Formation Sauna + Wellness
305 Brown St, Philadelphia, PA
Formation Sauna + Wellness is a small private-sauna studio on a quiet Northern Liberties corner at Brown Street and Oddfellows Alley, open since 2020 and a repeat Best of Philly pick. The centerpiece is a Nordic-style sauna for up to four people, heated by water poured over hot stones and climbing to around 195°F. Cooling off happens in a shared lounge with a single-person cold plunge and a cold hydrotherapy shower, and the routine is simple: five to 15 minutes of heat, a cold rinse or plunge, a rest, repeat. Everything is by appointment. A 90-minute session, including shower and prep time, is $85 for one, $135 for two, $175 for three and $195 for four; the plunge comes free with any sauna booking but can't be reserved alone. The sauna is yours alone, though the lounge, toilets and changing area may be shared with one other group. Towels, robes, sauna shoes, filtered water and herbal tea are provided; bring a swimsuit, which is required. First-timers should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to fill out the intake form, and cancellations need 24 hours' notice. Parking nearby is tight and timed, so walk, bike or take SEPTA. It's closed Tuesdays. Formation leans more spa than gym: you can pair the sauna with a 60-minute side-by-side massage, a DIY facial or an herbal foot soak, and the studio hosts monthly sound-bath and breathwork evenings. It's a go-to for a date, a birthday or a quiet catch-up with up to three friends.
Quick facts
- Type
- Boutique Studio
- Heat
- Traditional sauna
- Cold
- Cold plunge tub, Cold shower
- Temperatures
- Sauna 195°F
- Drop-in price
- $85 per session
- Booking
- Private booking
- Session style
- Appointment-based
- Gender
- Co-ed
- Clothing
- Clothing required
Hours
- Monday: 10:00–20:00
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10:00–20:00
- Thursday: 10:00–20:00
- Friday: 09:00–21:00
- Saturday: 09:00–21:00
- Sunday: 09:00–21:00
Last updated November 2026.