Mercury rising: sauna and ice baths in Manchester

When three very similar wellness businesses spring up in the city centre within the space of a year, it’s a sure sign a new trend is kicking in. Or sometimes, that an old one is coming back. That was the case with sauna and ice baths in Manchester in 2024. Kontrast, FIX MCR and The Good Sauna all opened up last year, reviving an ancient pastime that’s been around since the Romans.

Curious to see what all the fuss was about (and reassured by the fact they’re all still going strong in 2025) we visited each one to see who uses them, and what they offer.

Unlike many wellness experiences that appeal to a mainly female audience, contrast therapy (the practice of alternating saunas with ice baths) brings in a good gender mix. There were more men than women at all the sessions we went to.

They go for the health benefits – contrast therapy is used to reduce stress, boost dopamine levels, and aid recovery from exercise. But it’s also a social occasion – the sauna is somewhere to go with your mates that isn’t the pub. (Or somewhere to go before the pub, for the guys we spoke to). FIX MCR on a Saturday morning was almost as buzzing as the neighbouring bars on a Saturday night.

With run clubs, DJ nights, classes and even singles evenings, modern-day sauna culture is very much about community and connection. But it can also be a place for peace and introspection. Look for ‘quiet’ sessions on the booking schedules, or head to Kontrast where they have a dedicated silent sauna, if this is for you.

Whatever you want from your sauna trip – relaxation, community, recovery – there are now three fantastic places in Manchester to get it. Read on to find out what to expect at each one.