Stunning hot mineral pool – check. Traditional Finnish Sauna – check. Cold Plunge Pool – check. Get ready to dive in to heavenly Surge Bath House which has just opened on Dee Why Beach!
The Northern Beaches has a new place to slow down, switch off and feel good, with Surge Bath House bringing contrast therapy and a decidedly relaxed approach to wellness to Dee Why’s beautiful beachfront.
Created by local Jesse Minchio, Surge combines traditional and infrared saunas, a hot mineral pool and spa, cold mineral plunge pool, experiential shower and dedicated chill-out space – all just moments from the sand, with ocean views adding to the experience.
For Jesse, whose background is in construction, the project has been particularly hands-on. He built the bathhouse himself with help from Michael Lucic of Logic Electrical, Rhys and Jack from Top Notch Builders, and Sydney Seal Masters.
The idea was inspired in part by Jesse’s own love of wellness and, particularly, contrast therapy – alternating between hot and cold environments.
“Everyone needs that in their life I reckon,” he says.
Jesse felt Dee Why was underserved when it came to bathhouses and believed the community deserved a dedicated space of its own. “There’s nowhere else to go,” he says.
But Surge isn’t intended to feel clinical. Jesse wanted to create somewhere people could relax, connect and enjoy the experience as much as its potential recovery benefits.
A key part of the design is client flow. After finding that bathhouse newcomers can sometimes be unsure where to begin, Jesse developed a “Journey to Recovery” map on the wall to help visitors navigate their session and discover what works for them.
Connection is part of that journey too. One sauna has been positioned facing the cold plunge, meaning those warming up can cheer on brave plungers – and perhaps share a laugh along the way.
The centrepiece is a traditional Finnish sauna crafted from cedar, where the heated timber creates a warm, distinctive aroma. Guests can move between this and Surge’s infrared saunas, hot magnesium mineral pool and spa, cold mineral plunge and experiential shower before retreating to the lounge.
While research has associated regular sauna bathing with cardiovascular health benefits, Jesse says the immediate experience is what matters most at Surge: how people feel while they’re there – and when they walk back out the door.
Memberships include 90-minute sessions, while 45-minute visits are also available. Guests can refuel with Spring Hill Slice Bars, Sodii Everyday Hydration Salts, Pukka Tea and alkalife Natural Alkaline Water.
Ultimately, Surge is about giving the Northern Beaches a beautiful place to reset, recharge and reconnect.
As Jesse puts it: “We just want to serve the local community, Dee Why deserves it.”
