Your Guide to Soma Grove: Woodstock’s State-of-the-Art Wellness Center

Soma Grove is redefining recovery and wellness in the Hudson Valley. Founded by Scott Silverman, Soma Grove combines cryotherapy, infrared sauna therapy, and modern wellness technologies with the calm, creative energy that makes Woodstock so unique.

Scott’s inspiration for Soma Grove was a blend of his own wellness journey and a desire to bring a specific lifestyle to his new home in the Hudson Valley. After years of city living, Scott and his wife found themselves drawn to the familiar comfort of Woodstock, a place where their family lived and that always felt like home. The decision to move upstate and start a family was instant, and it set the stage for Scott’s next big venture in Woodstock.

In our exclusive interview, Scott Silverman shares the inspiration behind his business. From his personal “aha” moment that sparked the idea for Soma Grove to the surprising role of music in a cryotherapy session, Scott shares his thoughtful process behind building a place where people can truly restore, reconnect, and feel better in their everyday lives. Whether you’re seeking a Hudson Valley spa experience or exploring wellness in Woodstock, Soma Grove offers a new way to feel better — inside and out

INSIDE+OUT: Scott, tell us where you’re originally from, and how you wound up in the Hudson Valley?

Scott Silverman: Before moving to Woodstock, I lived in New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston. I’m originally from just outside of Boston. My wife’s family lives in Woodstock, so we’ve always spent a lot of time here, and it’s always felt like home. When we found out she was pregnant, we knew right away that we wanted to move to the Hudson Valley. There was nowhere else we could imagine starting and raising a family. It just felt right in every possible way.

You refer to Soma Grove as a state-of-the-art wellness studio. Tell us about that. What inspired the name?

Scott Silverman: When we describe Soma Grove as a state-of-the-art wellness studio, it’s really about more than the equipment or technology. It’s about how we integrate evidence-based recovery tools and human-centered design to elevate the entire wellness experience. We combine modalities like whole-body cryotherapy, infrared sauna, and functional fitness equipment you’d typically find in elite performance centers, but within an environment that feels warm, intentional, and community-driven.

The name Soma Grove came from the idea of connection. Soma means “body” in Greek, and a grove is a place where things grow together. We wanted the name to reflect both vitality and community, a place where people can come to restore, reconnect, and grow stronger in body and mind.

Our goal has always been to merge science and soul by bringing together the best of modern recovery technology with the natural beauty, grounding energy, and hospitality of Woodstock.

Did you have a personal experience with cryotherapy and infrared saunas that made you a believer?

Scott Silverman:  As someone who has always cared deeply about physical fitness and the ability to perform well as we age, I’ve been using cryotherapy and infrared saunas for over ten years to support my recovery and overall well-being. When I moved away from the city, I suddenly had far less access to those kinds of facilities. It wasn’t long before I started noticing the difference, with more nagging aches and random injuries that didn’t even come from training. It was things like sneezing the wrong way or sitting on a couch in a funny position.

Whenever that happened, I would do whatever it took to get relief, even if it meant driving 45 to 60 minutes to find cryotherapy. Each time, I was amazed at how quickly I recovered once I got back into a consistent routine with those modalities. That’s when it really hit me that this wasn’t just something I enjoyed; it was something I needed. And I knew I wanted to bring that same access and experience to my own community.

What was the “aha” moment when you realized this could be a full business?

Scott Silverman:  The “aha” moment came when I realized how fragmented my own wellness routine had become. I was driving to one place for cryotherapy, another for sauna, and another for fitness. It struck me that it shouldn’t be this complicated to take care of yourself in a complete way.

When I started picturing all of those elements under one roof, combining recovery, heat, cold, and movement, it filled a real void for me. That’s when it clicked that if it worked for me, it could work for others, too. I also began to see how valuable it could be for reducing inflammation, especially for people in their middle years and beyond. I felt like this could really help people feel better, move better, and live with less pain.

From there, the idea grew into something larger, not just a space that offers these services, but a true wellness concierge, a place designed to help people optimize their health both inside and outside our doors.

For someone who’s never tried cryotherapy, what’s the experience like—can you walk me through it?

Scott Silverman: The two things I always tell every first-time guest are, number one, it’s definitely cold in there, and number two, you’re going to feel absolutely incredible at the end of your session.

Before we begin, I take a few minutes to go over safety and what to expect. That helps ease any nerves. I also share some of the benefits, like reduced inflammation, improved joint health, better sleep, and the release of endorphins, to get them genuinely excited for what’s ahead.

Then we pick a song together, usually something upbeat that helps them forget about the cold. We keep a chalkboard outside the studio where guests can add their own “pump-up” song suggestions, which has turned into a really fun ritual. Before stepping in, I offer a few breathing tips to help them stay calm and focused. Once the session starts, it becomes one of two things: either a solo dance party or a deeply meditative experience. And almost without fail, they step out smiling, feeling energized, centered, and ready to take on the day. As they leave, we like to send them off with, “Now go have the best day of your life!” and honestly, they usually do.

What’s the most surprising thing people usually say after their first session?

Scott Silverman: The most common thing people say after their first session is, “That was easier than I expected.” And almost immediately after, they start talking about what song they want to listen to next time.

What really surprised me early on was how much of a role music plays in the experience. It completely shapes the energy of the session and can turn something that sounds intimidating into something that feels fun, empowering, and even joyful. Watching that transformation happen in just a few minutes is one of my favorite parts of the job.

What myths or misconceptions do people have about cryotherapy that you’d love to debunk?

Scott Silverman: I often hear from first-time guests that they were nervous before coming in. Most of the time, it’s a general sense of anxiety or something they once read about a rare accident years ago, which, by the way, doesn’t apply to the type of cryotherapy chamber we use at Soma Grove.

For anyone who might have those same misconceptions, I always reassure them that it’s completely safe. Our system is fully enclosed, carefully monitored, and designed with the highest safety standards in mind. I also love sharing research and scientific findings with anyone curious, because once people understand how it actually works, their hesitation usually turns into excitement.

Is Soma Grove a walk-in wellness center, or does one have to be a member?

Scott Silverman: Soma Grove is primarily reservation-based, and all of our services can be easily booked online. We also gladly welcome walk-ins whenever availability allows, though we always recommend booking in advance to ensure you can enjoy your session without any waiting.

While we don’t offer a formal membership or unlimited-access model, we do have package options that make it easy to visit regularly and build consistency into your routine. More importantly, our goal is to make every guest feel like they’re part of the Soma Grove community. We want everyone to feel like a member the moment they step inside.

The space is beautiful and has such a mod yet serene vibe. It was designed by Interior Designer, Nancy DeWeir Geaney. What was it like to work together on this project?

Scott Silverman: Nancy is my mother-in-law and, as corny as it may sound, one of my best friends, so working with her was an absolute delight. It was a really special experience for me because, although I’ve known her for over a decade, I hadn’t had the opportunity to truly see her creative process in action, from initial concept to thoughtful pivots to the constant stream of innovative ideas she brings to every project.

When Nancy looks at a space, she doesn’t just see what it is or what it can be; she sees countless possibilities. Working with her was effortless because she communicates her vision so clearly and intuitively that we were always able to align within minutes of every conversation. It made the entire design process not only seamless but deeply meaningful.

“At its core, Soma Grove is about helping people live better and live longer. If we can continue to refine this model and bring that same sense of care, recovery, and community to other places, that would be an incredibly fulfilling next step.”

What are your future dreams/plans for Soma-Grove?

Scott Silverman: Our long-term goal is to eventually expand. From the beginning, Soma Grove was designed to be both comprehensive in its offerings and streamlined in its operations. While there’s truly nothing more rewarding for me than being rooted here in Woodstock, I also recognize that there are other communities that could benefit from having access to what we’ve built.

At its core, Soma Grove is about helping people live better and live longer. If we can continue to refine this model and bring that same sense of care, recovery, and community to other places, that would be an incredibly fulfilling next step.

What makes living in the Hudson Valley special for you?

Scott Silverman: Anyone who’s driven around the Hudson Valley in the fall knows how beautiful it is. The people here are warm and friendly, and it’s the kind of place where you actually want to chat with acquaintances at the supermarket, not the kind of place where you dread it.

It’s also an amazing place to raise a family. There’s endless access to nature and incredible hikes, a real sense of inclusivity, and a wonderful food scene that ranges from fast casual to fine dining. And of course, there’s the area’s vibrant music history, especially in Woodstock, which you can feel woven into everyday life.

What impact does your business have on your community, and what local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

Scott Silverman: We’ve always said that we want Soma Grove to be exactly what each guest needs it to be. That looks different for everyone, but at the end of the day, we want to be known as the space with the best energy, the place where it’s easiest to get exactly what you need to feel your best.

Our goal is simple: to help our community feel better, live better, and ultimately be happier.

We also know that we’re just one piece of a much bigger wellness puzzle. We’re so fortunate to have incredible local partners nearby, including Woodstock Infusions, HERbal, and Glo Spa. Their missions align beautifully with ours, and we feel deeply connected to their commitment to caring for our shared community. And the best part is, this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more collaborations ahead.

What is missing in the area that you wish we had?

Scott Silverman: I mean no disrespect to anyone when I say this, and I’ll even post my address (35 Mill Hill Road) to anyone who wants to prove me wrong, but I think we’re missing consistent access to a really good burger. Not just a once- or twice-a-week special. For context, I moved to Woodstock from L.A., where In-N-Out was practically a way of life, so the craving is real.

Who or what inspires you personally?

Scott Silverman: My 4-year-old son, Ozzie. He’s at that age where his challenges, whether it’s a scraped knee or a broken Lego tower, feel monumental. But no matter what happens, he wakes up the next morning ready to take on the world with a smile. His unshakable spirit reminds me every day to lead with resilience, joy, and curiosity.

Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know.

Scott Silverman: I’m definitely not what anyone would consider a good dancer. However, I am—humbly speaking—exceptionally gifted at one specific move: the worm.

What do you do for fun? What are some of your favorite ways to unwind and unplug when you are not working?

Scott Silverman: It’s probably not surprising to learn that I unplug with self-care. For me, self-care means taking care of myself and the people I love, usually while everyone else is still sleeping. That way, when the day begins, we can all be present, live our best lives, and minimize stress as much as possible.

I get up every day at 4 a.m., and between then and when my wife and son wake up, I work out, use the sauna, do cryotherapy, and take care of household or parenting tasks. My goal is to set my wife and son up for success for the day by taking a few things off my wife’s plate and making sure my son has fun things lined up for the week.

When I take care of myself and my loved ones, nothing can slow me down. It sets the tone for the rest of the day in terms of attitude, mindset, and performance.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Scott Silverman: Effortless immortality would be nice, but since that one’s still in research and development, I’ll settle for my daily cryo and sauna sessions and let longevity take care of itself. One chill, one sweat, one grateful day at a time.

What is your current state of mind?

Scott Silverman: Grateful. Honestly, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. I get to do what I love, I’m meeting incredible people, and everyone has been so kind and welcoming. I’m deeply thankful to this wonderful community for embracing us, our studio, and our way of life.

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Photos courtesy of Soma Grove

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