Watershed – the first-to-market bathing and spa destination in the Twin Cities – is opening soon. First comes the spa in early May 2022, with a variety of spa treatments and retail offerings. Then comes the communal bathing, steam rooms, and sauna in June.
Taking inspiration from the timeless tradition of communal bathing, Watershed has a mission to provide restorative healing in a communal setting. The spa and bathhouse embrace an inclusive, whole-systems approach designed to infuse every step of the bathing ritual and spa experience with clean, positive energy to optimize healing and promote vibrancy.
Located in southeast Minneapolis in the Switch House (formerly Soap Factory), watershed taps into the energy of the riverfront and will be a unique addition to the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Founder Nell Rueckl explains the inspiration behind the name, ”A watershed moment is a turning point, a time when important change happens,” she says. “We are at a moment in history when we need deep healing for ourselves, our communities, and our planet.”
The spa consists of 11,000 square feet on two levels. At 4500 square feet, he main floor is devoted to comprehensive holistic spa treatments, including bodywork (prenatal, cupping and shiatsu, Thai, craniosacral, reflexology, energy work + reiki, chakra balancing), facials, acupuncture, and vibrational sound therapy. The bathhouse adds 6,500 square feet which will include communal bathing with a soaking pool, a cold plunge, a steam room, and a cedar sauna. The space also includes a “Recharge Garden” area specifically designated for reflection and relaxation. In short, Watershed will be a holistic healing environment unparalleled in the Upper Midwest.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Watershed is the realization of founder Nell Rueckl’s long-held dream to bring communal bathing to the Twin Cities. A true pioneer and leader in the healing community, Rueckl is the founder of Spot Spas in Minneapolis, creator of Nell’s Remedies, and the visionary behind Watershed Spa. After years of research, she is thrilled to welcome people to participate in the bathing ritual and experience the expansive services that will be available. Rueckl envisions an urban wellness center, that will offer a robust menu of a variety of different types of modalities, many of which are not typically found in traditional spa settings.
“We are offering a whole array of experiences for people to try, ritual, spa, healing, body and energy work. Every single aspect of the space and the services and experiences are about vibrancy. Everything we do is steeped in vibrational healing designed to bring you back to center and ground you,” Rueckl says, adding, “and everything is more powerful in community.”
Nell forged her career at Horst’s renowned Aveda Destination Spa in Osceola, Wisconsin, and Kabuki Springs in San Francisco, and is recognized within the Minnesota spa industry as having attained the highest level of mastery. She brings her years of experience and team of expert practitioners to this unique new location.
“I have been very intentional in my work to create a space where every human can feel safe, calm, and welcomed so that they may heal and be rejuvenated through the bathing ritual,“ she says. The communal experience is central to her vision. “Participating in community allows us to become more whole as individuals. This experience is magnetic and creates a continually regenerative source of energy. It’s transformational at every level,” she says.
WATERSHED RETAIL OFFERINGS
Watershed will also have a designated retail area and will carry a carefully curated selection of the cleanest, greenest, most sustainably-packaged skincare, wellness, and beauty products, including Arcona, Botnia, Wonder Valley, and watershed’s own line of salt scrubs, body butters, and a bespoke Watershed Spa scent. Guests will also find artwork by community-based artists and makers.
Additionally, the team at watershed has an extensive system of safety protocols in place which include limited capacity, optimal sanitization practices, and PPE use by staff, and contactless check-in. More details about that and general information can be found on the FAQ page of the website.
Passes to Watershed are available with early bird pricing and are on the Watershed website. (www.watershedspa.com)