The renaissance of saunas & where to enjoy them in style
As the pursuit of well-being has gained momentum in the past few years, take a deep dive into the latest trend sweeping across fitness enthusiasts, spa-goers, and health-conscious individuals alike – the renaissance of saunas.
Saunas have been used in wellness rituals for thousands of years and take many forms. “The beauty of the sauna is in the versatility of the offerings, it’s a great tool for wellbeing. Biohackers are drawn in by the scientific benefits, the stressed by the balancing and endorphin boosting effects, sports enthusiasts for the recovery and capacity building, spiritual communities for the liminal space that opens up and everyone likes feeling more embodied, happier and having better sleep!
Bringing education and pleasurable experiences usually get people ‘hooked’ and as a consequence, more people are starting to seek out interesting sauna experiences. Developing the ‘guided’ element of the experience can really enhance the offering, from full sauna rituals and events to a simple ‘host training; for spa staff.” – Katie Bracher, Sauna Consultant and Vice Chair of the British Sauna Society
From clifftop, barrel-shaped cedar-wood saunas with breathtaking views in Cornwall and glass-fronted rooms overlooking Portugal’s Douro Valley to 90-degree intense dry heat in Surrey and cooler Himalayan salt saunas in Yorkshire, we’ve rounded where to enjoy a steamy sauna in style.
Scarlet & Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, Cornwall
Built to the highest eco-standards and settled within the rugged Cornish clifftops, the Scarlet Hotel and Bedruthan Hotel & Spa are well-being sanctuaries with far-reaching views of the North Atlantic coastline. Both properties are designed with the environment in mind, providing bright, airy, and spacious interiors celebrating the Cornish landscape.
The clifftop barrel-shaped cedar-wood saunas at Scarlet and Bedruthan promise an intimate and rejuvenating escape. Guests can immerse themselves in the aromatic embrace of cedar wood, as the panoramic views of the Cornish Sea create the perfect backdrop for a relaxing experience.
Book here Scarlet and Bedruthan
The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Yorkshire
For guests looking for a rejuvenating spa day this winter in the great outdoors The Coniston’s, in Yorkshire, award-winning Nàdarra Spa offers a variety of spa experiences, from morning and evening spa sessions to whole-day dedicated packages.
This spa is a haven of relaxation where guests can indulge in a range of nourishing thermal experiences including improving circulation and detoxification in the infrared sauna, soothing tired muscles in the Finnish sauna and stimulating and cleansing the respiratory system in the Himalayan salt sauna, as well as an aromatherapy steam room and heated indoor bubble pool. Guests can while away an afternoon soaking up views of the Yorkshire Dales from the outdoor infinity pools and private garden baths.
South Lodge Hotel & Spa, Sussex
Nestled in the heart of nature in West Sussex, South Lodge Hotel & Spa invites guests to an oasis of relaxation and luxury. The sauna at South Lodge is an exquisite extension of the spa’s luxury, providing an unparalleled experience amid the scenic beauty of the estate. The botanical sauna combined with the wild swimming pool offer a refreshing escape amidst the natural landscape, creating a unique and invigorating experience for those guests who are adventurous at heart.
Whether lounging in the sauna or enjoying a moonlit dip, this spa provides a serene retreat for hotel residents, day guests, and members alike. Complemented by the Ridgeview Beauty Bar and the Mediterranean-inspired Botanica restaurant, the facilities at South Lodge promise a blissful escape for those seeking a perfect blend of luxury and nature.
Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, Surrey
Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa provides its guests with the perfect location to relax and unwind all year round. Unveiling a seamless blend of luxury and wellness, the saunas redefine the art of relaxation. As the seasons change, so does the character of the spa, transforming from a sun-soaked Mediterranean escape with cabanas in the summer to a cocoon of thermal bliss in the winter.
Guests can experience an extensive range of thermal cabins of differing temperatures, from enriched herbal saunas ranging from 42 to 45 degrees and a 90-degree intense dry heat sauna, along with experience showers, relaxation rooms and incredible spa treatments.
Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, positioned with a stunning view of the Mediterranean in Monaco, integrates innovation and expertise in wellness, fitness, and preventive health. Guests can immerse themselves in opulent serenity at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo’s exquisite sauna, after an intense workout or a luxurious treatment, where the blend of sleek design and rejuvenating heat creates a sanctuary for relaxation.
Since 2022, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo has, also, started collaborating with prestigious wellness brands to introduce pop-up spa concepts. During these collaborations, the spa’s experts undergo training in the techniques and products of the partnering brands to offer customers a novel and enhanced experience. Recently Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo has collaborated with luxury brands ELEMIS and Decorté.
Octant Douro, Portugal
Nestled within the luxurious confines of Octant Douro in Portugal the sauna offers a sanctuary of peace. As guests step into this haven of warmth and relaxation, they are greeted by the subtle aroma of essential oils and the gentle hum of soft lighting. The sauna’s modern design seamlessly blends with the hotel’s aesthetic, inviting nature in with floor-to-ceiling windows looking across the Douro Valley. Guests can unwind on comfortable benches, enveloped in the therapeutic heat that permeates the room. The sauna at Octant Douro not only provides a break from the rigours of travel but also offers a holistic escape, promoting both physical and mental well-being, while overlooking the river.
