The Wellness Refinery

Overview

The Wellness Refinery was a premier wellness studio in Philadelphia specializing in infrared sauna therapy, smoothies, and holistic services. Founded by Ashleigh Stewart, a Clinical Nutrition Specialist with over 6 years of experience, it focused on detoxifying the body, reducing impurities, and promoting sustainable lifestyle changes through self-care. The studio emphasized small, powerful adjustments to combat modern pollutants, stressors, and chemicals, welcoming beginners and wellness enthusiasts alike.

The overall atmosphere was chill, rejuvenating, and home-like, with private, well-maintained saunas described as HOT and ideal for toxin flushing. Customers raved about feeling completely rejuvenated, praising the super cool owner, friendly staff, and amazing smoothies. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 144 Google reviews, it was a go-to spot for relaxation, events, and retail. Important: The business is permanently CLOSED as of May 7, 2025, after over 5 incredible years.

Features & Amenities

• Private infrared saunas: Single and double occupancy options, available in 30- and 45-minute sessions (30 minutes recommended for most to avoid breaks).
• Chromotherapy (color therapy): Adjustable lights inside saunas for mood enhancement (e.g., blue for calming).
• Session essentials provided: Towels, water, wipes for during/after sweat.
• Tonic Bar: Famous for fire smoothies like Cinnamon Roll, Matcha Mama, Golden Oat Cold Brew; pick-up ordering available.
• Retail shop: Curated wellness products, e-books, adaptogens, bath bombs, journals, toothpaste, and more (e.g., MUSH overnight oats, Oatly oat milk).
• No on-site showers: Customers advised to allow time to dry off, change into loose clothing, as sweating continues up to 30 minutes post-session.
• Event space: Hosted workshops like Yoga Nidra, book clubs (e.g., Good Night), Smoothie Madness brackets, and holiday sales.

Services

• Infrared sauna sessions: Core offering for detoxification, stress reduction, improved circulation; boosts natural antidepressants (dopamine, serotonin).
• Wellness Strategy Sessions: 30-minute virtual calls with Ashleigh ($85) for personalized advice on business scaling, healthy lifestyles, client attraction, and wellness branding.
• Nutrition & Holistic Coaching: Tailored support for getting well, being well, staying well; includes business consulting and success coaching.
• Tonic Bar smoothies & drinks: Themed specials (e.g., Matcha Mama donating to Maternity Care Coalition), post-sauna treats like Granola Butter Truffles.
• Events & Promotions: Holiday sales (e.g., BOGO saunas, LDW 20% off), Instagram polls, team spotlights, blog tips on self-care, sleep, oats.
• Memberships & Packs: Unlimited monthly options; packs for multiple sessions.

Pricing

Specific pricing is limited in available content, but highlights include:

• Wellness Strategy Session: $85 for 30-minute virtual call.
• Sauna promotions: BOGO sale - two 30-minute sessions for $40 (Dec 14 only); Labor Day Weekend 20% off.
• Memberships: Unlimited monthly with $20 late cancellation fee; packs deduct one session for no-shows.
• E-books: $9.99 (e.g., At Home with The Wellness Refinery Recipe E-Book).
• Gift cards: Prizes like $100, $75, $50 for events.
• General policy: Full charge for <24-hour cancellations/reschedules.

Note: Standard single-session rates not explicitly listed; book via Mindbody for details.

Location & Hours

• Location: Philadelphia, PA (PHL area); previously at 216 Church (Old City neighborhood mentioned); served areas like Mt. Airy, Point Breeze, Rittenhouse, Graduate Hospital.
• Booking: Via Mindbody (studio ID: 457026); direct link available; no locations displayed on site post-closure.
• Operating Hours: Not specified in content; events like Yoga Nidra on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM suggest evening availability.
• Status: Permanently closed as of 5.7.25; no current operations or appointments.

Notes

• What made it special: Holistic approach blending sauna detox with nutrition, coaching, and community events; standout smoothies and chromotherapy differentiated it. Founder Ashleigh’s expertise in clinical nutrition and business mentoring empowered clients for sustainable success. High praise for privacy, heat quality, staff vibe, and retail (e.g., eucalyptus showers, adaptogen powders).
• Community impact: Donations (e.g., to Maternity Care Coalition), pop-up ideas for accessibility, support for mothers via blogs/interviews.
• Legacy: 5+ years of elevating wellness; blog covered self-care tips, employee spotlights (e.g., sauna specialist Tori), oat trends, holiday stress relief. Instagram active for events/reviews. Despite closure, e-books and online shop elements persist.