Indoor & outdoor spots to cold plunge in Virginia
Boost your mental and physical health by taking a cold plunge at one of these Virginia spas or river destinations.
Cold plunging, which is also called cold water immersion, is now being looked to as a unique yet reliable way to boost one’s mental and physical health. Improved mood and pain relief are often cited as benefits of cold plunging. Luckily, cold plunges are no longer reserved for athletes who are at the top of their game and are now widely accessible to those looking to push themselves to the limit and revitalize their minds and bodies.
Whether you’re seeking a soothing spa setting or a relaxing river, here are some of the top indoor and outdoor spots throughout Virginia to take a plunge in some icy water.
Indoor
If you prefer a cushy spa experience, here are some indoor cold plunge options available throughout the commonwealth.
Frostfire Sauna and Cold Plunge
Location: 1337 Main St., Suite 2, Lynchburg, VA 24504
Frostfire Sauna and Cold Plunge has two cold plunge tanks that can help reduce inflammation and sharpen one’s focus in mere minutes. The cold plunges are part of the one-hour quick trip package, which includes both the sauna and the cold plunge for $30.
With a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, the owner believes in empowering clients to take control of their health and wellness. As a result, personalized care is offered.
Wave Wellness
Location: 1577 Laskin Rd. Suite 105, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Wave Wellness, which bills itself as a private escape for those seeking to recover, recharge, and renew, offers both cold plunge sessions and contrast therapy sessions, which can include infrared sauna or red-light therapies. The businesses said its ice bath therapy supports improved mental and physical health.
If you want to take the plunge but are afraid to do it on your own, the tubs are large enough to accommodate you and your friend or partner.
Still Water Floatation
Location: 1309 3rd St. SW, Roanoke, VA 24016
Still Water Floatation offers cold plunges as part of its Fire and Ice package. The 60-minute session starts with time in an infrared sauna, then moves to a cold plunge, and ends with red light therapy.
The spa explained that alternating between hot and cold causes blood to flow back and forth between internal organs and extremities. As a result, inflammation is reduced, cardiovascular health is improved, and dopamine is released. The Fire and Ice session costs $69.
Transitions Float Studio
Location: 2226 Old Brick Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060
Transitions Float Studio’s Fire & Ice Rooms are designed to provide relaxing hot-and-cold therapies. The rooms include infrared saunas and cold plunges. The spa recommends going back and forth between the sauna and plunge two to three times, with 10-15 minutes in the sauna and two to three minutes in the plunge.
The spa stresses that cold therapy offers a variety of benefits, including pain relief, improved mood, and better skin health. A 60-minute session costs $40.
Sweathouz
Location: 4121 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203
Sweathouz’s cold plunge sessions keep the water between 48 and 55 degrees. The spa recommends that cold plunge enthusiasts do it up to three times per week for a total of 11 minutes.
It also recommends visitors take plunges as part of a broader experience that includes starting with 20-30 minutes in an infrared sauna, taking a vitamin C shower, and a two to three-minute cold plunge. The sauna and plunge can be repeated two to three times during the session.
Reset
Location: 5786A Three Notch’d Rd., Crozet, VA 22932
Reset strives to combine the ideas of athletic recovery and wellness collective. It offers cold plunge sessions, which it says can support healthy immune systems and boost metabolism. A single 15-minute cold plunge session is $18.
The contrast room, which includes a sauna and cold plunge, starts at $50 for 45 minutes.
Balian Springs
Location: 6432 General Green Way, Alexandria, VA 22312
Balian Springs, an immersive spa and wellness retreat, offers a range of hydrotherapy pools designed to promote relaxation and address physical and mental ailments. The coed plunge pools are specifically designed to be used after spending time in one of the saunas.
Admission to the spa is $130 on weekdays and $165 on weekends.
The Recovery Room
Location: 1202 North Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA 23230
The Recovery Room is located at Vintage Boxing Gym, which is open to all.
Its cold plunge allows visitors to dip in 40 to 45-degree water for up to three minutes, with the temperature and duration calibrated to deliver maximum long-term benefits. Appointments aren’t needed for the $15 cold plunge.
Awarehouse
Location: 2201 N Pershing Dr. Ste. H, Arlington, VA 22201
Awarehouse helps those who are interested in cold plunges but are a little reluctant to take the plunge. It encourages first-time visitors to be kind to themselves and start slow. After doing one to two-minute plunges a couple of times a week, the spa said visitors can work their way up to daily invigorating cold plunges. The effects, like increased metabolism and reduced inflammation, can last up to 12 hours, it said.
In addition to its two full-size BlueCube cold plunges, it offers a sauna and sensory room.
Purify
Location: 201 Maltby Blvd. Suite C, Henrico, VA 23233
Purify’s 50-degree cold plunges can be done on their own for one to five minutes or as part of contrast therapy by alternating between the cold and an infrared sauna. During the plunge, the spa encourages visitors to shift their minds away from the temperature and towards their breathing.
Its first-time buy-one-get-one-free cold plunge offer is $19. The spa, which is locally owned and operated, has been in business for over a decade.
Outdoor
Those seeking a more rugged plunge may consider taking a dip in the Rivanna or New rivers.
Riversong Saunas
Location: 1520 E High St., Charlottesville, VA 22902
Riversong Saunas, which launched its first sauna in 2022, opens for the season every November. Offering both saunas and cold plunges, it uses the Rivanna River as its primary cold plunge. The water at the bottom of the stairs leading down to the river is normally around 3 feet deep, which is ideal for sitting during a plunge.
Community sessions start at $38 per person, with private sessions also available. After a session, warm up with a beverage in the Tea Room.
New River Polar Plunge
Location: 49 Berkley Williams Dr., Radford, VA 24141
The New River Polar Plunge, held on Feb. 14, offers the opportunity to take a chilly dip in the New River with friends and family. The annual event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Virginia, with registration being $100. Prizes are awarded to those who show up in the best costumes. Helpfully, heated changing tents are on-site.
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