Disrobe your idea of a standard spa visit and get ready to slip into a private, immersive retreat.
Circle Wellness is making its grand splash in the U.S. this summer, near the iconic setting of Seattle’s Gas Works Park.
The thermal spa experience is expanding from its Vancouver, B.C. roots to bring the wildly popular concept into the states. Its upcoming space along North Lake Union introduces a highly curated thermal circuit that blends ancient bathing traditions with modern comfort and automation.
Circle Wellness invites you to intentionally disconnect from the daily grind and experience a physical and mental reset. Each visit is an orchestrated sequence of soothing heat and cold blasts of energy. The experience is fully self-guided, allowing guests to move at their own pace, without crowds or distractions.
Amid the surging popularity of cold plunges and saunas, Cirlce Wellness leans into a more holistic philosophy — based on years of research about external sensories benefitting internal wellbeing.
That philosophy is inspired by global bathing cultures, particularly those of Japan, Korea, and Northern Europe, while adding immersive audio and visual elements. The result is a personal thermal journey anchored by the signature WellPod sauna.
What began in Vancouver in 2020 as an experimental outdoor prototype—offered initially as an Airbnb wellness experience—quickly gained traction. It became one of the brand’s top-rated offerings, fueled almost entirely by word of mouth. Guests didn’t just return—they brought friends. Circle Wellness built a loyal following because of how the experience made guests feel: lighter, restored, and more grounded.
When Circle Wellness opened its flagship location on Granville Island in 2023, it was met with a waitlist of 20,000 people.
Expanding to Seattle, and specifically North Lake Union, was a natural next step for the burgeoning brand of Circle Wellness, bringing a calming oasis into the bustle of the Emerald City.
Co-founder and CEO Scott Emslie says, “Seattle’s culture of wellness, nature and innovation made it the perfect place for our next chapter. We’re excited to introduce a completely new kind of spa experience here.”
The new location will debut what the company describes as the world’s first fully automated private thermal spa circuit in the U.S. Each session—available in 90-minute or two-hour formats for up to two people—includes a carefully designed progression:
Open-air shower to cleanseCedar soaking tub for gradual immersionWellPod sauna for deep, multi-sensory heatCold plunge to invigorate and resetHeated riverstones for grounding and recovery
Between each booking, the suites are completely refreshed: tubs are drained, cleaned, and refilled with fresh water, ensuring a pristine experience every time.
Reservations for the Seattle location are expected to open a month before its summer debut. Be among the first locals to immerse yourself in Circle Wellness at 1326 N Northlake Way.