Nowhere Baths at Dempsey review: Singapore’s new bathhouse for hot pools, cold plunges, and a serene experience

I found my mindful moment at Nowhere Baths, a tranquil retreat for hot and cold plunge rituals in Singapore.

Imagine the calm of a Studio Ghibli hot spring, the sleekness of a Scandi spa, and the intensity of an Olympic ice bath challenge, all tucked away in a leafy, serene corner of Dempsey. That’s Nowhere Baths, which I visited to experience its hot-cold circuit and unhurried rituals. It’s the kind of place that leaves you lighter, clearer, and quietly hooked.

Here’s everything you need to know before booking a session – straight from someone who’s sweated, shivered, and sighed their way through it.

Nowhere Baths: Details at a glance

Best for: Friends, couples, or solo seekers looking to swap their brunch for something steamier (literally)
Tip: Visit on weekday mornings if you prefer quieter vibes
How much: $55 for two hours (reservations highly recommended)
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 9pm
Address: Nowhere Baths, 14A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249669

A hidden oasis takes root in Dempsey

Mixed-gender communal baths have been staples from Japan to Finland, but Singapore? Not so much… until Nowhere Baths crashed the scene with a leafy, luxe twist.

The bathhouse is the brainchild of Derrick Foo and Sarah Chan, founders of Altered States and Palm Ave Float Club. Feeling they’d hit the ceiling with their previous ventures, the couple pursued a new dream: a bathhouse that’s part refuge, part artwork, and fully immersive. Their vision also drew inspiration from Leonard Kohen, a wellness visionary who champions simplicity and mindfulness in bathing rituals.

“[Leonard Kohen’s Undesigning the Bath] became our north star; it gave us permission to dream of Nowhere as more than just a bathhouse,” Derrick explained. Why the name? According to Sarah, Nowhere plays on two ideas: a remote, almost hidden escape – or, if you split it differently, “now here,” a reminder to be fully present in the moment.

I asked why they chose Dempsey over other spots. Sarah said the Singapore Tourism Board initially proposed the location, although they weren’t sold at first. After nearly three years of scouting alternatives, they settled on Dempsey because, as Sarah puts it, “it made the most sense.”

Sweat it out in the sauna

I arrived early on a Tuesday morning – a strange inversion of my usual weekday ritual of screens and coffee. Nowhere Baths beckoned like an inn for the world-weary, offering not a bed but a refuge for the body (and, in this case, the day ahead).

I slipped off my shoes, stepped inside, and was met with a hush of calm. Soft light, warm wood, and a low, meditative hum from the speakers filled the air. Later, Sarah gave me a tour of the sauna, the Japanese-style plunge pools, and the hidden corners that make this place feel part sanctuary, part art installation.

My play date officially kicked off at 10am, leaving me with a couple of hours to sweat, soak, and lull myself into a relaxed state of mind. After changing into my swimwear, I took a quick shower and headed to my first stop: the sauna. The warmth wrapped around me like a soft, steamy hug as I settled onto the wooden bench – heavy enough to melt away the tension in my body but gentle enough to soothe my restless mind.

Sitting on the bench and staring out the window, I eventually realised my thoughts had come to a standstill. I wasn’t thinking of anything except being in the moment, which I credit to Derrick and Sarah’s vision when they created Nowhere. Thirty minutes whizzed past before I emerged from the sauna. Refreshed but not ready to call it a day, I ventured deeper into the bathhouse.

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Take the plunge at hot or cold pools

I slipped into the first hot pool filled with Epsom salt. If you’re carrying serious tension and it’s been a while since your last massage, I highly recommend a long soak here. The mix of warmth and buoyancy nearly put me to sleep!

Tempting as it was to stay, I wanted to maximise my time, so I stepped out and eased into the Cloud Bath next. A gentle cascade of nanobubbles massaged my skin; the perfect refresh after the warm soak. The pool’s temperature – same as the first – gave me an initial shock, but I quickly acclimatised after finding the right spot to settle into.

I didn’t want to leave the comforts of the hot pool, but it’s not a true experience without the (cold) plunge. So, after a quick shower and gulping down some water, I entered the 13ºC pool. The water was so frigid it felt like liquid nitrogen had just high-fived my skin.

My body screamed in protest, as if the freezing temperature had seeped down to my bones. It was a full-on jolt to the system – the kind of ruthless chill that resets your entire day better than your third espresso shot ever could.

I thought I could last for a decent stretch, but I tapped out mere seconds later. “This was probably how Jack and Rose felt when they were stranded in the freezing open waters after falling off the Titanic,” I thought to myself after the first dip.

Was that the end for me? Not really, dear readers. I went for the cold plunge again a few times before ending my experience by scooping the icy water all over myself.

Wellness rituals beyond bathing

Besides alternating the hot and cold experiences, I spent some time on the outdoor deck soaking up the sun, admiring the greenery, and resting my body. Derrick noted that’s one thing most people tend to overlook during their bathhouse visits.

“There’s a natural impulse to jump from hot to cold and back again, but it’s the pause between those extremes where the body recalibrates. Whether it’s lying down, sipping water, or just breathing, that quiet recovery period can be just as vital,” he emphasised.

Just like that, my two hours were up. I started the experience alone, and by the time I was done, I noticed a few more people had entered (and left) the bathhouse. Curious, I asked the duo if Nowhere has seen more locals, expats, or tourists utilising the space. The answer? A healthy mix of locals and expats, while tourists have yet to discover it.

Even though it’s still an undiscovered gem, Nowhere Baths is already building a community beyond the baths. The establishment has partnered with longtime collaborator Mayuko for pre- and post-bath gong sessions, and invited ambient artist Kin Leonn to perform at Hush Hour, its signature silent bathing sessions. Derrick and Sarah are also keen to host small cultural or intellectual gatherings, noting that people often leave the baths in an especially open, reflective state.

Strip, soak, and slow down at Nowhere Baths

I sank into the comfy chair in the lounge after my sweat-and-soak session. A swirl of emotions washed over me: sleepiness thanks to the hot pools, but also a much-needed rejuvenation of mind and body. I was tired yet wired, and not a drop of caffeine was involved. Overall, the experience was truly transformative.

Although the idea of a mixed-gender communal bath initially made me nervous, that feeling quickly dissipated. My tip? Think of it like a swimming pool – just cosier and enclosed. Plus, Nowhere Baths caps attendance at 20 people per session, so you’ll never feel overwhelmed. If you prefer a quieter vibe, weekday mornings are your best bet.

“There’s no right or wrong way to use the baths. Some days, guests can only spare a short visit,” the couple told me. “That’s city life for you, where rest has to be intentional – and we’re here to support both the surrender and the strategy.”

Living in Singapore, where things never slow down, finding your ‘now here’ moment might just be a soak away. So why not book yourself a little slice of calm?

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