On any given evening in Bend, people gather in more places than just the neighborhood brewery. Some sink into the turquoise-tiled soaking pool at the McMenamins Old St. Francis School. Couples and coworkers pad between the hot and cold pools at FLUX Thermal Lounge in slippers and robes, and guests at ChillWell rotate through infrared saunas, cold plunges and float therapy. In these spaces, phones are tucked away and alcohol is not the focal point. Much like a local watering hole, these water-centric gathering places offer the community a healthy place to bond, converse and unwind.

A New Way to Gather in Bend

For FLUX Thermal Lounge owner Dini Vemuri, that function was intentional. Contrast therapy studios, she said, are often built around recovery metrics and biohacking. The FLUX team had something more natural in mind. “Having community is so clearly positively correlated with long-term health, happiness and life satisfaction,” said Vemuri. Creating connection shows up in every detail of FLUX’s design, from the large soaking pools that can accommodate large groups to the tea guests are offered on arrival. The tea is a unique herbal blend the FLUX team developed with The People’s Apothecary as a little something to say “Welcome” and give hands something to hold.

With backyard hot tubs, alpine lakes and natural hot springs, Central Oregonians have a long tradition of embracing water’s role as a social hub. The McMenamins Old St. Francis School soaking pool has been one of the city’s most relaxing spots to gather since 2004. The room is decorated with rich turquoise tile, stained glass and a skylight. The Old World beauty of this pool makes it easy to forget you’re in Bend.

Inside FLUX Thermal Lounge in Bend

Newer businesses are taking thermal lounges and soaking spaces in other directions. FLUX, just off Century Drive, opened in 2025 and serves as a communal living room, with full ADA accessibility throughout every room and the pool. Vemuri explained that the general public has favored hot tubs over saunas because of their familiarity. “People know what a hot tub is; they know what to do.” Soaking asks very little; guests climb in, stay for as long as they wish and strike up a conversation with neighbors if they feel like it. Women’s groups have visited FLUX, where breast cancer survivors felt comfortable wearing bathing suits in public for the first time since undergoing double mastectomies. Vemuri witnesses guests who insist they’ll never try the cold plunge climb in moments after seeing a friend go first. “It adds more texture to new and existing relationships,” said Vemuri.

That could be why these spaces draw a diverse crowd. Young professionals stop in after work, couples try on soaking dates instead of dining out, and parents come in with their teenagers. FLUX hosts live DJs, breathwork sessions, queer nights and local musicians, giving guests more reasons to return and build new relationships. Visitors looking to imbibe can take advantage of the Tuesday-through-Thursday partnership with the neighboring Flamingo Room, where every robe and slipper rental includes a post-soak cocktail.

Float Therapy, Saunas and Cold Plunges at ChillWell

North of downtown Bend, ChillWell offers its core float therapy, inviting visitors to float in a tank filled with 1,000 pounds of magnesium-rich Epsom salt water. ChillWell also has cold plunges and infrared saunas, yoga classes and community events. While some guests arrive with friends, others visit alone and emerge from an hour-long, distraction-free float session more present and social. Guests can connect either before or after a sauna session to make restoration also an experience of shared solitude.

Communal Sauna Experiences in Bend

Gather Sauna House has expanded with a communal thermal bathing experience on the east side. Surrounded by the high desert landscape, Hanai Sauna Garden has wood-fired saunas, cold plunges and rain showers. Visitors can book community contrast therapy sessions—often striking up conversations with new friends—or reserve a private session for up to eight guests. Gather’s seasonal riverfront location will reopen in October with its traditional wood-fired sauna experience, community-focused events on Thursdays and nervous system reset sessions. Social soaking might just be the winning pitch for the next hangout.