AIRE Ancient Baths: Urban Oasis in Chicago

This sexy atmosphere makes it a dream getaway even if you don’t swim. There are several pools no deeper than 2 - 3 feet deep, along with 2 steam room (Lavender & Eucalyptus- with an in ground ice cold plunge), 4 cold plunge pools. Aire was on my bucket list and I’m happy I indulged during my sabbatical for this was a treat. My 45-minute massage was not as good as I wanted. The therapy room was cold & the masseuse had to use a space heater to provide a bit of warmth to it. She warmed the bed to help out. I could tell she was a newer therapist because she lacked in many skills but made up for it in the pressure she used. The therapy room was directly below an office or walkway because the entire time folks were walking over head which drowned out the peaceful spa music she played. After my massage, the therapist gave me a wonderful treat of placing (given to me by the locker room attendant) warmed up swim socks and warmed my swimsuit for me to place back on after treatment! LOVELY❣️ And that was my massage (you have to pre-pay for gratuity). I’m not impressed what so ever. I could have gone to an Asian massage parkour for a better service and quiet. Which puts me to sleep and fully relaxes my muscles. So let me tell you about the place! It’s located in an alley (I arrived at 7pm for my 8pm appointment). My 9pm had to be rescheduled due to maintenance occuring that night. Candles usually line the entrance (but the valet attendants didn’t light them in the gigantic oversized outdoor candle holders). The door attendant just looked at me (from indoors) and let me open the door myself. Candles and a huge mirror welcome you inside to greet you with a wall full of candles flickering, the sound of water and a hostess who’ll get you registered and hand you rubber bracelets (massage and/or pool use). Once your name is called you will then be sent to the locker room attendant, who’ll greet you, get your name again, give you a tour and assist you (tips are welcome). After you put on your swimsuit (I wore mine) you go down the staircase and are greeted by the pool host, (3rd time asked for your name) who’ll then give you a tour of the pools: 1. Salt water float pool 2. Swim in/out pool with outdoor waterfall 3. Alcove pool with 3 areas for romance 4. Massage Jet pool 5. Tepid pool 6. Cauldron pool (I believe there are 8 pools??) A tall pillar of white Salt is provided for a scrub at at the public shower area for extra you (grab handfuls and scrub away). There is aloe Vera salt for an extra fee. The evening I was there many couples were in attendance and a few singles. In the locker room you are provided: Mouthwash, a take home hair brush, Tre’ssame products for curly or straight hair. In the shower your provided L'Occitane items, nail files, towels, hair caps, hair bands, wash cloth. hair dryer, etc. The attendant offered to fry our swimsuits and placed them in bags for convenience. Upon leaving, you are asked again your name and for your last wristband. That’s all. I’d go back just for the swim in-out pool atmosphere. No massage.

What a truly beautiful and relaxing space. I've been to similar spas all over the world (not AIRE), and this one by far had THE best service from the Staff. The bathrooms/changing areas were clean and easy to navigate. I do wish the mirror + hair area was a bit bigger.. there were only two stations and a bunch of us women crowded around it. The bathing suit dryer was an amazing touch, so youre not carrying a sopping wet suit out with you. The baths themselves were lovely and I enjoyed the circuit. Unfortunately it seemed like the steam rooms were not up to par that day because there wasn't that much steam (other friends who have gone here before said that wasn't the case for them). I really enjoyed the outdoor waterfall and the heated marble slabs. The float pool was amazing but I do wish it was bigger so that people could spread out more. The lighting everywhere was perfect, and the juices available were tasty. Water and tea are complimentary.

I was gifted this experience for my birthday and it was just what I needed to decompress from everything going on in the world. This was my very first time going to something like this and wow was it an interesting experience. I really enjoyed the indoor/outdoor bath especially with the coldness of the February air. I enjoyed going from the warm baths and sauna to the cold plunges. However I think it would step it up a notch to make the transition from cold to hot a little more smooth. Loved the floating salt bath as well. I also like that they had a hair station in the locker room. Everything was great, 3 stars because customer service was terrible. The only decent employee was the locker room attendant. Also, I was excited to try the pressed juices but I was not shown where they were at. Valet was convenient however the car wasn't ready when we were done and Paul had to wait in the cold for the car to arrive. I also got chased down by the front desk lady upon exit because she thought I didn't pay or checkout. I feel like the staff should be more kind, accommodating, and communicative amongst each other so people can actually enjoy their experience without any awkward mishaps. As mentioned this was a very unique experience and I would love to come back, but my partner hated it because the staff ruined it for him. I just hope the staff is more respectful the next time.

Received this as a gift and did a couples massage as well. Very nice experience. Beautifully designed thermal pools in an old warehouse. Staff is helpful without being intrusive. The locker rooms while nice don’t mesh with the spa experience. Could use at least one more slightly warmer pool.

What beautiful and relaxing way to spend a morning. They have many baths - including some that are hot and some that are cold. The 2 different steam rooms were wonderful - the peppermint one was my favorite. I also tried the salt scrub shower, and was blessed to have been gifted a 60 minute massage, hair treatment and foot scrub. If you're looking for a peaceful getaway that isn't too far, I highly recommend AIRE.