#mrsteam

Mr. Steam is committed to making wellness a way of life.  A daily steam shower is one of the most refreshing rewards you can give yourself. Step inside and feel your senses expand. Boundaries soften and disappear. This is the most sensual of beauty rituals: relaxation and rejuvenation, stimulation and exhilaration.

The ritual of relaxing and renewing through water has been a tradition dating back to ancient times. The Greek, Roman and Ottoman empires recognized and celebrated the purifying powers and the ‘art’ of the bath. The great thermal baths of antiquity were thus true feasts to the senses incorporating minerals, aromatherapy and massage. They were often housed within beautiful architectural settings. In harmony with the human spirit, they were places to meet and socialize and to relax away the stresses of the day. 

Infusing this history into our contemporary lives connects us with a very primal human experience. Intuitively, the spirit behind relaxation, revitalizing and cleansing is what attracts us to the steam bath today.  

The ancient philosophies of well-being is one that Martha Orellana, VP of sales and marketing for Mr. Steam, is very passionate about.

As a most memorable part of BlogTourNYC, Martha invited the team to embrace this philosophy, first hand, at AIRE Ancient Baths in New York’s TriBeCa. What an experience!

The façade of AIRE layers a graphic network of metal fire escapes over white-painted classicism; Industrial meets Greek Revival. It cooperates with the chic and the mystique of the TriBeCa streetscape. 

Upon entering the former textile factory of 1883, I was impressed with the feeling of a layered history and its 'old-world' antidote to the polished modern spa setting. The space is gloriously raw, patinated and tactile exposing original steel beams, iconic red bricks and grand stone columns.

Image via Conde Nast Traveler

Within the industrial framework there lies an eclectic ensemble. Moroccan lanterns and toleware, 16th century Spanish fountains, luxuriously simple and embroidered textiles, and a classic Louis XVI settee unite to embrace the essence of a truly sensual environment. 

This is a spa that honours the ancient culture of bathing.  Heading down to the baths is like descending into a magical past. Illuminated only by the flickering light of candles and filled with white marble and stone, the spa is an underground world which is deeply moody and atmospheric. It’s an oasis of pure and mystical relaxation.

Image via Conde Nast Traveler

The AIRE bath ritual is based on multiple baths of varying temperatures. The pools range from the fiery Caldarium of 102 degrees to the icy Frigidarium pool of 50 degrees. The Flotarium, or salt water pool, at 100 degrees was a personal favorite. The immersive experience was so calming and peaceful. My body felt weightless. The glass-enclosed aromatic Hammam, or steam room, was the absolute highlight. Upon entering it felt as if I had walked straight into a sunken cloud. A heady scent of eucalyptus and mint filled the steam room for a stimulating finale. 

The magical art of steam bathing most certainly connects the human spirit from past to present. It’s a timeless participation of feeding the soul. 

AIRE Ancient Baths 88 Franklin Street, NY 10013

Mr. Steam sponsor of BLOGTOURNYC