Sydney's Cult Bathhouse Capybara Bathing Opens First International Studio in Singapore

Picture the contented capybara: unceremoniously unbothered, sinking into a steaming onsen. That animal's legendary stillness is the founding logic behind Capybara Bathing, the Sydney wellness brand that has planted its first international flag at 77 Tras Street in Singapore's Tanjong Pagar, three minutes on foot from Tanjong Pagar MRT.

The world's most relaxed and social animal is the unlikely muse behind Singapore's newest bathhouse, and the opening marks Australia's cult wellness brand's first international outpost, arriving into a city whose appetite for contrast therapy and cold immersion has been growing steadily. Sessions start from $55 for 90 minutes.

Inside, guests move through a series of temperature-driven zones, from magnesium mineral baths heated to 38–40°C to cold plunges chilled to 6–8°C, with steam rooms, heated lounges, and what the brand positions as Singapore's first Nordic-inspired hot lounge, complete with shaved ice and body salt scrubs designed to awaken the senses and encourage slow recovery. The jump from 40°C mineral bath to a 6–8°C plunge is the kind of thermal contrast that cold-plunge regulars will recognise immediately as a serious protocol, not a boutique gimmick.

The space was crafted as much for stillness as for sensory experience, designed by a team of Sydney architects and makers who use texture, sound, and carefully controlled capacity to create an intimate atmosphere during each bathing session. The 3,000 sq ft studio was conceived by a six-part team of designers, makers, and spa enthusiasts: Natalie Cheung, ceramic studio Project Snail (Rebecca Qin and Daegeon Song), and architectural practice Studio Blek (Justin Lo, Nicholas Souksamrane, and Sebastian Tsang), with Natalie and Rebecca leading the management and operation in Australia.

The programming extends well beyond the water. Alongside the bathing circuit, guests can expect curated programming including sound rituals, guided meditation, movement sessions, and aroma therapy. "We see bathing as a modern ceremony, one that connects people through water, warmth, and stillness," says Nicole Chew, partner and director of Capybara Bathing Singapore, adding that a rotating roster of local practitioners will lead yoga, stretch, and sound ritual sessions.

The local integration runs to the smallest details. Uniforms are designed by Singapore label rye, handcrafted ceramics are supplied by Mud Rock Ceramics, and landscaping has been developed with PluntCo. Beyond bathing, the studio doubles as a venue for workshops, private events, and creative collaborations, positioning itself as part bathhouse, part cultural hub.

Wet wellness has been growing worldwide, from Australia's surf-side communities to London's contrast-therapy studios, and what's different in 2026 is how water immersion is being used: not just for recovery or relaxation, but as a way to reset and form genuine connections. For anyone who has spent time chasing quality cold water in Singapore, Capybara Bathing's combination of a calibrated 6–8°C plunge, a full mineral circuit, and a genuinely designed space makes 77 Tras Street a meaningful addition to the city's recovery options.