As part of our partnership, we asked the founders of the new London wellness space what inspired them to create it and what wellness means to them.

Alex: Cold water therapy came into my life at a point where I had to take my health seriously and rethink how I was living day to day. Having a Scandinavian background, being in cold water was always something I was familiar with growing up, so there was already a level of comfort and respect for it.

As I started exploring different approaches to feeling better, I found myself coming back to it in a more intentional way. I began exploring contrast therapy – moving between heat and cold – and experiencing it in different environments around the world. What stood out to me wasn’t just the physical effects, but the mental shift that came with it.

Waldo: From a physical perspective, temperature therapy supports circulation, aids recovery and can help reduce inflammation. The combination of heat and cold also encourages the body to adapt and rebalance. Mentally, it creates a noticeable shift in energy and clarity. You often step out feeling more alert, uplifted, and focused. There’s also a resilience element to it - choosing to enter something uncomfortable builds a level of mental strength that carries into other areas of life.

Waldo: Moving between heat and cold encourages the body to restore balance, and that process can leave you feeling deeply relaxed. This ties into the nervous system - moving from a heightened state into a calmer one. When done at the right time, it can help take the edge off stress. There’s also a natural link between body temperature and sleep quality. Supporting that rhythm can make a difference in how well you wind down.

Alex: For me, it’s about creating an environment that feels intentional rather than rushed. I usually begin with a few minutes of slow breathing or a yoga flow to settle everything before starting. Whether it’s heat, cold or a combination of both, the focus is on staying calm and controlled – not resisting the experience, but working with it. I take time to let my body adjust gradually and keep the space calm. That shift turns it into more of a ritual than a task, which makes it something you genuinely look forward to.

Afterwards, I wrap up in a soft, absorbent robe or towel – something that feels warm and comforting against the skin – and take a moment to light a soothing candle and indulge in a little skincare, too. It’s a simple but important part of the process, helping the body return to a natural balance while extending that sense of calm just a little longer.

Alex: No matter what’s going on externally, you know you’re going to step away feeling better than when you started. It supports your overall energy, focus and ability to handle stress. When done consistently, the impact builds over time – and that’s what makes it worth returning to.

Waldo: The best approach is to keep it simple and remove any pressure to go too far too quickly. Starting with short bursts of cold at the end of a shower or introducing gentle heat sessions is more than enough in the beginning. Steady, controlled breathing helps your body adapt and makes the experience far more manageable. Small, regular exposure is far more effective than pushing too hard too early. If you’re unsure where to begin, guided sessions or classes – like those we offer at Rebase – can offer a supportive way to try it out, build confidence and understand what works best for you.