Formation Sauna + Wellness — Local services in Philadelphia

If this were solely based on the massage and sauna, this place would get 5/5. As others have noted, this is a relaxing, thoughtfully decorated, beautiful spot. My massage was done by Shakia, who was so kind from the jump! She was thorough, I felt comfortable throughout, and I left that massage room feeling like I was floating. The sauna facilities themselves are streamlined. Simple but effective.

Okay, so my disappointment comes from the lack of hot showers, and the lack of communication about that anywhere on the website, or on the signs scattered around the sauna (in fact, there's signage encouraging you to take a warm shower when you're done), or even verbally by staff. I booked my appointments for right before a dinner I had to go to. Naturally, I didn't want to show up sweaty and damp. No problem, I thought, I'll just shower after my appointments. After I got out of the sauna and asked where the shower was, I was told it's closed due to covid.

I get that precautions are being taken, and every business has a different line in the sand. But you're okay with people sitting inside a hot sauna, maskless, and taking a cold shower, also maskless...but not a hot one? You must be fully vaccinated to use the sauna. Why does that same logic not extend to a shower? I guess I'm just confused. Not to be that person, but I do expect more from a $160 + gratuity experience. Honestly, even if I'd just been told from the beginning that there were no warm showers/soap, I think I'd be less annoyed. But here we are (and yes, I am laughing at myself because this whole thing is a bit silly). But I do think the owners should let people know - either on the website, when appointments are booked, or by adjusting signs on the premises.

Update // To the owner of Formation, who just responded to my review: I’m not sure where the sarcasm is coming from. I, like many other people, use reviews to understand what to expect from an establishment. That’s what this review is intended to do. I’m sorry you feel it is negative.

I do have to push back — it does not state on the website that there are no hot showers (I checked before my appointment, and just double checked now). There are also several signs outside the sauna encouraging guests to take hot showers after completing the...

Initially I thought I had the wrong address because when I drove past the address, it didn’t look like a spa but after walking up their stairs, there is call button for the business. After pressing the button, the door is unlocked.

The space is beautiful, serene, inviting, and smells good. The music and environment made me whisper automatically as to not disturb the energy of the space.

I scheduled an appointment to spend time in the sauna and have a foot soak. It was right after completing a 10 mile race so I was looking forward to relaxing my muscles.

The woman working at the front desk was very pleasant and available if we had questions. I should have notated her name to give her proper recognition.

Myself and one of my girlfriends I brought along with me were assigned the sauna room for 2, two lockers to store our belongings; a robe, towel, and wash cloth. We were shown the changing room, shower, and toilet area available for our use during our session.

The foot soak smelled wonderful. It was like my feet were in a large cup of tea and I love tea. :)

I plan to come back to try out a sound bath session and offered on...

I’ve had Kate twice now, and she is absolutely phenomenal. She truly curates each massage to your specific needs, responding intuitively and adjusting in real time based on how your body reacts. It never feels routine—everything is unique and tailored to me, which speaks to her deep understanding of the body and how it works. Her communication is excellent, making the entire experience feel both intentional and incredibly effective.

Beyond massages, I’ve used their sauna and attended many of their meditative workshops, all of which have been amazing. The entire staff is so friendly and personable, and every visit leaves me feeling grounded and refreshed. I’ve also had a sound bath with Sarah, and it was incredibly restorative and therapeutic. She is very intuitive and creates a deeply immersive experience that leaves you feeling balanced and at peace.

Formation is truly a special place, and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough! I always leave feeling so much better, both physically...