#FOOD: WORLD CUP THINGS-TO-DO ROUNDUP – NRG HAUS, THE DRAKE HOTEL, AND CHOTTO MATTE

With World Cup fever building, I’m excited to share a few unique Toronto experiences for potential coverage, from watching matches between sauna and cold-plunge sessions at NRG Haus to patio viewing parties at Chotto Matte and soccer-inspired stay packages at The Drake Hotel.

NRG HAUS:

This summer, NRG is bringing the energy of the FIFA World Cup to the heart of Liberty Village with a full lineup of watch parties, kickoff celebrations, and community activations, making it the only recovery studio in Toronto hosting World Cup viewing experiences throughout the tournament. Inside the space, guests will watch every match on a massive 150-inch projector screen in NRG Haus’ Mocktail Lounge, transforming the contrast therapy studio into a vibrant viewing destination for soccer fans. 

NRG Haus will be hosting the following activations + partnerships:

• June 11 at 3:00PM: FIFA Kickoff Party for the tournament opener, Celsius will be onsite giving away samples of their newest drink, Electric Vibe, alongside branded décor and activations surrounding the exterior of NRG. 
• June 12 at 3:00 PM: Canada’s first World Cup match watch party. Celsius will be onsite giving away samples of their newest drink, Electric Vibe, alongside branded décor and activations surrounding the exterior of NRG. 
• July 19 (time tbc): NRG Haus will host a World Cup Finals Party featuring an outdoor Ole activation with complimentary samples, giveaways, and additional fan experiences. Ticketing and RSVP information for all events will be announced soon.

BOOK YOUR SESSION HERE

Chotto Matte: 

This summer, Chotto Matte invites you to experience the World Cup like never before. Complete with sweeping views of the CN Tower, and close to Union Station (a central location for tourists visiting the city), Chotto’s patio becomes the ultimate destination for Toronto’s most unforgettable match days. Each game transforms into a full celebration: Nikkei bites, crafted cocktails, and live DJ sets for every kick-off. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this is Toronto at its best: world-class sport met with world-class hospitality.

RESERVATIONS HERE

The Drake Hotel:

With the World Cup set to take over Toronto, The Drake Hotel is gearing up to give fans an unforgettable stay that brings the spirit of the big game to life. Guests can settle in with full access to an in-room minibar, thoughtfully stocked with premium beverages and snacks (valued at $300), included with their stay, and receive two custom limited-edition soccer t-shirts from a local screenprinting studio on WQW. Designed around match days, the package requires a two-night minimum and starts at $709+ tax per night, while the hotel’s best available rate on game days begins at $659+ tax per night.

BOOK YOUR STAY HERE

#FIRSTLOOK: NRG HAUS TORONTO TO OPEN FEBRUARY 20, 2026

Toronto’s wellness scene welcomes a new kind of energy with NRG Haus, a 5,000-square-foot social wellness destination poised to become the city’s hub for contrast therapy, sober social gatherings, and immersive recovery experiences. Designed to nourish the body, regulate the nervous system, and foster intentional human connection, NRG Haus is more than a sauna or cold plunge – it’s a fully personalized wellness experience where guests are guided by one simple question at check-in: “How do you want to feel today?”.

Founded by Ivan Ho, creator of Fit Factory, Refined Reformer, and CORE 9:24 Club, NRG Haus is Ho’s newest visionary – born from the insight that people don’t need more stimulation, they need better regulation. After more than a decade building high-performance fitness communities, Ho recognized a gap in Toronto’s wellness landscape: spaces that truly support personalized recovery, nervous-system health, and genuine human connection. NRG Haus offers a totally upgraded, deeply personal experience far beyond what’s currently popular in Toronto, including cold plunges set to precise temperatures for all tolerances, a massive immersive screen to engage with during contrast therapy, and a fully sober bar for after-hours social gatherings that combine thoughtful programming with intentional connection, all under one roof.

NRG Haus is a uniquely designed, human-centered third space. It blends the sophistication and design of urban wellness retreats with a highly curated guest experience that feels deeply personal and rooted. Offering immersive recovery experiences and community-driven programming, all within a social, alcohol-free environment, guests can slow down, reset, and gather in a stunning space that prioritizes restoration in a way that feels totally unique to them. The space also boasts the first-ever fully immersive cold plunge with a LED TV screen that transports you anywhere you want to go.

At the core of NRG Haus are three guiding principles, each shaping the club’s highly personalized experiences based on how guests wish to feel:

Nourish: White Wristband – Calm, grounded, and restored. Experiences in this category focus on downregulation, gentle connection, and restorative practices.

Recharge: Green Wristband – Energized, powerful, and reset. This pathway emphasizes upregulation, contrast therapy, and performance-driven experiences.

Gather: Yellow Wristband – Open, connected, and playful. Activities here center on social energy, music, events, and exploratory engagement.

FEATURES & EXPERIENCE:

Memberships & day passes, private group bookings, and corporate recovery.

State-of-the-Art Sauna: One of Toronto’s largest communal saunas (60-person capacity) for guided sessions and group recovery.

Immersive Cold Plunges: A first-of-its-kind environment pairing 200-inch LED visuals and surround sound. Temperatures range from approximately 2–10°C (37–50°F). Women-friendly, fertility-safe protocols are designed for accessibility, balance, and nervous system health.

Haus Parties: 120-minute live DJ social wellness events every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Arrival & Check-In: Personalized guidance from the moment guests arrive.

Non-Alcoholic Functional Bar: Adaptogen drinks, mocktails, matcha, coconut water, and recovery-focused blends to downregulate, upregulate, or explore.

Retail & Merchandise: Curated selection of NRG Haus robes, towels, apparel, lifestyle goods, and non-alcoholic beverages from around the world.

Social Lounge & Event Space: Areas designed for reflection, connection, and community programming.

Curated IV Therapy Experiences: Restore, rehydrate, and reset in a private, elevated setting.

Changing & Locker Rooms: Privacy, premium amenities, and eucalyptus showers for a seamless guest experience.

KEY DATE:

Opening to the public on Friday, February 20, 2026.

LOCATION:

11 Hanna Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1W8