Overview
Just removed from the late-night clubs and frazzled chaos of Chapel Street, a new kind of relaxation concept is bringing a unified sense of wellness to Prahran. That'd be SÓL Saunas— a sauna and cold plunge spot designed for people seeking a deeper connection with oneself and others.
Inspired by the Nordics in aesthetic and philosophy, SÓL exists in a space overlooked by many recent wellness arrivals. Neither bustling with chatter nor strictly silent, it unfolds at a mid-tempo pace, fostering a calm yet refined energy that's social but sans pressure to perform.
At the heart of SÓL is a series of connective wellness experiences. That includes two traditional saunas heated to 75-85 degrees — one for quiet and another for chatting — and five individual stainless steel cold plunge pools offering an awakening jolt at 7-10 degrees.
Yet SÓL's ethos extends far beyond mere amenity. All about lagom — the venue's carefully considered aesthetic brings a minimalist, moody design that leans into its Nordic inspiration through warm timber, stone textures and soft light.
The work of brothers Jamie and Ben McAvinue, the pair admit they're no wellness gurus. However, they recognised how people felt confined by modern isolation, trading genuine connection for the comfort of their devices. With this in mind, they set out to create a community-driven place where people left feeling better than when they arrived.
Having just opened its doors after a lengthy building process, SÓL intends to provide an invigorating wellness experience that delivers a much-needed departure from drink-heavy bars and solitary activities. So, wander through the backstreets of Prahran to discover a communal third place made for easygoing conversation and coming back down to earth.
SÓL Saunas is now open Monday–Saturday from 9am–9pm and Sunday from 9am–7pm at 2/22 Cecil Pl, Prahran. Head to the website for more information.