The Ice House didn’t start with a fancy setup. It began with a couple of plastic tubs in the common area of a condo, ice from 7-Eleven and a small group of friends who loved ice baths. Over time, that little gathering grew into a bigger community – expats and locals sharing the benefits of cold exposure and connecting with like-minded people. From rooftops to parks, cafes and even an airport runway, the group has dipped just about everywhere. Now, they’ve found a permanent home: a cosy house with teak tubs full of fresh ice, a huge (and hot) sauna, a lush tropical garden and a welcoming co-working space. Everything here feels intentional – the spacing of the tubs, the pictures on the walls, the flow of the garden. The mission of Ice House is to make people feel the warmth of home (even if the water is literally freezing), designed to make everyone feel welcome. It’s a place that draws people who care about wellness, the mind and pushing personal limits.
For beginners, the idea of sitting in ice water can be terrifying. Even the thought of submerging for a short time can feel like a mental and physical wall that’s hard to climb. But the Ice House is beginner-friendly, thanks to Nan, their incredibly attentive and passionate instructor. She doesn’t rush you in. Instead, she explains what to expect, why it’s done and how it benefits you. During a first ice bath, Nan guides every step of the way – reminding you to breathe and encouraging you to stay calm. She’s not just there to instruct – she’s there to support. For beginners, it’s recommended to book a guided session. The Ice House is no joke. It’s brutally cold – the kind of cold that shocks you to the core – and tests your willpower. But here’s the thing: you’re never forced, only encouraged. The community here cheers you on, and somehow that makes it easier to stay in. The 'required time’ is technically just one second – which tells you everything you need to know about how much it’s about the experience, not just endurance.
The health benefits are real – better recovery, improved mood, sharper focus – and paired with the sauna, the results are incredible. The sauna is scorching, but not painfully so, and moving between the two feels like a full reset for body and mind. Conversations happen easily here. It’s like meeting people who speak the same language without planning it. The Ice House isn’t just about the ice baths or the sauna. It’s about the people, the encouragement and the sense of belonging. For me, it’s the kind of place that stays in your head long after you leave – part recovery space, part family.