Local darling Portal Themaculture has popped up behind Nurture Wellcare Marketplace in the Highlands, located at 2924 Federal Boulevard. A perfect addition to the already robust offerings of Nuture, which includes strength training, yoga, pilates, halotherapy, and now, sauna and cold plunge.
Portal was founded by Rory MacMurdo and Will Dresher, who focus on clean, beautiful design and creating spaces that foster healing, relaxation, and community. The two met through a sauna club in Minnesota and wanted to share the many benefits of contrast therapy with more people. In addition to the Highlands pop-up, the duo is planning additional pop-ups in Rhino, Boulder, and Boise.
Sessions at Portal are generally one hour long, and Dresher recommends three 15-minute sauna sessions (these saunas are extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit) with 2-3 minutes spent in their custom-designed cold plunge pools in between.
Come for the heat, stay for the tunes. Macmurdo comes from a music background, and the whole place is designed to feel like a dream pop natural high.
Originally a Scandinavian tradition that is now popular all over the world, sauna culture, whether in homes or public places, involves much more than simply bathing. In a sauna, people cleanse their bodies and minds, embracing a sense of inner peace. Traditionally, the sauna has been considered a sacred space to rejuvenate and reset. Saunas come in many forms but are basically cozy wood-lined buildings or rooms heated by wood, electricity, propane, or infrared.
Said to aid in metabolism, weight loss, pain reduction, skin rejuvenation and mood—as well as improve immune function, sleep, stress management and relaxation—the sauna may not be the only reason that Finland has repeatedly ranked first in the UN’s World Happiness Report, but it is certainly a factor worth exploring.
According to Dresher, social wellness is the future of community and connection. Portal wants to give people spaces to take care of their bodies, connect with others, strip off the stresses of the day, and have fun. They also host events featuring guest teachers and DJs, so be sure to check their website for upcoming happenings and details about booking sessions or memberships.
PortalThermaculture.com/Denver