The sleepy seaside hamlet of Sausalito has historically been known for its unique houseboat community and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Though it’s right over the Golden Gate Bridge and offers proximity to the City, Sausalito’s slower ebb and flow has drawn free thinkers like Alan Watts and Shel Silverstein. It’s even inspired one of America’s classic rhythm and blues tunes; Otis Redding famously wrote his tune Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay after making the docks his home. And now, an inspired concept is gracing the shores of the Sauso waterfront. Called Fjord, the floating sauna and cold plunge blends the Nordic tradition of contrast therapy, also known as Viking Cycling, with a modern, design-forward seaside space.
Courtesy of Fjord
Though sauna culture and various modalities of heat therapy have been a form of healing for many global cultures for centuries, the trend has recently seen a resurgence within the wellness community. Mobile saunas, cold plunge clubs, and membership-based companies like IcePass have capitalized on the zeitgeist to great success. And while blow-up ice baths and oversize troughs certainly cater to convenience, they miss one of the key elements of the tradition—bathing in nature.
Courtesy of Fjord
Fjord’s design achieves that in its own way, seamlessly weaving itself into the docks of Sausalito. Crafted from repurposed shipping containers and resting on a salvaged breakwater barge, Fjord is more than a stylish spot to sweat it out—it’s a beautifully designed, sustainability-minded reimagining of what waterfront recreation can look like. Architect Nick Polansky, whose work has previously explored the reuse of marine industrial structures in the Bay, infused the space with both rugged charm and refined elegance.
Courtesy of Fjord
“Fjord is a love letter to the Bay and its possibilities,” says Polansky. “We wanted every detail to honor the environment and inspire new ways of connecting with the water.”
Every angle and material choice was designed to reconnect people to the water in a way that feels both immersive and intentional. Guests can arrive by car, bike, ferry, or even paddle up by kayak. And instead of cooling off after a sauna session by doing cryotherapy, guests can simply jump off the deck into the Bay, whose water temperatures rarely climb above 55 degrees.
Courtesy of Fjord
And the concept has been received with open arms; Fjord is currently booked up through September. You can make your future bookings here.
