Capybara Bathing review: Unwind with thermal baths and cold plunges at this peaceful slice of paradise in Singapore

As one of the new additions to the cold plunge scene in Singapore this year, Capybara Bathing joins a deluge of wellness brands encouraging our fast-paced city to slow down and socialise. From Australia to Singapore’s CBD, Capybara Bathing’s first international studio sprawls across 3,000 square feet in Tanjong Pagar, every last inch beautifully designed by its founding team of Sydney architects. As a newbie to the cold plunge trend, I stepped through its doors to experience this bathing ritual for the first time and left in a haze of blissful relaxation.

Capybara Bathing review: Details at a glance

Best for: Wellness social gatherings with friends or a quiet solo session to unwind
Insider tip: If you prefer more privacy, stop by during off-peak hours to enjoy the facilities and sneak in some alone time
What to bring: Your own swimwear and a bag to store damp items afterwards
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 9.30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 10pm
Price: Single 90-minute sessions from $55; shareable multi-passes from $250 for 5 passes; ritual membership from $75 per week for unlimited weekday sessions
Address: Capybara Bathing, 77 Tras Street, Singapore 079016

First impression: A sanctuary for silence and stillness

Leaving the bustle of Tanjong Pagar behind, I immediately noticed a hushed shift in ambience after closing the doors. It felt like my soul sensed the quiet and nudged my mind to be still, chasing away the stress of the week. I suppose Capybara Bathing is named after my spirit animal for good reason – they’re the world’s most chill creatures, known for their calm nature.

Thanks to the architects behind its design, Capybara Bathing draws you into its tranquil space with intention. Subtle nods are given to Singapore in elements of the decor, and the studio embraces collaboration and community through partnerships with local designers, wellness practitioners, and ceramists.

The landscape design is a joint effort with PluntCo, and Mud Rock Ceramics’ handcrafted pieces are spotted throughout. Meanwhile, uniforms are designed by homegrown label rye in a reflection of mindful simplicity. From earthy tones of beige and brown to the allure of understated minimalism, everything melds seamlessly to form a soothing oasis. It’s like entering the gorgeous minimalist spa resort home of a friend.

After receiving a friendly welcome introduction and a brief rundown of what to expect, I was left to my own devices in the changing area. Sending a silent thanks to the wellness gods that my visit fell on a weekday afternoon and only two solo souls kept me company, I set off to explore.

The bathhouse: Luxuriating in hot and cold rituals

For first-timers, Capybara Bathing offers an easy guide: Five to 10 minutes in the steam room, followed by a break for rehydration, 10 to 15 minutes at the sauna, one to three minutes in the cold plunge, and a mineral bath to warm up. Before you enter each space, rinse off ‘cos it’s good etiquette.

Being a newcomer to bathing rituals, I followed the instructions for my first round. Pulling open the door to the steam room, I stared warily at what looked like a scene of suffocation. It’s like being in a horror movie where a monster crouches in the mist and you have zero visibility until it’s posed next to your face. Waving off that delusion, I breathed in the 45- to 50-degree steam and let it wash over me.

Steam rooms are said to offer health benefits like improved circulation, muscle recovery, and respiratory relief, but I only made it a couple of minutes before I decided the humidity wasn’t for me. Hopping next door, I enjoyed a DIY salt scrub session with a lovely white tea and freesia-scented body wash, vigorously rubbing all grime from my skin.

After taking a break and sipping Korean roasted barley tea at the social lounge space decked out with comfy chairs and magazines, I popped into the hot stone sauna (which goes up to 95 degrees). My first thought? Stifling heat truly isn’t my thing. But a minute later, my muscles started to relax, and all stressful thoughts vacated my mind.

Taking the plunge

Now, the moment of truth. Standing at the edge of the cold plunge pool, I took a deep breath and tentatively dipped a foot in. I’m like a polar bear when it comes to the cold, but I only managed to last for five of the longest seconds in my life before I retreated. After a couple more tries, I finally went for it and fully submerged myself for 10 seconds like a true beginner.

I never made it to a full minute, but I emerged feeling alert. Compared to the shock of the cold, the mineral thermal bath embraced me with its rich warmth. It quickly became my favourite spot. Lounging beneath a skylight, my thoughts quietened as I floated around. One thoughtful touch I loved was the chilled, lavender-scented towel draped across my face.

As Katy Perry’s “You’re hot and you’re cold” song played in my mind, I started to understand why people enjoy an experience like this. The contrast between hot and cold created a rush that left me feeling calm, like someone had pressed a reset button on my nervous system.

Little details that make all the difference

While the baths are the main attraction, it’s the smaller details that elevate the experience.

The lounge area feels more like a stylish friend’s living room than a wellness studio. There’s a hot bench where beginners can ease into cold exposure using an ice scrub before braving the plunge pool. For anyone intimidated by ice baths, it’s a gentler introduction than jumping straight into freezing water. I definitely appreciated it.

Back in the changing rooms, you’ll find everything you need: Dyson hairdryers, contact lens solution, skincare products, and even a swimsuit dryer. Everything feels considered.

The verdict: Worth a try?

I arrived at Capybara Bathing expecting to test out Singapore’s latest wellness trend, and I left a convert. After the first few minutes, my endless mental checklist of tasks and errands faded into the background. The constant urge to be productive dissolved, and it felt glorious. For 90 minutes, I did absolutely nothing and had zero mental chatter.

So if your life has been a little hectic and you want a moment of stillness or a restorative wellness activity, it’s worth a visit – whether you’re a curious first-timer or a CBD worker who wants a post-work reset. For introverts like me, I’d recommend coming by on a weekday afternoon when the place is at its quietest for 90 uninterrupted minutes of peace. It’s total bliss.