Gay bathhouse philadelphia

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With multiple floors to explore, including popular areas like the dungeon with slings and glory holes, Club Philly offers a unique experience that sets it apart from other similar establishments. Guests have noted that the space is large, clean, and accommodating, making it a preferred choice over other places. Though you can adjust, there’s typically no light and no sound.

Arrive with friends via the free shuttle and sweat your stresses away in the stone and pinewood steam baths. The crowd varies, but Philadelphia is a friendly city, so the vibes are generally good. This leaves your mind free to Zen out — and wander back to wherever it was headed before your iPhone got in the way.

Club Philly

Club Philly is a welcoming space that offers a range of amenities, including a gym, steam room, sauna, and showers.

The atmosphere is calm, with free condoms provided and a bar with music. Go all out with a traditional platza massage — a rub with a steamy bundle of eucalyptus and birch — then hit the adjoining restaurant for vareniki dumplings and a shot of probiotic-packed kvass. $59 for an hour; 534 East Girard Avenue, Fishtown.

If you want to be transported: Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa

The Turkish bath experience here is, in a word, trippy.

(Good thing the doors don’t close until 11 p.m.) Three must-do’s: detox in the mugwort-infused herbal steam bath, catnap in the hot clay and charcoal room, and opt for a body scrub. $25 admission; 41 East Cheltenham Avenue, Cheltenham.

If you want to culture-hop: Southampton Spa

This no-frills Russian bathhouse has swimming pools, hydrotherapy tubs and, best of all, borscht.

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The facility is cleaner than some others, with a nice balcony for smoking and vaping.

Facilities include steam rooms, private cabins, saunas dark area and even a gym, plus play areas. $40 admission; 141 Second Street Pike, Southampton.

If you crave total silence: Flotation Philly

Need a break from all of life’s distractions? If you're looking for men and adult fun check out Club Philly.

Location

1220 Chancellor St.

at Chancellor & Camac, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

NOTE: Membership fee is required here, but can be purchased at entrance!

Popular LGBTQ+ Bars in Philly

Want to try out some other hotspots while in town?

The Turkish bath at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa. Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg

It seems like every culture but ours has some kind of detoxing bath tradition.

Luckily, you can find everything from Russian pinewood steam baths to Korean charcoal rooms all around Philly. Rates are listed on their website for lockers and special room, so check their site for a full listing. The next 35 minutes are best spent alternating between the cold fog and warm rain shower settings while you slather on muds, oils and scrubs. $55 by appointment; 400 West Sproul Road, Springfield.

Published as “Baths Are the New Spas” in the April 2018 issue of Philadelphia magazine.