SAUNA &
cold PLUNGE
the nordic cycle
Cold water immersion is a ritual that has been around for millennia and integral to the health and wellness of our bodies and minds - a pure and natural therapy that boosts energy and metabolism, supports the immune system, and improves mental health. Though this ritual is deeply rooted in frozen nordic landscapes, it perfectly translates to our secluded rooftop haven.
For nearly 10,000 years, saunas have served as a ritual not just for unwinding, but also for enhancing health and vitality. The perfect complement to your Cold Ritual, our hot treatments elevate your body's temperature, improving circulation to your skin and muscles while inducing a sense of stillness, tranquility, and self-reflection.
the benefits
Together, heat and cold create a cycle of transformation: a gentle rise, an invigorating plunge, and a settling reset.
Increased flexibility
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Enhanced balance and coordination
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Increased body awareness
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Improved posture
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Boosted athletic performance
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Improved circulation
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Injury prevention and rehabilitation
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Better cardiovascular health
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Our Ritual Cycle is designed to calm your mind, and help drop you into your breath and body.
01 BREATH
DURATION | 2 MINS
We emphasize the importance of using your breath as a way to modulate the entirety of your experience. Begin the cycle by dropping into your breath, body and environment. Take slow and expansive breaths as you leave your day behind and step into a deeper state of presence. We encourage you to bring this mindful breath throughout your Ritual cycle.
02 COLD
SHORT ACTIVATION | 5-30 SECS
A healthy nervous system can gracefully transition between upregulation and downregulation (activation and rest). After grounding in mindful breathing, we invite you to induce a short and deliberate cold shock to your system. This is intended to stretch the response in your nervous system and connect you further into your breath and body.
03 HOT
DURATION | 15-20 MINS
Find warmth, calm and challenge in one of our saunas. You can push the heat by sitting higher or pouring water over the rocks for added steam. We encourage you to lean into some discomfort to invoke the benefits of heat shock proteins. Continue to mindfully breathe throughout your sauna push.
04 COLD
DURATION | 1-2 MINS
Find a sense of invigoration in our cold tub with a 1-2 minute push or 15-30 slow deep breaths. Allow the shock of the cold to initiate your natural stress response. Then let the magic of your breath bring you back into a state of calm as you teach your nervous system how to respond to stress with ease.
05 REST
REST | 5-10 MINS
Take this time to hydrate and rest. The Ritual Cycle can feel like a workout to our nervous system and it's important to give it the space and time to recover adequately. The work we do on ourselves can only go as far as the amount of rest we take.
Vancouver’s retreat for Sauna and Cold Plunge
Our cedar sauna comfortably holds up to eight guests, creating the perfect environment for shared moments or private group sessions. Moving between the sauna and the cool plunge activates the body’s natural thermoregulation process — increasing circulation, releasing tension, and elevating dopamine. This powerful contrast supports recovery, and leaves you grounded, recharged, and renewed.
FAQS
Learn more about Hot & Cold Therapy at Ritual Urban Retreat — Vancouver’s wellness studio for conscious well-being.
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Sauna and cold plunge work together to support the body in a powerful and natural way. The heat of the sauna helps your muscles soften and release tension while encouraging circulation and detoxification. When followed by the cold plunge, your body experiences a refreshing wave of vitality that wakes up your system and strengthens your resilience.
This contrast therapy supports muscle recovery, reduces inflammation, and increases blood flow, allowing you to move with greater ease and comfort. Many people notice improved athletic performance, faster recovery after intense activity, and a renewed sense of energy. At Ritual Urban Retreat, this practice is offered with intention so you can experience both physical benefits and a deeper sense of inner balance.
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A session at Ritual Urban Retreat is guided by presence, care, and respect for your personal pace. You begin in the sauna where heat helps your body relax and settle. You are encouraged to breathe mindfully and listen to your body as it warms and softens. When you are ready, you move to the cold plunge where cool water invites your system into a refreshing state of alertness.
During the plunge, your breath becomes your anchor. Inhaling with awareness helps your mind stay steady while your body adapts to the cool temperature. Once you step out, you may feel a wave of clarity, calmness, or spaciousness moving through you. This cycle can be repeated as you feel comfortable. Every step of the experience is supported so you can explore it with confidence and curiosity.
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The ideal frequency depends on your personal needs and how your body responds. Many people benefit from two to four sessions each week to support recovery, improve circulation, and maintain emotional balance. Some individuals enjoy daily sessions, especially when managing stress or building resilience.
At Ritual Urban Retreat, the practice is always guided by what feels supportive for you. Listening to your body is the most important part. If you leave feeling refreshed, grounded, or energized, it is a good sign that the practice is serving you well. Our team can help you create a rhythm that aligns with your wellness goals.
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Sauna and cold plunge offer a powerful reset for the mind as well as the body. The warmth of the sauna encourages your nervous system to slow down and soften. When followed by the cold plunge, your mind becomes alert and clear while your breath brings you into the present moment.
This combination can help reduce feelings of overwhelm, support emotional regulation, and create a sense of mental space where your thoughts feel more manageable. The practice often leaves people with a calm, focused, and grounded energy. It is a simple yet profound way to reconnect with yourself when life feels heavy or overstimulating.
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If it is your first time exploring a sauna and cold plunge experience at Ritual Urban Retreat, know that you will be supported every step of the way. Begin slowly and allow your body to guide your pace. Spend as much time as you need in the sauna to feel warm, relaxed, and ready for the experience.
When you enter the cold plunge, focus on steady breathing. A calm and controlled breath helps your body adapt and keeps your mind grounded. Stay only as long as it feels safe and manageable. There is no expectation or pressure to reach a certain time.
After you finish, take a moment to notice how your body feels. Many first-timers describe a sense of clarity, lightness, or empowerment. Each session becomes easier as your nervous system adapts and your confidence grows. This is your journey, and we are here to make it a meaningful and supportive experience.