How It Started
It was cold, windy, and raining. Jaime our founder was exhausted from traveling. She had barely slept in days, and jet lag was in full effect. It was 2017, and she was in Malmö, Sweden. Jaime headed to the beautiful Ribersborgs Cold Bathhouse perched on the end of a long pier on the Baltic Sea. It was her first true sauna experience.
She stepped inside and it was a revelation. The heat was intense and incredible. The smell of cedar was magical. She felt her neck and shoulders release as the stresses of solo traveling disappeared. She followed each round with a plunge into the Baltic Sea.
That night Jaime slept deep and long. When she woke up, the jet lag was gone. She was cured - more than that she was renewed.
In 2020 she traveled to Estonia and Finland to further explore Nordic and Baltic sauna culture. From a high-end architectural marvel to an old-school neighborhood spot, the results were the same and she was hooked. And determined to bring the traditional sauna experience to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Starting in 2021, Hot Spell began its seasonal PopUp business. While embarking on our third season, our focus now is to grow this community of like-minded individuals who value a holistic view of their health and want to tap into the power of sauna on a regular basis.
Our hope is to grow Hot Spell with our new Founding Membership and expanded hours at our Zocalo & Lakefront Cold Plunge PopUps to a point where we can build a permanent home. We’re actively seeking locations for this expansion and if you’re interested in coming along with us on this journey, please contact us today!
Our mission at Hot Spell is simple, to bring the physical and mental health benefits of traditional sauna use to the people of Milwaukee, WI.
Customer Testimonials
“New favorite spot for the cold months. Seriously. It beats a smelly gym sauna or an overpriced spa. This barrel sauna is small but fits 4-6 people comfortably. Perfect for a girls’ day/night out or a couple's retreat. You change and cool off in a greenhouse right beside the sauna. It's recommended you don't drink alcohol or overeat before using the sauna, but do try out any of the food truck vendors after. It adds to the urban flair of the entire experience.”
— Aga A.
“I can’t say enough about how AMAZING this was! Not only is this a great place to relax and unwind, but it makes for a great experience you can’t find elsewhere in the Milwaukee area. Jamie, the owner, is incredible and so welcoming. I will definitely be going back!”
— Sam B.
“A super unique service offered in a great setting. My wife and I spent an hour relaxing in this adorable, cedar, barrel sauna then cooled off with a cold beer after the session delivered right to the sauna door by the Zocalo Tavern. This is a great way to relax in a social setting. I look forward to visiting again soon, especially as the weather gets cooler.”
— John S.
“Sweat curious? Try this place out. Well kept and cute setup to stash your stuff while enjoying the sauna, and super conveniently located in the food truck park so you can rehydrate and eat after. 10/10, will do again.”
— Emily M.
“First timer at Hot Spell last night and it was top notch! As an avid jiu-jitsu player, my body needs plenty of time to rest & recover between training days, especially after 40. This was a FANTASTIC body-mind-spirit experience! We did a sound bath & sage ceremony to cleanse our energy prior to entry & the bonding opportunity under 180°F + for an hour just flew by! Jumping from hot to cold air was quite nice so I recommend getting in there NOW while it's still! (2 ppl was perfect to be able to lie down on your own bench.)”
— Kristin C.
“What an awesome concept! My boyfriend and I enjoyed a relaxing (much needed) session in the Hot Spell + we can’t wait for our next! Definitely coming back, and we highly recommend checking it out if you’re thinking about it :)”