FAIRHAVEN — On Tuesday, from a distance it looks like a small house is in the Fort Phoenix parking lot , but it's actually a mobile sauna and cold plunge — the first of its kind in the SouthCoast.
"We wanted to create a space where people could come and experience the benefits of sauna, whether it be for physical or mental health, in a relaxed and communal setting," said Matthew Marko, co-owner of Tranquil Tides New Bedford .
"The business model is a mixture of private and public events, with weekly pop-ups at East or West Beach in New Bedford, so members can count on us consistently being there one day a week."
The growing popularity of sauna in the health and fitness community is something that Marko said he is excited to play a part in bringing to the SouthCoast. "You can't be in the health and fitness space and not hear people talking about sauna and cold-plunging," he said.
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"It's getting so popular, and science is finally coming out about how good for you it is. It's not just for relaxation, but there is a long list of benefits ranging from cardiovascular health to mental and emotional wellness, skin health and even workout recovery."
Marko said he also sees a lot of overlap between sauna and other wellness practices. "We often attract people who also enjoy activities like yoga, running or swimming. Sauna is a perfect complement to these, and there is a detox aspect to it as well," he added.
"As more people become aware of the benefits and try it out, we hope to create a community of sauna enthusiasts in the SouthCoast."
Bringing a new experience to the SouthCoast
With his business partner Frank Cabral, a Navy veteran also from New Bedford, the two have become passionate about bringing the community the opportunity to reap the benefits of sauna/cold plunge.
"I was instantly drawn to it," Marko said, after having the mobile experience in Michigan. "But when we came back and started this business, there was a lack of awareness and education about sauna in this area, but I see it as a unique opportunity to spread the word and make people aware of the benefits."
Marko said mobile saunas are gaining popularity nationwide, but in Massachusetts, it's very unregulated and has been a challenge with local ordinances and certifications.
"In other parts of the country, there are clear guidelines and forms for mobile sauna vendors. In Massachusetts, we have to work closely with the state and local towns to ensure we are meeting all the necessary requirements for permitting and safety," he said.
Currently, Marko and Cabral are working on building the marketing aspect of their business and reaching out to different communities to spread the word about Tranquil Tides New Bedford. They have received a positive response from those who have experienced their sauna sessions.
"People's reactions are often, 'I've never heard of this,' or 'What is this?'" he said. "But we also get a lot of curiosity and interest from those who have heard about the benefits of sauna and want to try it out for themselves."
Marko said that as they continue to build partnerships and educate people, he believes sauna and cold plunge will become a staple in the wellness industry, and Tranquil Tides will be at the forefront of it in the SouthCoast.
What you experience when inside the mobile sauna
Upon entering the sauna space, clients are greeted by a 4-by-4-foot room to change in, complete with a privacy curtain. The sauna itself can reach temperatures of up to 185 degrees.
After being in the sauna, clients can then get into the cold plunge tank, filled with fresh ice water at around 35 degrees. Clients can alternate between the hot sauna and the cold plunge to feel the benefits of the Nordic cycle, which Marko said is a process of alternating between heat and cold.
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What sets Tranquil Tides apart from other traditional saunas is their use of gas and propane to heat the space, making it easier and safer to use. "It's innovative and easy to use because there's no open flame that would worry a fire department," Marko said.
Originally from Maine, Marko worked in progressive political campaigns for several years before settling in New Bedford and working at the Alma Del Mar Charter School. He then wanted to try something completely different. His passion for health and fitness inspired him to bring the benefits of the sauna to the local community.
Providing affordable and accessible saunas to the working class
Tranquil Tides aims to provide an affordable and accessible sauna experience to the community, particularly to those who may not have the means to travel to Newport or Boston for a spa-like experience.
Marko also said the business is also focused on promoting health and wellness in the blue-collar community of New Bedford, where long and sometimes physically demanding work hours can take a toll on one's health.
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"We bring both the tank and the park to fresh water so that people have the option to use the cold plunge tank or walk to the beach and plunge into the cold water," he added.
The company also offers membership plans, where customers can access the sauna at discounted rates and attend pop-up events. For $30 a month, clients can get two free pop-up events, and 25% off renting the unit for a private event.
"I've always been passionate about sauna and cold-plunging, and I myself have struggled to find a good sauna option in New Bedford," Marko said.
"I wanted to start a business to provide access to something that I love and believe in, and also help others in the community."
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com . Find out more about him at sethchitwood.com . Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Mobile sauna and cold plunge on the move around New Bedford. Why you should check it out.
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