Vikasati Bathhouse, Southport (image by StudioBlackardt)
Ice baths and saunas are having a serious moment right now, and where better to get your plunge on than the Gold Coast- the sun-soaked capital of wellness? From lux bathhouses to high-performance recovery centres, the GC has become a steamy, icy playground for anyone chasing that post-sauna glow or cold-plunge high.
Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend wellness warrior, or someone who loves a good sweat-and-chill combo, here are 10 of the best places to dip, drip, and decompress.
FICE Recover
If you like your recovery with a healthy dose of Vitamin D (aka Gold Coast sunshine), FICE Recovery is your place. Head straight from pristine Burleigh Beach to the bathhouse — all in a leisurely 5-minute stroll. Tucked away in the beating heart of Burleigh Heads, this tropical oasis feels like Finland meets festival. Think two wood-fired saunas (one just-right, one cranking for the pros), six private cold plunges ranging from 3–10ºC, lush outdoor vibes and house music pumping all day long.
It’s got that unmistakable community energy: friendly faces, sauna hats, post-plunge chats, and laughter echoing through the steam. From surfies to fitness buffs and wellness first-timers, everyone’s welcome here. They also host occasional Saturday workshops on the lawn, like breathwork and Pilates, so you can sweat, freeze and stretch your way to euphoria.
Where: 12 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Breathe Performance Recovery, Arundel (Image: © 2025 Inside Gold Coast)
This state-of-the-art Arundel facility is purpose-built for both elite athletes and anyone who takes their wellness seriously (or not so seriously).
Whether you’re chasing performance gains or just looking to recharge, this place has every base covered with magnesium hot and cold plunges, traditional saunas, steam therapy, infrared saunas, compression therapy, and even reformer Pilates. Needless to say, you’ll walk out refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take on the world (or at least your next gym sesh).
Where: 10/354 Brisbane Road, Arundel
This modern wellbeing sanctuary feels like a mini escape amongst the big city. Home to one of Australia’s largest saunas (yes, seriously), Vikasati has created a serene sanctuary for all things balance. Alongside that massive Finnish rock sauna, you’ll find stand-up ice baths (set to 5 degrees), hot and cold magnesium baths, and a dedicated space for unwinding post-sweat. It’s equal parts grounding and glorious- because if you’re going to get your health gains, you might as well do it in style.
Where: Shop 10, 15 Pinter Drive, Southport
Vikasati Bathhouse, Southport (image supplied)
P3 Recovery
Athletes, this one’s for you. P3 Recovery is the Coast’s go-to for high-performance recovery, built by pros, for pros (and anyone who wants to train like one). You’ll find ice baths, infrared saunas, compression therapy and more, all geared toward helping your muscles bounce back faster and your body feel brand new.
But you don’t have to be chasing a PB to belong here. P3’s all about accessibility, because everyone deserves to feel their best. Whether it’s post-gym, post-run or post-life, this is where you reset like a pro.
Where: 1/10 Kortum Drive, Burleigh Heads and Unit 1/5 Commercial Drive, Ashmore
If you’re after more of a “spa day” than a sports recovery session, Soak Bathhouse is pure liquid luxury. With its serene ice plunges, saunas, and mineral-rich pools, it’s designed to help you unwind in style. Everything here feels curated for calm with a minimalist design, soft lighting and an atmosphere that feels like a sign of relief.
Perfect for couples, besties or solo soakers, Soak is where relaxation meets coastal chic. You’ll leave glowing, grounded, and floating on cloud nine.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Soak Bathhouse, Mermaid Beach (image supplied)
RMC
For the recovery purists, RMC is a no-nonsense wellness hub with everything you need to fix, flush and feel amazing. Expect ice baths, infrared saunas, compression therapy and expert massage treatments all under one roof.
It’s a favourite among athletes and anyone needing a deep recharge. The team’s expertise takes the experience to the next level- you’ll walk in stiff and sore, and stroll out feeling light as air.
Where: 3/54 Paradise Ave, Miami
Plunge House
Sleek, modern and seriously cool (pun intended), Plunge House is where stunning design meets discipline. With contrast plunge pools, an infrared sauna, a traditional sauna up to 85°C and compression therapy, it’s the ultimate all-rounder.
This Broadbeach haven feels like a futuristic wellness lab, with everything crisp, clean, and decked out to help you unwind after work or prep for another big week. This is the place to push reset in style.
Where: 5 Rosemont Ave, Broadbeach Waters
Plunge House, Broadbeach Waters (image supplied)
Rigs Recovery
When it comes to professional-grade recovery, Rigs Recovery doesn’t mess around. This performance powerhouse has ice baths, infrared saunas, compression and contrast therapy, red light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, massage and float therapy.
It’s basically a one-stop shop for anyone serious about feeling (and performing) their best. The results are phenomenal. You’ll leave feeling like your cells have been to the spa- because, well, they kind of have.
Where: 4 Sixth Ave, Palm Beach and 3 Hayter St, Currumbin Waters
This luxuriously calm bathhouse sits right across from the beach, inviting you to slow down, reconnect, and exhale. Facilities include a steam room, cold plunge pool, traditional cedar sauna, meditation lounge, infrared sauna and heated vitality pool.
Every inch of Native State feels thoughtfully designed, serene, minimal and infused with a sense of stillness. Whether you’re easing into the warmth of the vitality pool or braving the chill of the plunge, this is the ultimate way to find your flow. It’s calm luxury at its best.
Where: 3/2 Creek St, Coolangatta
Native State, Kirra (image supplied)
A short day trip south and you’ll find Navia Bathhouse, the oh-so boujee and luxurious wellness sanctuary in Byron Bay. Their ethos? “Wellness should feel warm, inviting, and undeniably joyful.” And boy, do they nail that.
Facilities include a traditional Finnish sauna, magnesium hot pool, ice plunge (0–2ºC), cold plunge, steam room and lounge space. If that’s not enough, they also offer relaxation and deep-tissue massages for bodies that need (or crave) a little extra love.
Where: 7 Marvell St, Byron Bay
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Navia Bathhouse, Byron Bay (image by Elise Hassey)