Vanilla Swingers – A swinger podcast for newbies, by newbies in the lifestyle
Rios Spa in Kentish Town is part spa, part swinger spot, and part chaos. Once decent during couples hours, it’s now a sausage-heavy free-for-all with questionable vibes and no safe space for queers.
Rios Spa has been stripping down Londoners since 1989, back when swingers had to flirt via newspaper ads and not just swipe right. It’s the OG “nude-optional” spa-meets-sex club tucked in Kentish Town – and while it’s still steaming, it’s not exactly sparkling with modern consent culture. Once upon a time, couples-only nights helped keep things flirty but balanced. But those are long gone. These days, it’s more steam room, less safe room -with a cocktail of voyeurism, random hands, and wandering eyes. Enter at your own risk (and maybe bring a buddy for backup).
Join Kat & Leo as they dish up swinger club reviews and lots of questionable newbie advice on the Vanilla Swingers podcast.
🚗 Distance from central London – North London (N22), around 30–40 minutes
🕓 Hours – Open 7 days a week, open all night Wed-Sat
Mon – Tues 12pm – 12am
Wed – Sat 12pm – 7am
Sunday 12pm – 10pm
💲 Pricing –
👀 First Impressions – From the outside, it feels like any other spa. But inside? That depends heavily on the night. Some friends reported it was “clean and cozy,” others felt uncomfortable the moment they were targeted by aggressive men -or worse, rude staff. Nudity is optional, and that flexibility’s appreciated, but some guests reported being shamed for remaining clothed. One queer group even left early after a homophobic encounter with a staff member. Not exactly the warm welcome you’d want with your hot tub.
🎟️ Inside Tour – Rios Spa isn’t your plush West End retreat—it’s a gritty, vintage-style bathhouse that’s been keeping things steamy since the late ‘80s. Tucked away in Kentish Town, you’ll step through the unmarked door and find yourself in a TV lounge that feels like your aunt’s basement – only this one smells like chlorine and possibility. Beyond reception, it’s a full maze of steam – think multiple saunas, two steam rooms, a plunge pool, hot tubs, garden courtyard, and more lockers than you’ll ever need. The retro vibes are strong – walnut paneling, soft lighting, and just enough erotic art to remind you this ain’t your average spa.
Some nights, it’s got chill community-centre energy. Others? The Jacuzzi becomes a splash zone of tension and testosterone. There’s no alcohol, but you can BYOB, and food is welcome too – if you’ve got the appetite for it. Just don’t expect luxury. Rios is more rough-and-ready than velvet and candles. Bring your own towel, your own vibe, and maybe a strong exit strategy.
🍒 Playrooms –There aren’t designated playrooms per se – just massage rooms where private encounters tend to happen. But be warned – these are behind closed doors, and what happens inside is hard to monitor. Many guests report that men will touch women in the hot tubs or saunas without consent, and you’ll have to say “no” pretty firmly to avoid escalation. Combine that with a language barrier (many attendees don’t speak English) and a complete lack of etiquette training, and you’ve got a vibe that’s far more predatory than playful.
🔥 Vibe Check – Let’s be real – Rios has become a total sausage fest. Multiple guests report men jumping into jacuzzis the moment a woman enters, and others standing around instead of engaging or relaxing. It’s not all bad – some still enjoy it for quick flings or if they’re down for MFM action – but it’s not a good spot for curious couples or first-timers anymore. The vibe ranges from “meh” to “creepy,” depending on the night.
❌ Should You Go? – Honestly? Rios is only worth it if you’re adventurous, thick-skinned, and not put off by an overzealous crowd. It’s not queer-friendly, it’s not couple-friendly, and it’s definitely not newbie-friendly. If you miss the old couples-only spa vibes, you’ll probably leave disappointed. But if you’re into steam, chaos, and rolling the dice on whether you’ll have fun or flee, maybe give it a go. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Find all of this and more on this episode of our top-rated swingers podcast for new couples to the lifestyle, the Vanilla Swingers podcast!
Rios Spa: London’s original no-pants paradise—part spa, part swinger free-for-all. Steamy, cheeky, and occasionally chaotic. Come for the sauna, stay for the spectacle.
Ignite: London’s largest lifestyle club just got a glow-up. Formerly AbFabs/Kestrels, think steamy spas, naughty nights, and towel-only Tuesdays.
Voyeurism: The art of peeking behind closed doors, where watching becomes the sexiest form of foreplay. A practice in which individuals derive sexual pleasure from observing others engaging in intimate activities.
Exhibitionism: Putting on a show that would make Vegas blush, because why keep all that steamy action to yourself? The act of deriving sexual gratification from exposing one’s own body or engaging in sexual activities in front of others, often for the purpose of arousal or thrill.
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