Co-founder of Otherworld opening Columbus’ first luxury thermal spa

Rendering courtesy of Jordan Renda

In Europe, you’ll find ancient thermal spas in Roman ruins that are still operating. In NYC and Chicago, thermal spas are also popular destinations, tucked under high rises.

And next year, in Columbus’ own Brewery District, we’ll be able to warm up in thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms ourselves.

Jordan Renda, co-founder of the immersive museum Otherworld, and his brother Kevin Renda, a local developer, have purchased a $2.3 million building at 520 S. High St., which is now a year in the works of transforming to their new concept, Stillhaus.

*Stillhaus’ new building; photo courtesy of Jordan Renda*

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“On days like this, it will be great to have,” Jordan told 614Now. He’s referring to the multiple rooms of steam, the community thermal pools that can get extremely hot, the red light therapy rooms, the warm float pool with a high concentration of healing salts, and the saunas they’re going to offer on-site at Stillhaus.

“When we saw this German Village area building come up for sale, we knew it would be a perfect fit,” he said.

The concept allows for a wide range of options that allow guests to pick and choose their own adventure for the day. “Whatever your body needs,” Jordan said.

While Otherworld is known for flashing lights and bold colors, Stillhaus will offer a calming environment, and even a “silent space” designed for meditating. But if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, Jordan said that the team behind Otherworld are designing one “experiential pool” that will offer more stimulation, such as a wall showing a storm roll in, and rain pouring from the ceiling.

The communal spa rooms will be co-ed, but unlike the ones in Europe, bathing suits are required. Hygiene at Stillhaus is important to the founders, and they’re working with highly trained professionals and installers to make sure the filtration systems are top of the line.

Light refreshments, like tea and coffee, will also be provided, and additional treatments like massages and full body works will be offered as well.

This all sounds amazing, but we all have to wait at least a year. They’re planning for an opening next winter—something for us to look forward to!

In the meantime, check out their website.

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