Schvunch!

Welcome to the very first Schvunch – a gathering where New York’s kinksters can connect, decompress, and treat themselves in a spa and sauna setting. Think of it as a space to refresh your body, clear your mind, and spark warm conversations in a safe, vanilla, and inviting environment.

What’s a Schvunch?

A little history first: in the old country, when my gramps from Western Russia wanted to reflect and recharge, he’d head to the schvitz – a room filled with heat and steam. For him, sweating it out was about more than wellness; it was about community and connection as people would naturally meet and greet each other in this communal space and talk about life while they recharged.

Now fast forward to today. Blending the spirit of the schvitz with the casual community of a munch. Put them together and you get: Schvitz + Munch = Schvunch. A monthly chance to share conversation and camaraderie in a spa environment.

What to Expect

This is a vanilla, non-sexual, co-ed social gathering hosted in a public spa/sauna. Everyone is welcome – whatever your background, orientation, or experience level. Whether you’re brand new or a longtime member of the community, this is a place to ease in, feel comfortable, and enjoy genuine connection.

When: Fourth Saturday of each month, from Noon to 2pm (stay longer if you wish!)

First Date: Saturday, September 27th, Noon – 2pm

Where: Spa 88, 88 Fulton Street, Manhattan (down one flight of stairs)

Cost: Day passes typically run $60–$70, paid directly to the spa at checkout. Each attendee gets their own lockbox and locker. Food, drinks, and extras are also your own responsibility.

Dress Code: Bathing suits are required. Nudity is only permitted in locker rooms while changing or showering.

Locker rooms are separated, but the spa’s main areas – pools, saunas, lounges – are open and co-ed, creating a balanced and comfortable environment for all.

Why Spa 88?

Spa 88 is centrally located in lower Manhattan, with top-notch steam and dry sauna rooms. It’s not the most luxurious spa, but the facilities pack real intensity and charm. Imagine hanging out with Russian bears over borscht and fresh juice, that’s the vibe. There’s also a pool, hot tub, and even a cold plunge for the super healthy brave!

Practical Details

Towels, robes, and shower slippers are available on site.

Food & drink: Russian and Eastern European comfort food is available for purchase there and you are required to pay your own bill (think pirogi, borscht, chicken soup) plus fresh-squeezed juice.

Look for us behind the food bar – we’ll have a white bicycle helmet on the table as our marker.

The Spirit of Schvunch

The heart of this event is safety, relaxation, and connection. This is not a play space, so please leave toys and kink gear at home. Think of Schvunch as a moment to recharge, meet new friends, and feel part of a supportive community.

We especially encourage anyone who’s been curious about munches but hesitant to attend to give this one a try. The spa environment makes it easier to relax and just be. Step into the steam, let the stress melt away, and find conversations that flow as naturally as the sauna’s heat.

Future Schvunches will rotate to different spas around NYC – from Spa Castle to Bathhouse to Governors Island – so every month will bring something fresh.

Until then, drink plenty of water, pack your bathing suit, and get ready to schvitz… I mean, Schvunch!