Chill out with an ice bath
Our collective obsession with wellness, coupled with year-round warm weather, means it’s always ice bath season on the Gold Coast. So, where should you dip your toe (literally and figuratively) into this popular trend? At one of these Gold Coast ice baths, that’s where.
But first, a bit about ice baths. They’re popular among athletes for their perceived ability to aid in recovery, especially after intense exercise. And it’s not some new-fangled wellness trend, either – apparently, humans have been using ice baths to sooth injuries and fatigue since 5000 BC.
The jury is still out on whether ice baths do more than just make you feel good (though, some would argue, isn’t that enough?), and the supporting evidence seems to be mostly anecdotal. Your friend who runs marathons probably ‘can’t live without them’. A woman we spoke to at one of the below bathhouses (we were researching, okay?) said daily rotations of the ice bath and sauna had ‘practically cured’ her chronic knee pain.
On the other hand, some experts say there are few proven benefits. This 2017 study, for example, found cold water immersion was no more effective at reducing inflammation and muscle and tissue damage than active recovery. Of course, there’s also the minor risk of hypothermia and possible shock – sounds dramatic, but it’s technically possible.
All of this to say, ice baths are totally worth a try, just don’t go too hard – it’s not a competition. And probably check with your doctor if you have any known health conditions before hopping in.
Happy ice bathing!
Soak Bathhouse, Mermaid Beach
Relaxation and rejuvenation are what it’s all about at Soak, the bathhouse brand taking Australia by storm. With popular locations in Brisbane and now Bondi, we’re pretty chuffed to say their Gold Coast location is the OG. Enjoy an ice bath here, along with a dip in the magnesium pool, soak in the spa or session in the steam room and sauna.
Native State, Coolangatta
Since opening its doors in September 2023, Native State has cemented itself as one of the Gold Coast’s premier wellness destinations. For one: it’s beautiful (a small saving grace when you’re plunging in 10°C, but a saving grace nonetheless). It also offers more than just recovery, with a program of workouts on offer in their studio gym.
The Bathhouse at Ground, Currumbin Valley
What can’t you do a Ground Currumbin? In addition to their popular café and feel-good grocer, The Bathhouse offers a place for you to unwind, relax and take the plunge. From the therapeutic cold path to their hydrotherapy spas and saunas (wood-fired and infrared), they seriously have everything.
Greenhouse the Bathhouse, Tallebudgera Valley
Claiming the coveted title of the GC’s original bathhouse, Greenhouse is constantly levelling up. Their new location in Tallebudgera Valley features a cold magnesium plunge pool, along with a red cedar sauna, magnesium spas and a wet steam room. Add their poolside snacks and full-body massages and you’ll be in total heaven.
Performance and recovery centres
Looking for a straightforward, no-frills approach to recovery? We’ve got that on the Gold Coast, too. From Riggs Recovery in Bundall and Palm Beach to P3 in Burleigh and Ashmore, not to mention RMC at Miami, Gold Coast athletes are spoilt for choice whether they’re seeking an ice bath, compression therapy or hyperbaric chambers.