From Scandinavia to Sorrento.
There’s something primal about bathing—and across time and culture, it has become more nourishing than simply necessary to our existence. Water speaks to healing, community, ritual. And from the most ancient civilisations to the most modern urban sanctuaries, spas and spaces, our interest in bathing traditions and rituals reflect more than a desire to cleanse ourselves, but rather to an inner intention to restore balance between the mind and body, reconnect with ourselves, nature—and slow down.
Looking back over history, the ritual of bathing itself stretches back thousands of years, and while different regions of the world each have their own interpretations, these spaces have typically been about social connection as much as they have been about hygiene.
While the surge of interest in bathhouse culture continues to flourish, what ties each bathing tradition together is how the practice is not about indulgence, but about living well. This ethos is what we pride ourselves on at Aurora and certainly one of the characteristics we love most about some of the world’s most remarkable bathhouses and bathing rituals.
Therme Vals, Switzerland
Tucked into the Swiss Alps, Therme Vals is an architectural masterpiece and one of the world’s most iconic bathhouses. It is also our founder, Lyndall’s, favourite and one that in her words, has stood the test of time. Built directly over the thermal springs, its interplay of stone, water and light creates an atmosphere that is both grounding and meditative. In many ways, its breathtaking design only amplifies the healing powers of the nature in which it is situated.
Japanese Onsen
In Japan, the tradition of hot spring bathing is deeply cultural. Often nestled in mountain valleys or overlooking a masterpiece of nature, these mineral-rich baths are cornerstones of cleansing and renewal. The experience itself feels deeply reverent—one must wash before entering, soaking in silence and allowing the rhythms of nature to flow through you.
Icelandic Geothermal Baths
While these breathtaking baths have been made Insta-famous by influencers worldwide, the truth is that both the Blue Lagoon and the more recent Sky Lagoon combine the drama and elemental nature of Iceland’s rugged landscapes with mineral-rich waters which soothe on a cellular level. A visit to these natural wonders are both invigorating and grounding in equal measure.
Hammams, Morocco
Our founder, Lyndall, recently experienced these rituals firsthand and was struck by the way centuries of tradition meet a sense of community, purification and renewal. There is an underlying feeling that the ritual itself helps to release you of what no longer serves whilst also being a deeply social experience where stories are shared.
Nordic Sauna & Cold Plunge Culture
Perhaps more than any other bathing ritual, the sauna and cold plunge culture of Finland and the Nordic world has taken the wellness industry by storm. In this tradition, the rhythm of heat and cold is a way of life and helps to not only awaken the body, strengthen the mind and restore balance—but also shines a light on the extremes of nature, helping us to foster our own resilience and calm. Given the research that continues to show the incredible benefits of hot/cold therapy, it’s fair to say that the sauna and cold plunge is here to stay.
Aurora Bathhouse & Spa, Australia
Taking inspiration from these global traditions—where bathing is not a luxury but a regular practice for maintaining health and wellbeing—at Aurora, we’ve reimagined these rituals through an Australian lens. Weaving in local botanicals, contemporary design and a sensory journey that is grounding, contemporary and deeply connected to our local environment—it is a space that invites you to slow down, reconnect and feel held by water and nature.
The future of bathing rituals
There is something timeless about the tradition of bathing and perhaps as we continue to ride the wave of bathhouse culture enjoying a moment in the spotlight, we’re reminded of the importance of pausing in our busy lives. And if you’ve yet to immerse yourself in the Aurora experience, we hope that you find a moment soon to slow, soothe and savour the incredible beauty and benefits of water.
Explore our bathhouse ritual.
