New York’s first floating sauna coming to Saratoga

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Happy Thursday, Capital Region! Today, we’re dreaming of a steamy sauna sesh on the lake, Norwegian style. Plus, get ready for the weekend with our Top 5 Picks, and take our reader poll—How do you really feel about Valentine’s Day? 🌹

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

New York’s first floating sauna brings a bit of Norwegian wellness to Saratoga

Y’all know that Saratoga Springs has long been known as “Spa City,” a reputation dating back to the Iroquois, who first recognized the healing properties of its mineral springs. 

By the 19th century, the city had transformed into a renowned spa destination. Today, grand hotels like the Gideon Putnam and the Brookmere continue to cater to wellness-seeking guests.

Now, a new chapter in Saratoga’s spa history is being written—on the water. 

Kate Butchart, an American currently working for a digital design firm in Oslo, is bringing New York State’s first public floating sauna to Saratoga Lake. Inspired by Norway’s thriving sauna culture, her new venture, Kos, will offer an immersive wellness experience rooted in Nordic tradition. Kos is a Norwegian word that means something like “warm comfort,” akin to the Danish concept of hygge.

Kate fell in love with the practice while living in Norway, where plunging into icy fjords after a sauna session is a way of life. (Take a look at these attractive Norwegians enjoying their floating saunas.)

“The contrast between the intense heat and the cold water—it’s invigorating. It’s both physically and mentally transformative,” she says.

Regular sauna use has well-known health benefits, like reducing stress, improving circulation, and soothing sore muscles. Some studies show it may even cut your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

The floating sauna, set to launch this fall, will be docked at Lago, the lakefront restaurant run by Druthers Brewing Co. Guests will enjoy 90-minute sessions, alternating between the heat of the sauna and refreshing dips in the lake. 

Kate envisions Kos as more than just a sauna experience. She plans to host a variety of events like music concerts, sound baths and dinner parties, to inspire connection and community.

“Some of the best conversations I’ve had were in the sauna with complete strangers. It’s a place where barriers drop, and people connect,” she says.

In early April, Kate will relocate from Oslo to Saratoga for good, and begin overseeing the manufacturing process. Her co-creator, Tom Varghese, is a Norwegian based in Brooklyn. Architect Bjørnar Haveland will remain in Bergen, Norway.

Interestingly, since the sauna will float on the lake, it will be officially classified as a boating vessel, even though it won’t move under its own power. Kos will have room to seat 15 people at a time, with a reception area as well.

Kate expects pricing to be in the range of $99 for an annual membership, with 90-min sessions costing $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Bathing suits will be required, although there may be some clothing-optional days.

For updates and early membership access, sign up for the mailing list and follow Kos on Instagram. We’ll also be collaborating with Kate on some exclusive events for The 518!

❄️ WEATHER WATCH

Since the early 1900s, the Attanasio family has been associated with decorative concrete masonry and superior swimming pools. With decades of experience (going on 36 years in the Capital Region), our incomparable, handcrafted pools not only look stunning, but also meet the highest standards for quality, safety and reliability. 

Caribbean Pools & Spas has expanded its offerings into all of the newest types of swimming pools and masonry, including in-ground vinyl and fiberglass pools, concrete masonry, and renovations. We offer fiberglass pools in 23 different styles and 5 colors, giving homeowners a wide range of options, no matter the size of their backyards.

Our reputation is built on quality, selection and value. With Caribbean Pools & Spas, you are getting the peace of mind that comes with the highest quality construction, state-of-the-art equipment, comprehensive warranties and personalized customer service.

Call 518-356-4364. Let us know that The 518 sent you!

👮‍♀️ After four people were shot in Albany over a 72-hour period, including two teenagers who were struck right in front of The 518 home base, Albany mayor Kathy Sheehan admits that the city is “flooded with guns.” The perennial question is what can be done to stem the violence? [Times Union]

🚨 Businesses in Albany are also voicing their concerns after these latest shootings. On the positive side, violent crime in the city decreased in nearly every category in 2024. The number of homicides dropped from 20 to 13, but rapes increased from 62 to 91 😬 

💼 Changing work habits and concerns about downtown Albany are forcing legacy law firms to consider moving out of the city. [Albany Business Review]

🍻 Saratoga County is considering requiring bars to close earlier than the current 4 a.m. time, depending on the time of the year [Daily Gazette]

⭐️ = The 518 Staff Picks

⭐️ 💘 Valentine’s Day is Friday, of course. If you haven’t already made your plans, you’re in trouble, buddy. Since we’re always here to help with the best dam news you can use, here are some cool events that haven’t sold out yet:

• Umana Yana Presents Amor, an evening of Afro-Caribbean cuisine and live music from Taina Asili and Gaetano Vaccaro, who will set the mood with multilingual love songs. Did we mention that this is Karley’s favorite restaurant in Albany?

• How Strong Is Your Love? at Common Roots Brewing in Glens Falls is a trivia-style game night for couples, and a fundraiser for a worthwhile cause.

• The Ice Bar at Frog Alley Brewing Co. is a cool place to kindle your love with specialty cocktails to boot.

• The Empire State Plaza Ice Rink will give out free chocolates and flowers (while supplies last) on Friday. Rentals are just $5, because romance shouldn’t cost a small fortune.

• The Tang Museum’s largest exhibition ever opens on Friday, making it a perfect Valentine’s Day date for art lovers. “a field of bloom and hum” features over 150 artists celebrating queer art from the early 20th century through today.

• Or, head to the Hyde Museum for its Faces of Love tour of art that explores relationships of all kinds.

⭐️ 💃 The Flurry Festival is making moves this weekend. What could be more life-affirming than 4,500 people dancing into the wee hours in the company of 400 skilled performers? This ginormous participatory dance fest encompasses all kinds of dancing styles. Prices vary, but an organizer told us that they still have some half-day passes available for $39. Full event passes go up to $200, although kids under 12 are free.

⭐️ My Funny Valentine Comedy Showcase at Lark Street Tavern is your chance to poke fun at this thing we call relationships. If they don’t make you cry, they can at least make you laugh out loud. Sat, 7p, $10.

⭐️ Relive those bittersweet high school memories at No Fun’s Prom Night. Expect 80s and Y2K tunes, plus prom royalty, a photo station, and light refreshments. Whether it’s your first prom or a do-over, make it a night to remember. Sat, 7p, $6+ fees in advance, $10 at the door.

⭐️ 🌍️ Hosted by NYS Senator James Sanders Jr., Taste of Africa on Friday includes a fashion show and cuisine honoring the rich cultures of the African continent and diaspora. This event is part of Caucus Week, bringing together elected officials, business leaders and community members to discuss the most critical issues affecting the state. Fri, 6—9p, free, but tickets are limited!

🎟️ MORE NOTABLE EVENTS

THURSDAY

💘 This evening, the Larkin Hi-Fi hosts a live recording of the Dear Love and Lust podcast, and No Fun puts on The Punk Rock Dating Game.

🖼️ It’s been a buzzy week for contemporary art talks. This evening, Screenprint Biennial founder and curator Nathan Meltz hosts a print-focused panel at Opalka Gallery.

🤣 Find out whether Finnish humor is your jam when Ismo, the “most insightful comic in Finland,” performs at The Egg.

FRIDAY

💘 Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day! If you’re still looking for something to do with your sweetie, the TU has an excellent roundup of V-Day events.

☃️ The Lake George Winter Festival is still going on, with lots of new events in 2025.

SATURDAY

😼 Go beyond Internet cat videos as the New York Cat Film Festival 2025 screens at Proctors on Saturday. Also at Proctors: Oscar Nominated Shorts: Animation.

⛷️ West Mountain in Queensbury hosts Fire on the Mountain with skiing, tubing, a torchlight parade and fireworks. Also check out their Valentine’s Day lift / dinner specials.

SUNDAY

🥣 The Clifton Park Elks Lodge hosts its annual chili cook-off on Sunday.

❤️‍🔥 Also Sunday, join Typhoid Mary for a brunch that will soothe your achy breaky heart post-V Day, at Bard & Baker.

🧊 It’s the last weekend for the annual Fire & Ice Bar at The Mill in Round Lake.

🎸 LIVE MUSIC & MORE

GET YOUR EVENT ON THE LIST 🎸

Sundays are the deadline to be included in the coming week’s list!

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