine and nearly unrecognizable.

It’s not too good to be true, and with locations in Chicago and New York, I am truly preaching the word of AIRE Ancient Baths to anyone who will listen.

AIRE Ancient Baths

AIRE Experiences

With packages available for their thermal baths, indulgent massages, revitalizing treatments, and signature Experiences (we’re looking at you, red-wine soak), booking a visit for yourself or gifting it via their Gift Box or E-Gift is a one-way-ticket to rejuvenation.

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What is AIRE Ancient Baths?

I’ve lived in Chicago since 2019, so naturally, I’ve heard whispers over the years about how magical AIRE is. But even going in with high hopes, I can honestly say that their services and space blew every expectation I had out of the water (pun intended). Inspired by the bathing traditions of ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman civilizations, AIRE spaces offer unique, immersive wellness Experiences dedicated to full mind and body relaxation. Read: You’ll be transported to another dimension where time and stress simply don’t exist. When I stepped foot in the space, I had three consecutive thoughts: 1) This place is absolutely massive, 2) AIRE is not your average spa, and 3) I cannot believe I’m actually in my hometown right now.

All of the AIRE Experiences include access to their Thermal Baths, but even beyond that, they offer a diverse range of body treatments and packages that make for the ultimate treat-yourself-experience. As soon as I left the facility (and was catapulted back into reality … womp), I immediately hopped back onto their website to grab a gift box for my sister’s birthday because, candidly, it’s the gift I want to receive every holiday and birthday for the foreseeable future. Read on for more about what AIRE Ancient Baths has to offer (or just skip to the good part and check it out yourself).

What they offer:

Thermal Baths

I’ve been in a few hot tubs in my day, but beyond that, I underestimated how baths can play a pivotal role in the wellness space. At AIRE, each thermal bath is set at a different temperature to target complete mind and body relaxation. After getting a quick tour of the space, I learned the ins and outs of each bath so that I could tailor the experience to my needs. Here’s what my session consisted of:

Tepidarium: After receiving a tour, my guide suggested I start in the Tepidarium because it’s closest to body temperature. At 95 F, this one was like a warm hug and a great kickoff to the experience.
Caldarium: After a few minutes of soaking in the Tepidarium, I waddled on over to the Caldarium, which is a hot bath clocking in at 102 F. This one was definitely warmer than the first but not too hot and I could practically feel my stress melting away.
Frigidarium: Cold plunges have been all the rage in the wellness world, so I wanted to give one of AIRE’s cold baths a go. While the 50 F one was a bit too chilly for me on my first attempt, I was able to take advantage of the 55 F one for a few minutes which has so many benefits for energy levels, muscle recovery, metabolism, and more. If you saw me mentally hyping myself up for 16 minutes before I actually got in, no you didn’t. ❤️
Palestra: AIRE’s Chicago location has a serene indoor/outdoor bath with a temperature of 102 F. The contrast of the city’s cool air with the heated water felt so refreshing, and truly, I never wanted to leave. My inbox can manage without me, right?
Flotarium: In my humble opinion, the Flotarium was the star of the show and one I’ll dream about until the end of time. This rich, salt-density bath allows you to float effortlessly, plus, you can listen to a meditative soundtrack underwater, which is the coolest thing ever. I could have floated there for days if it weren’t for the Love Myself Massage calling my name and luring me towards a new adventure.
Balneum: AKA, the one-thousand jets bath. This one is incredible for muscle recovery, which makes it a great choice for athletes and WFH warriors, alike.
Aromatherapy steam rooms: Last but not least, AIRE had not one but two aromatherapy steam rooms—one with invigorating eucalyptus and one with gentle lavender. I kept bopping back and forth between the two, but if I had to choose, the eucalyptus one won me over because it cleared my sinuses and made me feel like a new woman.

Add-On Experiences

I would have been genuinely happy just using the Thermal Baths, but I also had the opportunity to try the Love Myself Massage, and y’all … the Indulgent Massage Experiences are where it’s at. This 45-minute massage transported me to another dimension, and let me tell you: I have not been that relaxed since I was in the womb. Not sure if it was my incredible massage therapist (shoutout Mindy, I love your work) or the basalt stones which were the height of luxury, but whatever they’re doin’ is working. And if their Athlete Massages or their Ancient Argan Massages are even half as relaxing as the one I received, I can confidently say that they’re worth a try.

Beyond their massage treatments, AIRE Ancient Baths offers Renewing Ritual Experiences that serve up next-level pampering. I’m talking about a Holistic Ritual which includes a honey hair mask, green tea-infused body scrub, and a massage. Read: my idea of a good time. And if a Himalayan salt crystal body wrap sounds right up your alley, you’ll want to check out their iconic Himalayan Salt Ritual, which has your name written all over it.

If the massages or rituals don’t sell you, their location-specific Signature Experiences will. On my personal bucket list? The Signature Wine Experience For Two, which includes a 30-minute private red wine soak, a cranial massage with a honey and propolis hydrating mask, a 60-minute full-body massage, plus a Spanish wine and cheese tasting. If you’re my fiancé, and you’re reading this … you know what to do.

Gift Boxes and E-Gifts

My jaw was on the floor for the entirety of my time at AIRE, and while I was there, I couldn’t stop thinking of how I wanted every single person I know to have their own AIRE Experience. Because I visited in peak gifting season, you already know I am gifting AIRE to as many of my people as I can this year. AIRE offers gift boxes in elegant packaging (think: influencer PR box), which includes a brochure and a card to help your loved one get excited about their Experience. There’s also an option for e-gifts that deliver the magic of AIRE Ancient Baths right to their inbox. Nothing says, “I love and appreciate you,” quite like a wellness experience that’ll make them more relaxed than they’ve been in years.

The Verdict

If you live in New York or Chicago (or happen to be taking a trip to either soon), AIRE Ancient Baths is a must to check off of your wellness bucket list, and it’s even worth specifically planning a trip around, IMO. From their massive facility that is as clean as it is tranquil to the stunning architecture that lends itself to a private experience (even when other customers are in there, too), it’s truly an oasis for anyone who needs a little TLC in their life. AIRE Ancient Baths: I’ll be back … don’t miss me too much.