For all those who are a fan of a DIY spa day kind of vibe, BASK Detroit is the place to be! If you've been to The Schvitz, I have heard many people both while inside the walls of BASK and outside of it asking for me to compare and contrast the two, so I will do so in my review here:
- They both offer saunas, but BASK only has one sauna, which is a dry sauna (where workers will come in to pour more water over the rocks, whereas The Schvitz has a separate dry sauna and wet sauna.
- BASK has four individually sized cold-plunge tubs and are at 35, 45, 50, and 55 degrees. The Schvitz has one giant pool-sized cold plunge that tends to range from 50-60 degrees depending on the time of day and year.
- BASK has an incredibly small footprint - it's the lobby, lockers (men's and women's), then an entire communal space of showers, sauna, and plunge tubs. The Schvitz has a much larger space, complete with two levels, tons of pockets for seating areas and community gathering, a kitchen that can and does serve food, etc. They both contain outdoor patios. BASK has a strict no food and no phone policy.
- BASK is very new and modern, with floor to ceiling windows, state-of-the-line showers, amenties, etc., whereas The Schvitz is very "grungy" feeling, given the historical nature of the building and its general wear and tear over the years contributing to that as well.
In many ways, BASK and The Schvitz are complete opposites - night and day - but in many ways, they share a lot of similarities too. If you're looking for pure wellness, a more easy/straightforward in and out feel, BASK is probably the way to go. If you're looking to hang out with your friends and go at a more leisure pace, The Schvitz is where I would recommend! But at the end of the day, why not go to both?? Like me!
Price point-wise, BASK can start off a little more expensive at $60 per 2 hour session vs. $40 per 4 hour session at The Schvitz, but the price point at BASK can end up becoming cheaper if you go frequently enough as they offer membership options that The Schvitz simply just never has. I don't personally live close enough to BASK to make a membership worth my while, but is definitely something to consider if you do live closer!
All in all, I highly recommend you give BASK a try if you're looking to cure some sore muscles, aches and pains, looking to sleep better, etc. There are so many benefits that come with intentional contrast therapy and BASK makes it incredibly accessible to the masses and a very straightforward way to trying it out! read more