Since opening their first bathhouse in Collingwood, Melbourne, in 2020, Sense of Self has established an unrivalled reputation as a design-led destination to recharge and unwind.

Their new Surry Hills location, four years in the making, has finally opened — and it really takes things up a notch.

Designed by Melbourne architecture studio RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN, and housed within a former industrial warehouse, the new bathhouse is jaw-droppingly beautiful.

In keeping with the architects’ signature aesthetic, the 1200-square-metre space primarily utilises red clay bricks (90,000 in total!) as the central design language throughout the space.

Upon entering at ground level, you’ll find the serene point of sale area, change rooms, showers and treatment rooms. A striking central corridor bathed in natural light and punctuated by glass-brick benches leads to a stairwell. Head downstairs and the vibe shifts to a moodier, more intimate feel (no phones allowed down here) where you’ll float between a maze of mineral pools, steam rooms, saunas and cold plunge.

At a time when we’re tethered to technology 24/7, and burnout seems more prevalent than ever, Sense of Self Sydney invites us to pause, turn away from our to-do lists, and reconnect with ourselves. This is your sign to unwind.

Two-hour bathing sessions start from $75 off-peak, and bookings are essential.

Find Sense of Self Sydney at 529 South Dowling Street, Surry Hills.