Manchester’s new sauna and ice bath café is officially open, bringing a new level of wellness to the community.

A short walk from Victoria Station, Kontrast offers an alternative way to unwind, connect, and rejuvenate, day and night.

Inspired by the success of similar concepts in Finland, Denmark, Taiwan and Japan, Kontrast is designed as a community hub to bring people together through the transformative power of contrast therapy, a wellness practice that involves alternating between hot and cold treatments to stimulate circulation, spike energy levels, reduce inflammation, deepen sleep, and boost overall mental and physical health. 

Tucked behind Angel Meadow Park, the venue features two traditional saunas, an infrared sauna, and three ice baths, each with varying temperatures to cater to different preferences.

In its first two weeks, Kontrast is partnering with the mental health charity MIND, contributing 50% of all booking donations to support mental health initiatives, underscoring its commitment to the community.

Jamie Smith, the owner and visionary behind Kontrast, combines his experience in hospitality with a passion for wellness. After realising that corporate life wasn’t for him, Jamie embarked on a journey to explore healing practices that truly enhance people’s quality of life. Following an enlightening experience in Taiwan, he decided to bring the benefits of contrast therapy to Manchester through a community-focused café. 

“After experiencing the incredible effects of hot and cold therapy on physical and mental health during my travels, I wanted to bring that same sense of wellness and community back to Manchester,” Jamie shared.

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a wellness seeker, or simply in search of a fun, alternative weekend activity, Kontrast provides an accessible and inclusive space for all. It will also be open late into the evenings for nighttime sessions to capture the after-work demand – offering a healthy equivalent to post office drinks. 

Visitors can choose between 45-minute sessions, priced at £9, or 90-minute sessions, at £18. Membership options are also available.

Beyond the wellness facilities, Kontrast offers a thoughtfully curated menu of healthy snacks, juices, teas, and speciality coffee from Blossom Coffee.

All about holistic wellness, the venue will host regular breathwork workshops, yoga sessions, and other wellness events, aiming to make wellness both accessible and educational. 

Open Wednesday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm, Kontrast is set to become the city’s go-to spot for anyone interested in wellness, recovery, and ‘feel good’ vibes.

For more information, visit https://www.kontrast.co.uk/.