Elahni is a first of its kind Wellness Speakeasy®. As a private, immersive space designed for deep restoration, we blend the timeless practice of Temperature Contrast — through a traditional Finnish sauna and ice baths — with an adaptogenic tonic bar and a curated library, creating an atmosphere that invites both stillness and connection.

Is this contrast therapy?

We call what we do Temperature Contrast, a guided experience alternating Finnish sauna at 180°F and ice bath immersion at 39°F. While the practice shares roots with contrast therapy, our approach is different: every session is hosted and guided, limited to four guests, and designed around nervous system restoration rather than physical recovery alone. If you're searching for contrast therapy in NYC, this is what it looks like when the experience is built from first principles.

What is Temperature Contrast?

Temperature Contrast is Elahni's guided practice of alternating between extreme heat (Finnish sauna at approximately 180°F) and cold immersion (ice bath at 39°F) across three intentional rounds. Each session includes breathing guidance, aromatherapy, and adaptogenic beverages. The practice trains your nervous system to move between states of activation and recovery with greater ease, building resilience that extends beyond the session into daily life.

Is Elahni a self-guided experience?

No, Elahni is not a free-flow space. Our sessions are thoughtfully facilitated to create a structured and intentional journey. This ensures every guest experiences the full restorative benefits of our practices. As such, it is important each guest arrives at least 5, ideally 10, minutes early.

What does a typical session at Elahni include?

Each Temperature Contrast session blends aromatherapy-infused heat exposure, ice bath immersions, and moments of stillness. You'll also have access to our adaptogenic tonic bar and curated library, all within an intimate setting designed for reflection and renewal.

What are the benefits?

Temperature Contrast at Elahni supports nervous system regulation, improved sleep quality, more stable energy levels, faster physical recovery, and a calmer stress response. The alternation between heat and cold trains your autonomic nervous system to shift between activation and rest more efficiently. Over time, your capacity to stay composed through challenging experiences deepens.

How many people are in a session?

A maximum of four. This is intentional. Our intimate scale creates the conditions for psychological safety, authentic connection, and the kind of nervous system downregulation that large group settings cannot provide.

Do I need prior experience with saunas or ice baths?

Not at all! Our guided sessions are designed for all experience levels. Our hosts will support you throughout, offering guidance and modifications to ensure your comfort and safety.

What should I bring to my session?

We provide towels & have lockers & showers available. We recommend bringing a swimsuit and a water bottle. Minimalist, comfortable clothing is ideal for both the sauna and ice baths.

Yes we have men's and women's locker room with showers, hairdryers, etc.

How long is each session?

Sessions are 70 minutes, however please allow allow a little more time after for changing & having a drink at our tea & tonic bar.

Can I book a private session?

Yes! We offer private bookings for individuals or small groups looking for a more personalized experience. Please contact us directly for availability and pricing: team@elahni.com

Is Elahni suitable for people with health conditions?

If you have any health concerns, especially related to cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before participating. Please let our team know of any concerns so we can best support you.

Is there an age limit?

Yes, all guest must be at least 18 years of age.

Do you allow walk-ins?

No, all sessions must be booked in advance. please see our reservations page or email for more info.

How is Elahni different from a bathhouse or spa?

Elahni is not a spa or bathhouse. We're a wellness studio focused on nervous system health through guided Temperature Contrast. Sessions are limited to four guests. Every session is actively guided by a host. The experience is designed around interoceptive awareness, training your ability to sense and regulate your internal state. We call ourselves a wellness speakeasy because the space is intimate, intentionally hidden, and designed for depth over volume.

Where is Elahni located?

12 W 27th St, Floor 2, NoMad, Manhattan. The entrance is intentionally discreet. We share exact arrival details when you book. No walk-ins; all sessions are by reservation only.

Session Details

Your First Visit

Q: When should I arrive?

To honor the experience for everyone, our doors close 10 minutes after each session begins. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to settle in. If you arrive later than this window, entry cannot be guaranteed.

70 Minutes · 3 Rounds

Bring

A swimsuit
A water bottle, if you like
Minimalist, comfortable clothing

We provide

A dedicated host
Electrolyte drinks during, tea and tonics after
Locker rooms with showers, towels, and hairdryers

Arrival

WELCOME · CHANGE · OVERVIEW

Aim to arrive about 10 minutes before your session. Our doors close 10 minutes after each session begins, so we ask that you plan accordingly. Your host meets you at the door and walks you through what’s ahead.

The essentials

Duration

70 minutes

Plus time to change and visit the tea & tonic bar.

From

$65

Per seat, semi-private. Private sessions also available.

Where

NoMad, NYC

12 W 27th St, 2nd Floor. The entrance is intentionally discreet.

Group size

Four

Never more than four guests. Every session is hosted.

Finnish Sauna

SESSION BEGINS · 180°F / 82°C

Three rounds of Finnish sauna and ice bath, alternating, paced by your host. Hydrating electrolyte drinks are served between rounds in the sauna. Breathing guidance is offered at the cold.

Ice Bath

1–3 MIN · 39°F / 4°C · BREATHING GUIDANCE

Between each sauna, the ice bath. Your host guides the breathing and stays close. We aim for sixty seconds to start. If you feel steady, you’re welcome to extend up to three minutes.

Closing

TEA & TONIC · LOUNGE OR TO-GO

At the bar, tea and adaptogenic tonics are offered to support integration. You’re welcome to enjoy it in our lounge as the nervous system settles, or take it with you.

Reserve a Session Feel the Flow

For first-timers

Common Questions

I've never done an ice bath. Will I be okay?

Most of our guests are first-timers. Your host stays with you the whole way through and offers breathing guidance at the cold. You control how long you stay in. Many guests find the second and third rounds more comfortable than the first.

Can I come alone?

Yes. Many of our guests come solo. The session is designed for an intimate group of up to four, and the host carries the structure so you can settle in without needing to bring anyone.

Are there health considerations I should know about?

Temperature contrast involves exposure to extreme heat (about 180°F) and extreme cold (about 39°F). If you have any cardiovascular or respiratory concerns, are pregnant, or have other relevant medical history, please consult your healthcare provider before booking. All guests must be 18 or older.

When should I arrive?

About 10 minutes before your session. Doors close 10 minutes after each session begins to keep the experience intact for everyone in the room, so we can't guarantee entry after that.

What's your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made more than 24 hours before your session receive a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for an automatic refund due to our intimate session sizes; if you have an exceptional circumstance, email team@elahni.com and we'll look at it case by case. Our full policy lives in our Terms.

How do I find you?

We're on the second floor at 12 W 27th Street in NoMad, Manhattan. The entrance is intentionally discreet — exact arrival details are shared when you book.

The Intention

For the super curious, our notes on building Elahni.