Akari, a unique sauna establishment in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, redefines urban wellness with its deep roots in Japanese bathing customs. This facility, born from Shayna Olsan and Luke Carstens' vision during the pandemic, offers a serene sanctuary where the traditional hot-cold-rest cycle is reimagined for modern New Yorkers. The space, designed in collaboration with Erin Carstens, Stroop Design, and thermal consultant Kiel Moe, emphasizes natural materials and an intimate atmosphere, providing a much-needed escape from city life.
Following the success of its Williamsburg predecessor, Akari's Greenpoint location offers a more refined and mature ambiance within a compact setting. This intentional intimacy cultivates a culture of quiet introspection and mindful relaxation, making it a valuable haven for those seeking a pause from their daily routines. The design masterfully blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary comfort, promising a holistic experience that prioritizes personal well-being and a reconnection with self.
Japanese Aesthetic and Serene Design
Akari Sauna in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, is meticulously designed to transport visitors to a realm of tranquility, drawing heavily from the soothing aesthetics of Japanese onsens and sentōs. The interior showcases a deliberate choice of natural materials, from ash wood benches to subtle green tiles surrounding the cold plunge, creating an environment that feels both organic and deeply calming. This thoughtful design, a collaboration between founders Shayna Olsan and Luke Carstens, designer Erin Carstens, and architects Stroop Design, ensures every detail contributes to a serene and introspective experience, offering a peaceful respite from the urban rush.
Upon entering Akari, guests are invited to shed their shoes, signaling a transition from the frenetic pace of the city to a space dedicated to quiet contemplation. The journey through the facility is guided by carefully chosen elements: a cozy lounge with cushioned seating and a garage-style window, a wooden station for refreshments, and art crafted from washi paper. Dark stone floors lead to all-gender locker and shower areas, continuing the natural material palette with wood paneling. The distinct saunas, one intimate for eight and another larger one for twenty, provide varying temperatures and atmospheres, with the larger space benefiting from a skylight that bathes the ash-wood benches in soft light. Every element, from the layout to the material choices, reinforces Akari's commitment to creating a space that embodies Japanese design principles and promotes profound relaxation.
The Hot-Cold-Rest Ritual for Urban Dwellers
The core philosophy of Akari Sauna revolves around the ancient Japanese hot-cold-rest bathing ritual, thoughtfully adapted to suit the demanding lifestyles of New Yorkers. This practice, cherished by co-founder Shayna Olsan during her formative years in Japan, is designed to offer a holistic wellness experience that rejuvenates both body and mind. Recognizing a void in New York City for such accessible and authentic bathing rituals, Olsan and Luke Carstens established Akari to allow individuals to seamlessly integrate this beneficial practice into their daily or weekly routines without the need for prior appointments, fostering a culture of spontaneous self-care.
Akari's carefully curated sequence encourages members to transition from intense heat to invigorating cold, followed by a period of profound rest. After experiencing the warmth of the saunas, whether in the smaller, more intimate setting or the larger, skylit space, visitors are encouraged to rinse off and then immerse themselves in the cold plunge. This hot-cold contrast is central to the ritual's purported health benefits, stimulating circulation and invigorating the senses. Following the plunge, dedicated resting areas provide a space for quiet introspection, free from digital distractions. This no-phone policy fosters an environment where individuals can truly disconnect, practice mindfulness, and enjoy a rare moment of peace, reflecting Akari's dedication to protecting this sacred time for its members and promoting a deeper sense of well-being.