As I begin writing this article, I’m sitting inside a hyperbaric chamber at the newly opened SAINT Private Social Club in Melbourne’s bayside suburb of St Kilda. Guided by Lexi, one of the kind and knowledgeable staff members, I’m experiencing a range of treatments today that redefine what it means to focus on personal wellness.
Admittedly, I had felt a little nervous about today. As someone who rarely steps foot inside a gym, I wondered if I would feel out of place in this luxurious, exclusive new offering from Tim Gurner’s GURNER Group – the newest brand in GURNER’s stable of luxury private clubs that include Melbourne’s two sold-out Saint Haven Private Clubs.
But the moment I walked through the doors, any apprehension faded. The vibe is calm and welcoming, thanks in large part to the incredibly friendly staff and the thoughtfully designed space.
As SAINT Manager Paige tells me, “People are joining for the community” – and you can feel that sense of connection throughout the club. Even just two weeks after opening, there’s camaraderie and mutual support that creates an uplifting environment.
A Space That Redefines Wellness
Being a GURNER project, it’s no surprise that SAINT’s design is flawless. Split into two distinct floors, the upper White Level is bright, serene, and focused on recovery and connection, while the lower Black Level is moody and energetic, a hub for high-performance training and social interaction. Each space is designed to help members either unwind or energise, depending on their goals for the day.
My experience starts on the White Level, where Lexi introduces me to the compression therapy session. For 30 minutes, I relax as a pair of Normatec compression boots gently massage my legs, paired with soothing LED light therapy for my face. The sensation is like a giant giving you the best leg massage of your life – it’s indulgent and restorative all at once.
Next, I move to the infrared PEMF mat, which provides gentle warmth and pulses of healing energy – though you don’t feel it. As someone who has suffered from back pain for over 15 years, has an autoimmune condition, & experiences restless legs every night that make me want to crawl the walls, I’m lying on this bed having no real idea what it is or what it does, just praying it might magically fix me. One can hope, right?
After my initial treatments, I make my way to the restaurant, where the menu has been curated in collaboration with nutrition mentor Luke Hines. I opt for the Green Bowl, a macro-balanced meal, paired with a delicious mango based Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie.
The restaurant isn’t just a place to eat – it’s a space to connect. Members gather over meals or elixirs, enjoying a sense of community that is central to SAINT’s ethos.
High-Tech Recovery Meets Ancient Rituals
Post-lunch, I head to the Meditation Cave, a space that feels like stepping into the night sky. During my breathwork session I’m guided to breathe deeply into my stomach – something I often struggle with. The twinkling lights above, combined with soundbowl healing allows me to sink into a deeply relaxed state.
From there, I’m invited into the hyperbaric chamber. Initially apprehensive about the idea of spending 45 minutes in a sealed pod, I’m quickly reassured by Lexi’s calming explanation. She tells me that one hour in the chamber is equivalent to six hours of deep sleep – say no more!
As the chamber pressurises, it feels a bit like being on an airplane during takeoff, with mild ear popping and sinus pressure, but nothing too intense or uncomfortable. Using the time to write and catch up on work, the session passes quickly. I’m told some members even use the chamber to catch up on work or Zoom calls – “Hello from my hyperbaric chamber”.
I finish the day in the Fire & Ice studio, at first alternating between the dry sauna and cold plunge pool set at 6 degrees. It’s only my second time in a cold plunge, and after the initial dread dissipates I’m reminded of how exhilarating the experience is. After 45 minutes in the infrared sauna, my day at SAINT is over, and I’m left trying to hatch a plan to move back to Melbourne ASAP, so I can visit every day.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
SAINT offers luxury amenities (did I mention the Dyson hair products in the ladies changerooms?!), social connection, and cutting-edge wellness technology. From the White Level’s Zen Recovery area, to the Black Level’s high-energy gym floor and studios, every aspect of the club is designed to enhance both body and mind.
Signature spaces like the Fight Club boxing studio, programmed by Olympian Harry Garside, and The Arena, with its high-octane HIIT classes set to music curated by DJ Grant Smile, are perfect for members seeking a performance-driven experience. Meanwhile, the Meditation Cave and Fire & Ice Studio provide balance with moments of mindfulness and rejuvenation.
Tim Gurner’s vision for SAINT is clear: to create a second home for members, a space where wellness, connection, and luxury coexist seamlessly. With ambitions to open 25 clubs globally by 2030, the brand is poised to redefine the private social club experience.
“We have created Saint to help people escape the stresses, pressures and challenges of life and spend time with people of shared values who want to challenge the norm of what is possible and live their ultimate life, in an ultra-luxury environment,” Gurner explains.
From Painful to Peaceful – my SAINT verdict
As I leave SAINT, I feel like I’m floating on a cloud. Not even the flooding drains outside the club, courtesy of a classic Melbourne downpour, or the risk of my flight being cancelled due to lightning, can shake my newfound zen.
The next morning, I woke up at home (my flight was delayed, but thankfully not cancelled!) with an unfamiliar sensation. It takes me a moment to pinpoint what it is: no pain. My ever-present back pain, which typically makes mornings excruciating, had disappeared.
I can’t say for certain which particular treatment eased my discomfort – or whether it was the combination of new technology and ancient rituals, or simply a stress-free day away from my desk, and not carrying my child around on my hip.
However this miracle was created, I lay still for a few moments enjoying the relief in my body.
The pain returned the following day, but that brief respite left me inspired. Since then, I’ve embraced more movement (stay tuned for my Pvolve review), braved ocean dips (because I don’t have access to an icebath), and started saving for a PEMF mat (significantly more affordable than a hyperbaric chamber).
If you’re in Melbourne and seeking the perfect blend of gym, wellness retreat, social hub, and workspace, I can’t recommend SAINT highly enough. Apply for membership here.
The author of this article was hosted by SAINT Private Social Club for a complimentary experience. All opinions expressed are based on the author’s personal experience.
