With wellness and recovery becoming central to people's lifestyles, saunas have firmly established themselves as a key feature in both high-end spas and home setups, offering a variety of physical and emotional benefits.
‘Saunas are experiencing a surge in popularity as people increasingly prioritise holistic wellness, recovery, and relaxation. They have formed a constant in the Spas that we design at ESPA Design and THG Design because of this and for the myriad of physical and emotional benefits that they are proven to have. The facilities found at Spas such as ESPA Life Lusail Doha, Low Wood Bay in the Lake District and Hale Country Club in Manchester, offer a variety of sauna options tailored to different health and wellness needs’ says Jackie O'Hare, ESPA's Global Commercial Director.
Jackie shares the health benefits of sauna usage, as well as recommendations for safe and effective sauna sessions. These insights reflect the holistic approach to wellness that defines modern spa and design philosophy.
‘The rise in sauna popularity can be attributed to their scientifically backed benefits, including stress relief, improved circulation, muscle recovery, and immune system support. As people seek out natural ways to enhance their physical and mental well-being, saunas firmly remain a key feature in luxury spas, wellness centres, clubs and home setups. The social aspect is also an important factor and a strongly evolving trend, as we see health clubs focused on social wellness really gaining popularity, funnily enough harping back to the ways that saunas were used through history in so many cultures as a communal, collective experience and demonstrating the relevance of shared experiences on our general wellbeing.
The prevailing recommendation, which we adhere to, is to limit sauna sessions to approximately 10–15 minutes rather than remaining inside for extended periods. For beginners, an initial duration of around 8 minutes may be sufficient, gradually increasing to 10–15 minutes over time, allowing the body to begin perspiring.
It is standard practice to shower beforehand, pat the skin dry, and sit on a towel while in the sauna. A lesser-known but highly beneficial practice is to use a clean towel to gently wipe away sweat as it forms, preventing the body from reabsorbing expelled toxins. After the session, it is advisable to shower and take a moment to relax before engaging in a cooling activity to lower body temperature, such as a cold shower or plunge, before repeating the sauna process.
For optimal benefits, the entire contrast bathing routine may be repeated two to three times within a single session.’
