Words: Josh Lee
There is, according to scientific finds and many alleged reports at least, a multitude of benefits that come with regular sauna-ing – an increased metabolism, pain reduction and a minimised chance of heart disease among them. Such positives aside, the allure is also pretty much down to the fact that there’s a symbolic shedding of the day’s ardour when schvitzing it all out in a wooden cupboard for 20 minutes or so.
Like with gyms, bars and cosmetic rituals, there are now many at-home options that one can choose to indulge in, and, when it comes to the sweat box, having one within your vicinity is a pretty nice coup given you won’t need to share the intimate confines with random faces (as is the case at many local Virgin Actives). With spring refreshes on the mind, we’ve rounded up a tight selection of the best home saunas to order now.
The one that blends into your living room: Yoku SH Shelf Version
The work of Marco Williams Fagioli, this pared-down system may, for the design fan at least, bring to mind the austere spirit of Mies van der Rohe – all robust angles and minimal dressing. There are large recessed walls that are done out in bronze smoked-glass (the shelves allow you to decorate the space with coffee table books and towels) in order for you to fully see your surrounds, and the main draw is that it brings together a sauna, shower, and Turkish bath.
The futuristic one: Arc Experiential Sauna
Product designer Whipsaw and Ancient Ritual, which specialises in wellness, have partnered together on this sci-fi-looking ‘experiential sauna for stress reduction, relaxation, and healing.’ Defining it is a shell in oak and Japanese hinoki cypress, and, within, there’s a first-class-style chair (and fold-down guest seat) surrounded by gentle light, infrared heat and a hi-fi surround sound to create a holistic experience. The natural grain and the soft curves above help cocoon you even more.
The Scandi-style one: Redwood Thermowood Panorama Sauna
Sizeable enough for six, the barrel-shaped Thermowood Panorama Sauna takes its cues from the traditional Scandi blueprint, but dials up the contemporary factor by including a Harvia electric sauna heater (a ladle, bucket and rocks are all included, of course), and the whole system can be turned on anywhere via Wi-Fi. With its two glass windows, this is best placed in bucolic surrounds.
The modest one: Plunge Sauna
The Plunge Sauna is one of the more prosaic designs here, with its angled backrest and compact, no-issues-all-function style. Hemlock and pine are used within to maximise heat retention, temperatures can reach 110-degrees Celsius, and the flip-up bench creates room for activities, such as hot yoga. Again, you can control the sauna via your smartphone, so it’s perfect for when you want to dive right into it following a day at the office desk.
Want to dial down the heat? These are the 4 best luxury plunge pools and ice baths on the market…
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