Tucked inside the historic West Bottoms, Klā Sanctuary offers something that feels increasingly rare: a beautiful invitation into the present moment. The thoughtfully designed bathhouse blends old-world ritual with modern wellness, creating an experience that feels less like a traditional spa visit and more like a return to yourself. Heavy timber ceilings, handcrafted tile, thermal baths, an herbal steam room, infrared sauna, and nature-inspired body treatments all work in harmony to support what Klā calls, Selah, or a sacred pause.
That sacred pause is the core philosophy behind their offerings. For co-founders Matthew Matsch and Kathryn McCormick, every detail of the space was created with that purpose in mind.
"My role at Klā is to bring vision, financial stewardship, and values-based infrastructure,” says Matsch. “I love getting curious about where we are going, setting an intention, and inspiring the team to move into new territory.”
“I’ve been a dancer my whole life, which has shaped my interest in listening to the body and understanding how to support it while meeting it honestly where it is,” says McCormick. “My journey has been about moving beyond performance and learning to listen more deeply, both to myself and in how I show up with others. That led me to study somatic experiencing, giving me a foundation in understanding stress, resilience, and human behavior, which I now weave into my movement and the experiences I help create.
“Whether in dance or at Klā, I’m always listening to the flow of the space, our team, and our guests. I notice where there are gaps and work to bring more ease and flow. For me, it’s an ongoing practice of paying attention to intentional details that help create a container where people have the opportunity to slow down, integrate, and come a little closer into themselves, even just a tiny bit. It’s an ever-evolving process that requires deep focus and care."
For many in Kansas City, Klā may also be their first introduction to bathhouse culture, but the experience is intentionally approachable.
“Bathhouses around the world might have similar or different intentions than Klā, but for us, our space is an invitation into the present moment. As guests move throughout their experience, they are met with opportunities to get curious through their senses with the hope of finding deeper, more meaningful connections. The baths, sauna, steam room, various body based treatments, and food and drinks, all serve the purpose of carving out a moment to pause.”
That sense of discovery is what makes Klā feel so personal. Guests are free to move between the therme bath, mineral soak, warm bath, and cold plunge in whatever rhythm feels most restorative. There’s no pressure to follow a rigid sequence, only space to notice what the body needs.
“There is no right way to explore our Sanctuary, only the opportunity to discover what supports you best in the moment. So much of daily life is filled with responsibilities and routines that can pull us away from what we truly need. While those demands are part of life, they can quiet our natural ability to listen inward. Our space is designed as a container without expectation or a prescribed path. We encourage guests to take a moment upon arrival to look around, get familiar with the environment, and then follow what they feel most drawn to.
“For those who prefer a bit of guidance, we offer optional pathway suggestions, Relax, Revive, and Recover. These are simply starting points for guests who arrive with a certain intention or are looking for gentle direction. For some, the absence of structure feels liberating; for others, a light framework provides just enough support to explore freely without feeling overwhelmed. Either way, our team is here for you: always available to answer questions, offer guidance, or support you in whatever way feels most aligned during your time in the Sanctuary.”
Beyond the calming atmosphere, Klā’s treatment menu is designed to feel immersive and restorative, blending luxury with intentional healing. Selah, Klās adjoining tea lounge, offers organic teas and specialty drinks, like their mushroom maple latte, and nourishing seasonal bites, including their mooncakes and chia pudding, make it easy to turn a spa visit into a full sensory retreat.
What lingers most, though, is the shift guests feel on their way out.
“We love witnessing the journey our guests move through, from the moment they arrive to the shifts we often see in their nervous system as they leave. There’s often a visible dropping into the body, and we hear it all the time: “wow, I feel so much better.” Coming in with the intention of cultivating presence is powerful on its own, and when it happens in a shared space, it becomes even more impactful as we co-regulate and arrive together.”
Klā Sanctuary is located at 1400 West 13th Street in Kansas City. For more information, visit klasanctuary.com.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Leawood City Lifestyle