Wellington’s original communal sauna, still at the heart of our retreat
The Sauna & Plunge Pool Experience
Long before saunas became a social trend, ours was already part of Wellington’s wellness landscape. Through every refit and renewal, the cedar-wood sauna and plunge pool have remained at the heart of our retreat — a timeless ritual of heat and cold that has supported generations of Wellingtonians.
Step into our spacious Finnish sauna, heated to 80–100°C, and feel the shift as muscles soften, tension fades, and the mind finds ease. The benefits are as real today as they were decades ago: physical recovery, stress relief, and an overall sense of balance and wellbeing.
Balancing the heat, our striking Grecian-style plunge pool is chilled to 5–6°C, its cool blue waters surrounded by lush greenery. Moving from sauna to pool is the practice of contrast therapy — a powerful way to awaken circulation, boost resilience, and leave the body and mind deeply refreshed.
Between sauna and plunge, take time to pause. Settle into a quiet nook, stretch out on a couch, or share the experience in our social spaces. Whether alone or with others, it’s a moment to breathe, reset, and reconnect.
Read more about the 'Benefits of a Sauna' »
Sauna Booking Sessions Explained
To keep the sauna spacious and relaxing, we offer two types of booking sessions. Sessions are either 60 or 90 minutes (check the timetable for details). Changing time is generally in addition to your session, so you won’t feel rushed — unless a private booking follows directly after.
Our capacity is limited to ensure comfort:
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Early riser sessions – max 14 people
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All other sessions – max 13 people
1. Shared Sauna Sessions
Book a session to share the sauna with others (up to 12–13 patrons).
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How to book: online, by phone, or by arriving at The Retreat.
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Important: Online bookings are for one person only. If you’d like to book for two or more, please call or email us so we can confirm your group (bookings for three or more people require prepayment, which we take by credit card over the phone).
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First in, first seated: once the limit is reached, you’ll need to choose another time.
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Waitlist available: if a spot opens up, we’ll contact you — please confirm within a few hours.
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Sauna etiquette: everyone’s comfort is respected.
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Towels: please bring two (one to sit on, one to shower with). Towels can also be hired.
2. Private Sauna Sessions
Book the entire sauna for yourself, family, or friends.
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Arrange by phone or email.
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Larger groups welcome (see Pricing for details).
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Enjoy greater freedom — your group sets the tone for how you use the sauna.
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Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times.
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Bring two towels (or hire from us).
Women’s Only Sessions
Our long-standing Women’s Only sessions continue on Tuesday mornings and evenings.
(Please check carefully when booking, as session times have recently changed.)
⚠️ Reminder: Our booking system only allows one person per online booking.
If you’d like to book for two or more, please call or email us.
The Retreat & Service Testimonials
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... One of the best massages I've had in a long time ...
The floating pod is really an incredible and different experience. I wish I was a better mediator to enjoy the silence and my senses. Was treated well, they offer a bit of food and drink between appointments - fresh and... continue reading »
Victoria (google review)
( Received: May, 2018 ) -
... Great way to relax and unwind ...
This is a great place to go if you need to unwind.
There are allocated days for women or men only in Sauna, other days are mixed. I stick to women's only; Tuesday and Thursday. The sauna can be followed... continue reading »
livb_12 (Trip Advisor)
( Received: March, 2018 ) -
... Heaven on Earth ...
was gifted a massage at Tory Urban Retreat by a friend who is a long time visitor there. My friend recommended a massage with Kasey and I can see why. I had never had a massage before and was a... continue reading »
zenmjones (Trip Advisor)
( Received: January, 2018 ) -
... I pinched a nerve in my back and I’m pregnant ...
I had the most amazing experience and wonderful service. I pinched a nerve in my back and I’m pregnant so was very uncomfortable upon arrival. The woman who greeted me was soo welcoming and lovely and very thorough with explaining... continue reading »
Chinney
( Received: January, 2018 ) -
... Had my first "float" today and an amazing relaxing hour long massage ...
Had my first "float" today and an amazing relaxing hour long massage at Tory Urban Retreat (with Miki..totally recommend)... thanks to Frazer Anderson for winning this lovely treat for me ...felt totally spoilt
Suzin
( Received: May, 2017 ) -
... felt totally chilled after this, really set the tone for my day ...
Really awesome experience felt totally chilled after this, really set the tone for my day.. can't wait to do again. Awesome Thankyou
Danielle
( Received: May, 2017 ) -
... this is my new heaven love this place ...
Had a massage with Jo it was amazing, all the staff are super friendly and the facilities are Devine. I can not recommend Jo enough she was truly great found all my sore spots and gave great advice this is... continue reading »
Taz
( Received: May, 2017 ) -
... I came out feeling like a million bucks. Would definitely recommend this to my family and friends ...
My husband and I went here on a Saturday morning, we each had a float booked one after the other and then a massage afterwards. My husband went for his float first while I waited in their relaxation room, the... continue reading »
Ellie
( Received: April, 2017 ) -
... service is top notch and very professional ...
Won a facebook competition for a float and massage, had an amazing experience where I came out totally relaxed, so much so I'm booked in for another. Can not recommend this enough, service is top notch and very professional...
Alex
( Received: March, 2017 ) -
... the staff are lovely, the atmosphere is relaxing ...
Going to Tory Urban Retreat for a float is a wonderful experience. The staff are lovely, the atmosphere is relaxing, and all the little extras you could need are provided. The actual floating experience is amazingly relaxing and tranquil, and... continue reading »
Marcel
( Received: February, 2017 ) -
... This was a much needed blissful relaxing time!!! ...
Thank you guys so much!!! This was a much needed blissful relaxing time!!! Love love love it!!!!
Roseanne
( Received: February, 2017 ) -
... Every time I leave here I feel restored, happy and calm ...
This place is a true oasis. My new favourite place. Every time I leave here I feel restored, happy and calm. Thank you!
Billie
( Received: January, 2017 ) -
... a perfect way to relax and warm up on a cold blustery day ...
After a very busy day with team #Ghostfishing this was a perfect way to relax and warm up on a cold blustery day.
Exellent service - many thanks.
Rob
( Received: January, 2017 ) -
.... Fantabulous experience, one that I intend to repeat! ...
Wow what can i say! Fantabulous experience...one that I intend to repeat! Lovely young lady looked after us and the products and service were A+++
Deb
( Received: January, 2017 )