Gay bathhouse experience
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Don’t worry too much about “doing it right” – the only thing that matters is that you’re having a good time, on your own terms.
So, go ahead, walk into that sauna with your head held high, and take the time to explore a world that’s all about relaxing, connecting, and, ultimately, having a bit of fun.
And there you have it – your go-to guide for navigating a gay sauna.
You can ease in by staying covered as you explore the space, and let your comfort dictate when (or if) you bare all.
Most saunas have relaxation areas where you can unwind and recharge between dips in the jacuzzi or steams, giving you a chance to absorb the atmosphere.
If you’re new to the scene, spend time in the general areas before moving on to more private sections. Or perhaps your trip to Australia or Latin America calls for a classic sauna experience.
Or maybe you’re north of the border and looking to trade hours on the apps for the immersive experience only one of the world’s best bathhouses can provide.
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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Getting there
IYKYK, when it comes to bathhouse (or sauna) culture for gay and bi men.
For first-timers, expect potential sensory overload as you arrive at the front desk.
Related
Gay bathhouse etiquette: Here’s what to expect
Never been to a gay bathhouse?
Become the pain.
4. There can be some overlap, but there are very different intentionalities, philosophies and intended outcomes between the two.
Functionality over Fluff
We think of bathhouses as facilitating transformation, leaving you better off than when you arrived.
Bathhouses and saunas come and go with the years as they have since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Two thousand years later, here’s a selection of the best on six continents.
Europe
The Boiler in Berlin: the gold standard for bathhouses worldwide, with appointments and lighting that make every visitor an object of desire.
Or maybe it’s your first time and you’re curious to see what it’s like? From basic etiquette to how to make the most of your time there, here’s everything you need to know before stepping into a gay sauna with confidence.
Let’s be honest, for many of us, the idea of visiting a gay sauna for the first time can feel like we’ve suddenly been thrust into a live-action version of “choose your own adventure,” with every decision feeling crucial.
Nearby Banos Finisterre gets going at 6 AM after the bars close.
In Puerto Vallarta, Spartacus is located in the heart of the gay mecca’s Zona Romantica. Head straight into the cold plunge or continue on your own journey through the bathhouse.
Know Before You Go
Already booked? The Golden Rule: Sauna Etiquette
Saunas are communal spaces, and just like any social setting, there are unwritten rules that help things flow smoothly.
Work yourself up to three minutes or more in the cold plunge.
How to Sauna
1. Spas, on the other hand, typically only offer private treatment rooms where guests receive individual services, which tend to be isolating.
Although bathhouses usually provide treatments like massage and body scrubs in addition to shared pool and sauna amenities, spas rarely have communal areas.
How to Use the Bathhouse Amenities
How to Cold Plunge
1.
Here are some do’s and don’ts for first-timers, and an insight into what you’ll find. Whether you’re there to relax in the steam room, meet new people, or explore a bit more, this guide will help you glide in with confidence.
1. You can do hard things.
6. This is IRL. This is some frisson-inducing connection to thousands of years’ worth of men gathering in the same spaces and feeling exactly as you do now.
This is blowing your mind.
Sweat it out and don’t forget to hydrate.
5. Control your breathing.