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.

It was an unforgettable experience, truly perfect for any special evening or occasion. The thoughtful touch made it the ideal gift. I couldn’t have asked for a more memorable and meaningful experience!

This place is a dark, steamy, and romantic. A candle lit, old loft factory transformed into a 2nd century BC Roman bath house. I came here alone on a weekday morning, there weren't too many people around at first but it did get a little crowded after lunch time. There weren't many solo people like me, most were paired up, girlfriends and couples. Everyone was respectful and honored the whisper only rule. The young man who gave me the tour of the facility was welcoming and informative. The pools were not deep, none deeper than 3.5 feet. There was a wild/choppy pool with jets jetting non stop, a long, room temperature pool with seating along the perimeter and timber beams in the middle, a salt pool to float in (very peaceful, one of my faves), a super heated pool that was adjacent to a cold plunge pool. My massage therapist, Nora, recommended hopping in the cold and hopping back in the hot a few times, I did this, it actually felt great. There was an indoor/outdoor pool with a waterfall and tons of steam (my ultimate favorite), and then a few smaller pools both hot and cold, scattered throughout. There were 2 steam rooms, both smelled amazing and cleared my sinuses. There was a giant block of salt to exfoliate your skin with and rain showerheads to rinse off under and heated stone slabs near pools to layout on and aborb all the warmth from, like a needed hug from someone you love. If you come here and get a massage, book Nora, she is the absolute best. I've had many massages but none like the one I received from Nora, a total pro and a genuinely delightful healer. At first I was nervous to come here, being alone and plus size and never having been here before and not knowing what to expect but honestly it was wonderful and I'm happy I came. You just show up with a bathing suit and they cover everything else - robes, towels, little water socks. You aren't allowed to bring your phone so it feels a little weird going without it for a few hours but you adjust and it was actually liberating. They are well staffed, if you have a question its easy to find someone to ask.

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.