BOTTOM LINE: I thoroughly enjoyed my experience
TIP/S: *women-owned business*
Walk-ins welcome.
...WHO: party of 2
WHY: Novemberfest celebration with my sis
WHAT: (Deets) I initially read about the outdoor sauna on donyc. Before coming, I was frustrated, having called Nowadays several times on both Thursday (I left a voicemail because they are NOT open) and Friday (no answer during open hours). So I sent an email. I received a response from Nowadays staff late Friday evening with only a hyperlink and unclear info. My original email was also forwarded to the actual owners of Hot Box. They promptly answered my email and gave me clear written directions, a hyperlink with updated info, and a direct phone number to call to communicate with humans...winning!
That evening, I called & spoke with the upbeat empathetic owner Paula. I received such wonderful customer service that I was intent on supporting WHATEVER project she and Jackie had going on! My girlfriend and I were psyched about coming to a "tiny house" sauna. It's housed in the backyard of the restaurant Nowadays in Ridgewood for now, but moves to various spots around the city.
After registering, when your time slot is ready, you will go to 1 of 2 zip-down, enclosed changing cabanas to slip into your swimsuit and slippers. You are given a long black or short teal robe for warmth/ coverage, and escorted up onto the porch (no shoes) and into the sauna where fresh towels await you on the bench. There is an outdoor shower for the warmer months, and a fire pit for the cooler months. There is also cold ginger lemon water for your sipping pleasure.
There are 2 enclosures in the sauna that vary in temperature, to cool down without having to leave the sauna. The hottest section can comfortably hold 4-7 people, the warmer section 4-6 small-thighed folks. The porch also seats 2, and is VERY Instagramable, if you're about that life!
All in all, it was absolutely wonderful. Between catching up with my girlfriend, chatting with our sauna-mate, giggling with the owners Jackie & Paula & staff, and hanging at the fire pit, the time FLEW by! So I would advise booking at LEAST an hour. But there is happy hour pricing before 10pm when they are open, so Frugalistas also get to rock out! I'm definitely intent on bringing more friends next time!
WHEN: Saturday evening in November '18
WHERE: take away
HOW: bike/ Lyft
BATHROOM: At Nowadays (the restaurant that houses this mobile sauna)
WIFI: did not use
DRESS CODE: swimsuit, no shoes
SERVICE: prompt, friendly and attentive read more