**The Rise of Wellness Social Clubs in NYC: A New Way to Connect**
New York City’s social scene has long been synonymous with its fast-paced nightlife, but a new trend is quietly reshaping the way New Yorkers connect: the wellness social club. These exclusive spaces are swapping out boozy cocktails and crowded bars for ice baths, saunas, and meditation sessions—an invitation to meaningful, screen-free, and alcohol-free interactions. This movement echoes the growing interest in health-conscious, sober-curious lifestyles, particularly among younger generations seeking a break from traditional social norms.
One of the pioneers in this space is *Othership*, a much-anticipated wellness club that opened its first NYC location in Flatiron during Summer 2024. The Toronto-born concept was started in 2019 by Robbie Bent and four co-founders, evolving from informal gatherings around homemade saunas to a fully immersive wellness destination. Described as a “fourth space,” distinct from the workplace, home, or conventional social venues, *Othership* thrives on crafting intentional interactions.
“It’s about creating alcohol-free environments that allow people to connect without distractions like phones or noise,” Bent explains. Guided sessions feature group chanting, affirmations such as “I am powerful,” and ice baths in frigid 0-4°C water, all designed to foster a brief but meaningful sense of connection among participants. Attendees span diverse groups—from stressed finance professionals to yoga enthusiasts and even those embracing more alternative “granola/raw butter” lifestyles. Through its red-hued lighting, elegant wood accents, and thoughtfully curated activities, *Othership* marries intimacy with luxury.
However, *Othership* isn’t the only player transforming the city’s wellness landscape. Other high-profile wellness hubs like *The Well*, *Remedy Place*, and *Continuum* have jumped on the trend, each catering to a slightly different audience within the health-conscious and high-achieving elite.
*The Well*, which opened in 2019, was among the first to define the high-end wellness model. Spanning 13,000 square feet in Manhattan, this expansive hub combines spa treatments, meditation rooms, organic dining, and even medical services under one roof. Co-founder Rebecca Parekh emphasizes mainstreaming wellness as a lifestyle. Looking ahead, Parekh is aiming even higher, with plans for a hybrid luxury condo-wellness project in Florida by 2025.
Meanwhile, *Remedy Place*, led by Dr. Jonathan Leary, landed in NYC after gaining traction in Los Angeles. Its Flatiron location, which opened in early 2024, and an upcoming SoHo site slated for September 2024, double down on wellness as an antidote to modern chaos. Boasting treatments like hyperbaric oxygen chambers and lymphatic massages, the club appeals to urbanites who seek peak performance and sophisticated self-care. “Alternative medicine, self-care, and social wellness are finally getting the attention they deserve,” says Dr. Leary. “This is just the beginning.”
For those seeking futuristic wellness, *Continuum* takes the concept a step further. Launched in May 2024, this members-only club blends cutting-edge technology with personalized care. Its AI biometric screenings and body composition analyses offer hyper-targeted self-optimization plans, catering to the city’s ultra-affluent and performance-driven residents.
Despite the buzz, these clubs have not escaped criticism. Membership fees ranging from $333 to a staggering $10,000 a month are prohibitive for most, underscoring their exclusivity. Critics argue that these spaces cater to privilege, limiting their ability to genuinely foster inclusive community-building. Some even point out how such models stand in stark contrast to grassroots movements of the past, such as community care initiatives pioneered by the Black Panther Party, which emphasized accessibility and collective well-being over individual elitism.
Even so, the rise of wellness social clubs signals a cultural shift in how we approach connection. With traditional nightlife losing its appeal for many and loneliness emerging as a modern epidemic, these spaces offer an appealing alternative. Whether it’s chanting affirmations in *Othership*’s sauna, exploring the curated sanctuaries at *The Well*, or diving into high-tech wellness at *Continuum*, these clubs are redefining social interaction in New York City.
The question, however, remains: Will these hubs evolve to become more inclusive, or will they continue to cater to an affluent minority? One thing is clear: New Yorkers are reimagining what it means to gather, placing wellness not just at the individual level but as a shared social experience. As Dr. Leary aptly notes, “This is just the beginning.”
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