Arc Community - Sauna and Ice — Local services in London

I normally don’t leave negative reviews, but I feel it’s important to share my experience at the Arc Community today. Unfortunately, it was by far the worst experience I’ve had at any event of this kind.

First, the cacao experience was overcrowded to the point where it felt chaotic and uncomfortable rather than calming, as one would expect from such a gathering.

Much more concerning, however, was that during the session — including while we were in the sauna, participating in the ritual, and during the ice bath — photos were taken of me and my partner without our explicit consent. Every time I closed my eyes to relax, I would hear the sound of a camera clicking, making it impossible to feel safe or at ease in what should have been a vulnerable and personal experience.

Additionally, a young man sat fully clothed in the corner throughout the entire ceremony, wearing headphones and reading a book. It was extremely unsettling and raised serious questions about the sense of privacy and protection offered during such an intimate event.

After leaving the session early, we needed to ask and then got told that the photos were for “Hannah’s portfolio” and would not be published. However, even for a portfolio, taking photos of participants in a lightly clothed, highly personal setting without prior, clear consent is absolutely unacceptable. Trust and consent should never be treated as an afterthought — especially in spaces that claim to offer emotional safety and connection. You never know where such images may ultimately end up, and participants should never have to feel exposed or vulnerable without their agreement.

This was truly one of the most uncomfortable and disappointing experiences I...

I had a really disappointing experience here. I arrived one minute late for a session I had already paid for, and they refused to let me in — even though I was already changed, didn’t need an induction, and they claimed I’d “disrupt” the session while people were freely coming in and out to use the toilet. For a place that sells itself as being about care and wellbeing, there was zero flexibility or understanding.

I completely understand the importance of punctuality, but we’re talking about literally one minute — which might not even be the same depending on whose clock you check. Even if joining slightly late might be inconvenient, there are more humane ways to handle this (such as allowing entry between activities) instead of being lectured about timekeeping by the manager, which is what happened.

What made it even more absurd was the pretentiousness of being told that people inside were having “transcendental experiences” that couldn’t be disrupted — when, in reality, it’s just a sauna space with some guided activities.

If that weren’t enough, when I tried to collect my backpack (which I had left by the entrance while waiting), the manager became confrontational — grabbing my arm and shouting at me for leaving my bag “by the door.” It was an absolutely bizarre and stressful encounter, instead of what should have been a relaxing activity that I had paid for in advance, completely at odds with what this kind of space should represent.

A wellness space that can’t approach a situation with basic empathy and professionalism really misses its own purpose. There are other amazing places for an actual relaxing experience in London,...

I had an extremely upsetting experience at ARC Community London during the “Heart Alchemy: A Cacao Ceremony and Sound Bath” session with Hannah.

While we were in bikinis, relaxing in the sauna, meditating, and taking ice baths — a time that should feel safe, private, and calming — a photographer was walking around taking photos of us without any prior consent or even informing us. This was a complete violation of our privacy and totally unacceptable for a space that is supposed to promote trust, relaxation, and wellbeing.

On top of that, there was a random man fully clothed in the sauna area and later in the changing room area, who was not attending the session — he was simply there “because he is friends with some of the girls.” This made the environment feel even less safe and completely inappropriate for a supposedly private wellness experience.

We raised our concerns with reception, but the response we received — that the photos were for the instructor’s portfolio — did not make the situation any better. Taking photos of people in vulnerable settings like this without their explicit permission is a serious violation of trust and boundaries.

I ended up leaving the session early because it felt so invasive and unsafe.

I would strongly caution others to reconsider attending guided sessions here until serious changes are made around safeguarding, participant consent, and respect for...