New wellness cafe with a sauna and ice bath comes to Manchester

Manchester is about to experience a unique blend of wellness and community connection with the launch of Kontrast, a sauna and ice bath café, located just a short stroll from Victoria Station.

Opening next month, Kontrast promises to be a transformative wellness hub that brings the benefits of contrast therapy to the city, inspired by popular concepts from around the world.

Tucked behind Angel Meadow Park, Kontrast offers a refreshing escape for those looking to unwind, recover, and rejuvenate.

Kontrast

The café features three state-of-the-art saunas, including an infrared option, and three ice baths, each with varying temperatures to cater to personal preferences.

For anyone seeking a new way to relax, boost their health, or simply escape the hustle of daily life, Kontrast aims to be the perfect oasis.

What is contrast therapy

Contrast therapy, which alternates between hot and cold treatments, is a wellness practice with a range of benefits, from stimulating circulation and enhancing energy levels to reducing inflammation and promoting deeper sleep.

This practice, already popular in Finland, Denmark, Taiwan, and Japan, is praised for its impact on both physical and mental well-being.

Jamie Smith, the owner and founder of Kontrast, discovered the incredible benefits of contrast therapy during his travels in Taiwan.

After experiencing the powerful effects of alternating hot and cold treatments, he felt compelled to share this wellness approach with his hometown.

With a background in hospitality, Jamie’s vision for Kontrast extends beyond physical wellness; he aims to create a community space where people can connect, learn, and feel rejuvenated.

“After experiencing the incredible effects of hot and cold therapy on physical and mental health during my travels, I wanted to bring that same sense of wellness and community back to Manchester,” Jamie explained.

“Kontrast is all about making wellness accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable.”

Supporting Mental Health with MIND partnership

In its opening month, Kontrast will partner with the mental health charity MIND, pledging to donate 50% of all booking donations to support mental health initiatives.

This collaboration underscores Kontrast’s commitment to promoting both physical and mental wellness within the community.

Mental health support is a key component of the Kontrast experience. By offering an alternative form of therapy and relaxation, the café aims to provide Manchester residents with a new way to alleviate stress and improve overall well-being.

A wellness destination for all

Kontrast offers flexible options to accommodate both regular visitors and newcomers. Guests can choose from 60-minute off-peak sessions, priced at £10, or 90-minute peak sessions, available for £17. There will also be memberships and class bundles for those who wish to make Kontrast a part of their regular wellness routine.

For fitness enthusiasts, wellness seekers, or anyone in search of a unique weekend activity, Kontrast’s late opening hours, from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday, ensure ample opportunities to enjoy its facilities. The café also caters to the post-work crowd, offering evening sessions as a healthy alternative to traditional after-work socialising.