A new 'modern social bathhouse' is opening in Miami this summer

Miami’s wellness scene is getting a steamy new addition, one that aims to be as social as it is restorative.

Opening in early summer 2026, Grotto Baths will bring a modern, communal bathing experience to the heart of Wynwood, taking over a 7,500-square-foot space at 325 NW 28th Street. In a city better known for late nights and velvet ropes, the concept flips the script, offering saunas and cold plunges in lieu of bottle service.

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Developed by Nathan Kaplan and Nick Anselmo, Grotto is designed as a contemporary take on ancient bathhouse culture, where wellness and socializing aren’t separate activities but part of the same ritual. The space centers on a circuit of thermal experiences, moving guests through a circuit of ceremonial sauna, infrared sauna, steam room, thermal bath, mineral pool and cold plunge to encourage a rhythm of heat, cooling and recovery.

“Ancient bathhouses were civic spaces where people came together to restore, exchange ideas, and strengthen social bonds,” Kaplan said in a statement. "'Grotto is our interpretation of that tradition for modern Miami, a place to return to the body, share experiences, and connect in ways that feel natural."

The venue will host a rotating lineup of programming, including breathwork classes, somatic movement sessions and workshops, positioning it as a cultural hub as much as a place to unwind. A 2,500-square-foot outdoor lounge, along with an alcohol-free bar and café, encourages guests to linger after their circuit is complete.

The food and beverage program comes from chef and Tender Greens founder Erik Oberholtzer, who’s crafting a menu of seasonal bites and adaptogenic drinks using locally sourced ingredients from farms like French Farms and Paradise Farms. The result aims to be less juice bar and more thoughtful culinary experience.

There’s serious design pedigree behind the project, too, with Antoinette Marie Johnson, founder of Cohere, bringing the concept to life alongside Stokes Architecture + Design. The results are interiors that draw on Brazilian modernism filtered through a distinctly Miami lens of tropical color and light. The space is also intentionally phone-free, encouraging guests to stay present and engage with each other IRL.

Local artist Emmett Moore adds another layer of place-specific storytelling, with sculptural installations made from reclaimed materials sourced from South Florida construction sites. The pieces nod to coral rock, limestone and mid-century breeze-block architecture, grounding the bathhouse in its surroundings while giving it a slightly surreal, future-facing edge.

With partner Darryl Gibson (The Standard Spa, Miami Beach) overseeing hospitality and programming, Grotto arrives with both cultural credibility and industry know-how. For more information, click here.