At RECESS, we are redefining wellness by creating a space where individuals can reconnect with themselves, each other, and their health.

Our thermal station offers a unique blend of sauna, cold plunges, meditation, and breathwork designed to optimize physical and mental well-being. Inspired by the humble traditions of sauna culture, we are dedicated to making wellness an accessible, inclusive, and social experience for urban dwellers, offering a gathering place to relax, recharge, and build meaningful connections.

A close-up of effervescent bubbles rising and fizzing in a clear liquid, showcasing the dynamic, refreshing texture of sparkling water.

A modern, serene spa features a tranquil indoor pool with geometric stepping stones, surrounded by soft lighting and minimalist decor, while two individuals in swimwear relax by the water.

A person wearing glasses and a dark long-sleeve top sits confidently.

Two individuals wearing brown swimsuits sit closely together against a dark background, with the word RECESS prominently displayed in bold white text across the center.

A person stands by the rocky seaside under a clear blue sky, wearing a sleeveless beige t-shirt with the word RECESS printed on the back.

Smiling individuals wearing RECESS shirts pose together indoors, suggesting a casual and joyful moment.

A person relaxes in a round, black outdoor hot tub on a rooftop, surrounded by glass railings with a view of distant trees and a modern apartment building under a cloudy sky.

A person holds a black thermometer submerged in a body of water filled with floating ice cubes, capturing a temperature reading amidst the cold environment.

A person stands by an outdoor ice bath filled with ice and wearing a black tank top, surrounded by lush tropical plants under bright sunlight.

Four people relax in a spacious wooden sauna, seated on curved benches and wearing swimwear.

LEAD WITH KINDNESS

LIVE GENUINELY

HONOUR RITUAL

INSPIRE ACTION

BELONG TOGETHER

BUILD TO ENDURE

PRACTICE PRESENCE

Our Story

From technology and aesthetics to thermal rituals—RECESS began with a shared desire to create something deeply human.

A person in a light sweater and dark pants, and a person in a long gray dress with white sneakers, stand casually leaning against a wooden wall in a modern interior.

Adam and Marilyne form a duo where contrast becomes harmony.

Adam leads with intention, thoughtfulness, and a deep understanding of what moves people.

Marilyne brings bold vision, intuitive creativity, and the energy to bring ideas to life.

Together, they share a belief in crafting experiences that make people feel alive, supported, and truly connected—to themselves and to one another.

Adam Simms spent the last two decades building high-growth tech companies, between Montreal and New York he has helped scale companies like Lightspeed, Trello, and Atlassian. A lifelong lover of the arts and mindful living, Adam eventually felt the need to shift—from fast-paced innovation to something slower, more grounded. Upon returning to Québec, he discovered contrast therapy. The ritual of moving between heat, cold, and rest had an immediate and lasting impact—physically, mentally, emotionally. It wasn’t just wellness. It was art. It was presence. And it sparked an idea:

What if we brought this to the city?

Marilyne Gagné is an entrepreneur at heart, deeply driven by connection, empowerment, and care. Helping people feel better has always been her life mission. In 2024, after founding and leading Dermapure Clinics—a network of 75 premium clinics across Canada—she had just closed a significant chapter of her journey. Ready to make space for something new, Adam’s vision instantly resonated with her. Following a 24-hour trip to New York, where they explored emerging wellness clubs, she knew she could help bring this concept to life.

With a shared vision for RECESS: a modern thermal station rooted in tradition, backed by science, and designed for the way we live now. More than just a wellness concept, it is a community space. They both knew they wanted to build this project together.

A couple of months later, two strategic partners came on board: Dr. Marc-Antoine Rivard as Medical Director and Chloé Daigle as Marketing Associate.

All passionately committed to bringing this concept to life—you’ll surely run into them at RECESS!

Our Story

A man and a woman stand leaning against a wooden-paneled wall, both casually dressed in neutral-colored clothing, with the woman wearing a light gray knit dress and sneakers, and the man in a cream sweater and dark pants.

From technology and aesthetics to thermal rituals—RECESS began with a shared desire to create something deeply human.

Adam and Marilyne form a duo where contrast becomes harmony.

Adam leads with intention, thoughtfulness, and a deep understanding of what moves people.

Marilyne brings bold vision, intuitive creativity, and the energy to bring ideas to life.

Together, they share a belief in crafting experiences that make people feel alive, supported, and truly connected—to themselves and to one another.

What if we brought this to the city?

A couple of months later, two strategic partners came on board: Dr. Marc-Antoine Rivard as Medical Director and Chloé Daigle as Marketing Associate.

All passionately committed to bringing this concept to life—you’ll surely run into them at RECESS!

Meet the team

A bearded person wearing a light gray ribbed sweater and blue pants stands against a wooden background, exuding a casual and stylish look.

A man with a short beard and dark hair wears a light gray ribbed sweater and blue pants, standing against a wooden paneled wall with hands casually in pockets.

Adam Simms

Co-founder

A person with long brown hair and a blue sweater leans casually against a wooden wall, smiling softly at the camera.

A person with long brown hair and a blue sweater stands against a wooden wall with a confident smile.

Marilyne Gagné

Co-founder

A person in a light blue button-up shirt and glasses stands confidently against a wooden paneled background, conveying a professional and approachable demeanor.

A man with short brown hair and glasses, wearing a light blue button-up shirt, stands confidently against a wooden wall background.

Dr. Marc-Antoine Rivard

Medical Associate

A person with long dark hair and wearing a white ribbed short-sleeve sweater and beige high-waisted trousers stands confidently against a wooden paneled wall.

A woman with long, wavy dark hair wearing a white ribbed short-sleeve shirt and high-waisted beige trousers stands confidently in a modern interior with wooden paneling.

Chloé Daigle

Marketing Associate

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Let's break the ice!
Join our community

Whether you’re here to build a new ritual or just taking your first plunge, RECESS is more than a place—it’s a community. Join us and stay in the loop for upcoming events, exclusive sessions, and stories from inside the steam.