Have You Been To Arc After Dark? Why Sauna Parties Are The New Nightclubs

Move over, London nightclubs – there is a new social hotspot coming for your crown. Our wellness director investigates why sauna parties are fast becoming the place to spend your evening in the capital…

It’s a Friday night and once upon a time my sister and I would be at a bar having a few cocktails and a dance right now. In some ways, where we actually are has similarities. A DJ is behind her decks, people are mingling and the atmosphere is electric. However, we are definitely not in a nightclub, not least because we have swapped ‘jeans and a nice top’ for our swimsuits and I’m about to brave a pool of freezing cold water…

We are at Arc After Dark – a new evening event at Canary Wharf’s hottest (and coldest) contrast therapy centre, which is reimagining what nightlife looks like in London. That means trading cocktails for cold/hot circuits and dance floors for deep relaxation.

Here’s what you need to know before you jump into the sauna party trend…

What is contrast therapy and what are the benefits?

Contrast therapy – or hot/cold therapy – involves switching between exposure to heat through a hot sauna or steam room, and cold by immersion in a cold plunge or ice bath.

Moving between the hot and cold is proven to enhance circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and boost your endorphins (aka your happy hormones). The contrast between the two temperatures also stimulates the nervous system, promoting a sense of alertness and relaxation simultaneously – perfect for easing you into the weekend.

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Why sauna parties are the new after-work trend?

Traditionally, social life in the city revolved around bars and clubs, but London’s drinking culture has definitely shifted in recent years. With a rising focus on overall wellbeing, people are seeking healthier ways to socialise, and the ‘badge of honour’ of a hangover is losing its appeal.

In Canary Wharf – London’s original corporate hive – there’s arguably been the biggest shift. ‘Work hard, play hard’ still rings true but now ‘play hard’ is less about how quickly you can down a pint and more about where you rest and unwind.

Health-conscious professionals in London are therefore swapping late-night parties for sauna rituals, which provide the perfect environment for recharging and bonding (yes, networking can still be involved) – all while delivering profound physical benefits.

Nowhere is this change-up more evident than at ARC Canary Wharf, where visitors can enjoy a luxurious thermal experience that feels just as exhilarating as a night out – minus the aching head in the morning.

What is Arc After Dark?

Throughout the week and during the day, the talented team at ARC Canary Wharf offer both guided and individual hot/cold sauna sessions, supercharging your traditional spa experience. But, the space really comes to life on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Arc After Dark can best be described as a sauna party, where you are encouraged to slip into your favourite swimsuit and a towel sarong to join a crowd of forward-thinking wellness seekers pushing the boundaries of a conventional night out.

Just like a nightclub, these nights have an exclusive, high-energy atmosphere, but this time the DJ booth is in a relaxation area where you can recline in comfort; conversations happen with enthusiasm in the massive social sauna not the smoking area; and – if you dare – you can get your thrills in the invigorating ice baths rather than with a vodka shot. (Don’t worry there’s always someone on hand to guide you safely through the experience and cold showers to help you dip your toe. Even the wimp in me found myself getting braver and braver as the night went on).

Best of all, the space combines the best bits of a club environment and the luxury of a spa. The dimmed lighting, immersive soundscapes and aromatherapy scents helped me feel instantly relaxed – much like the feeling you get post-massage. However, the music and, most importantly, each circuit of hot and cold therapy, gave me such a natural endorphin rush that it was almost better than the energy from a great night out, and far better for my body and mind.

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Who is swapping clubs for cold plunges?

As I looked around me at ARC it was clear that London’s high-performance crowd – from finance professionals to fitness enthusiasts – is firmly embracing the shift. Whether it’s busy executives looking for an energy boost, athletes optimising recovery, or wellness lovers seeking a natural high, ARC draws a diverse, engaged community. Best of all, while most people arrived in twos or threes (or even alone), by the end of the night, we found ourselves laughing and chatting with each other whenever we wished too.

Two rather different highlights come to mind: first, there was the level of camaraderie as each person successfully submerged themselves in the icy baths. I swear it kept me in there for far longer than I could have managed alone. And, second, the smile on my face when a group decided to really enhance the clubbing atmosphere, with a little dancing in the massive sauna.

Why the trend is here to stay?

Ultimately, unlike traditional nightclubs, which often lead to fatigue, hot/cold experiences can offer long-term benefits as well as a good time. And, as wellness continues to dominate our lives, ARC Canary Wharf and other sauna spots are becoming the ultimate social venues.

So, instead of asking, “Where are we drinking tonight?” the new question is: “When’s our next sauna session?” Whether you’re there for the community, the endorphin rush, or the post-sauna glow, one thing is clear: the sauna is fast becoming the new dance floor, and contrast therapy the new mood-boosting cocktail.

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