Cenote Casa Bathhouse: Brisbane’s hotspot for relaxation

A Brisbane entrepreneur says her new unisex bathhouse will be a tranquil oasis for those looking to take some time out.

Brittany Ainsworth is the owner of the new Cenote Casa Bathhouse in Woolloongabba. Photo: AAP/Russell Shakespeare

There’s a new slice of heaven in Brisbane where relaxation is the goal.

Mexico’s natural waterholes inspired Brittany Ainsworth, 27, to build her own bathhouse in Woolloongabba.

Brisbane News caught up with her to get the latest on the new, Instagram-worthy hotspot.

Brittany Ainsworth, 27

Cenote Casa Bathhouse owner, Woolloongabba

What’s new with you?

As well as having just opened a bathhouse – Cenote Casa Bathhouse in Woolloongabba – I’m recently engaged. On the opening night for the bathhouse, my boyfriend got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. My priority right now is working on growing the business but we aim to get married at the end of next year with the bathhouse as our venue.

Cenote Casa Bathhouse owner Brittany Ainsworth. Photo: AAP/Russell Shakespeare

Why open a bathhouse?

I am a nurse, but decided to take some time out to travel, where I found these little slices of heaven all over Asia and Central America. I really enjoyed the bathhouses in Japan as well as Mexico’s natural swimming holes (cenotes). These experiences in such beautiful locations seemed to release all of life’s stresses for me. I wondered why we didn’t have a little slice of heaven back home in Brisbane.

How does it all work?

Cenote Casa is a communal, unisex bathhouse where everyone can relax and unwind at their own pace. We offer two-hour sessions for $45, with full access to our cedar wood sauna, magnesium plunge pool, heated hydrotherapy spa, steam room infused with essential oils, and sun deck and lounge areas.

What are the health benefits?

Improving blood circulation, skin health, muscle recovery, loosening stiff joints, reducing stress and aiding in meditation and all while burning calories. After a session my sore muscles are relaxed and I feel a sense of mental clarity and calmness.

Who are your customers?

Solo bathers who relax and meditate or read a book, to couples spending time together or groups catching up with friends. We also see lots of people who have travelled or lived overseas where spending time in a bathhouse is a frequent ritual.

What experiences are most popular?

Some people love the intensity of the steam room, while others feel the sauna is more soothing. Some could relax in the spa all day or float around in the refreshing coolness of the magnesium plunge pool. The bathhouse is designed so that you can explore the facilities at your own pace.

Tell us about the decor …

I have a slight obsession with plants and our customers always comment on our tropical oasis and how it reminds them of Bali. We often see people running back to their locker to grab their phones to take photos.

What drives your vision?

I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, so straight out of school I dived in to study nursing at QUT. I’ve been a registered nurse for seven years and recently completed my Masters in Public Health and Tropical Medicine at James Cook University.