The East Village’s Kove Studio is redefining wellness for New Yorkers by offering science-backed recovery protocols like saunas, cold plunges, and red light therapy—all at accessible prices.
Founded by three young visionaries, Kove Studio trades luxury for simplicity, inviting anyone to reset, recharge, and relax. In a city where overwork is normalized, and rest feels like a luxury, Kove Studio offers something rare: structured, affordable recovery rooted in science and simplicity.
Founded by Alex Jeremijenko (26), George Li (25), and Jack Taylor (23), the newly opened East Village space isn’t a spa, luxury retreat, or overcrowded bathhouse. It’s a neighborhood studio where New Yorkers can decompress, reset, and support long-term health—without spending a fortune.
“The idea came out of frustration with the cost and availability of tools to help me be healthy and relaxed as a student-athlete,” said Jeremijenko, who struggled with injury and burnout.
The young founders built Kove Studio‘s model around clearly defined protocols—short, outcome-based sessions that combine sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy, and compression. Bondi offers a full recharge with sauna, cold plunge, and compression. Double Shot targets energy and resilience with two contrast rounds. Espresso is a quick sauna-plunge reset, while Sunset and Nightcap use red light and compression to support sleep, skin, and circadian rhythms.
“The benefit of a protocol-based studio is that customers know exactly what they’re paying for and why,” said Jeremijenko.
I visited Kove Studio for the first time on a weekday evening with a friend. We booked the Bondi Protocol, designed to evoke the Australian beachside effects of heat, sunshine, and waves. I was initially nervous as a first-timer to recovery protocols and someone who relies on restless productivity more than rest.
Li walked me through the process with calm, clear explanations, and each step started to make sense.
After the sauna, my relaxed muscles and sweat pools made me slightly less wary of the forthcoming cold plunge. Li explained how the contrast helps boost circulation, reduce stress, and sharpen focus. My friend and I succeeded in our pact to endure the cold tub for at least three of the recommended five minutes. The peace upon exiting the tub could have been due to increased circulation or pride for braving the plunge. Either way, I achieved peace. Compression and red light therapy were a tranquilizing finale, and the combination sent me into the best sleep I’ve had in months.
Former athletes and Australia natives Jeremijenko and Taylor began thinking seriously about recovery while working at a wellness clinic in Australia. They saw the value of consistent, structured care. Jeremijenko also credits time studying Buddhist and Daoist philosophy in China, where he learned the importance of a healthy lifestyle in achieving a healthy mind.
Li, a native New Yorker, came to recovery without a sports background. “I didn’t know what I was doing at first,” he said. “Once Alex walked me through the science — the optimal time in each zone, how routine protocols activate the body’s own healing systems — it clicked,” said Li. “I studied Cognitive Science in college, and the concept of hormesis stuck with me: mild, healthy stress that builds resilience over time.”
New York was a deliberate choice. “New Yorkers are the most stressed out and nature-deprived people on the planet,” said Jeremijenko. He added that they have little patience for BS and are picky about how they spend their time.
While the city does not lack wellness spaces, Li emphasized that many focus on luxury or performance. Bathhouses are overcrowded, while Kove Studio holds a maximum of fifteen clients at once. They wanted something functional and grounding—where recovery isn’t the add-on, but the purpose.
Kove Studio‘s design reflects that mission. Eucalyptus scents, showers, infrared saunas, cold plunges at different temperatures, and smooth transitions create a calming experience without indulgence. Everything is timed, structured, and approachable.
“You don’t need to be an athlete or a wellness expert to start,” said Li. “Just come in and try it.”
With cold plunges as low as $10 and protocols starting at $25, Kove Studio undercuts spa and boutique wellness costs. “You shouldn’t have to splurge or wait until you’re burned out to feel better,” Li said.
In its first weeks, the studio has drawn a diverse crowd: athletes, artists, parents, remote workers. “People come in curious and leave saying they feel like new versions of themselves,” said Li.
I’m one of them. My friend and I walked home from the studio feeling like we were walking on a cloud, discussing how we’d incorporate Kove Studio sessions into our routines.
“Whether you’re stressed, training, or just need a quiet moment, we built this for you.”
says George Li
The founders hope to expand to other neighborhoods. “We’ve had lots of people ask us to bring Kove Studio closer to them,” said Jeremijenko. “The goal is to bring this to as many people as we can, but do it intentionally. Each space should feel like it belongs where it is.”
At its heart, Kove Studio is about integration. Recovery isn’t something extra, but instead a foundation. “Whether you’re stressed, training, or just need a quiet moment, we built this for you,” said Li.
All imagery courtesy of Kove Studio.
