Why modern saunas are the hottest wellness trend

“Best remedy for body and soul, four walls in wooden panels,” sang KAJ in an entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 . Bara Bada Bastu is a song entirely about the joys of going to the sauna, and it ultimately placed fourth in the competition for Sweden (despite the fact the group, and the sauna tradition, hail from Finland). 

This foray into pop culture is just the latest indication that this ancient wellness practice is experiencing a not-so-quiet resurgence around the world. Today’s saunas are more than sitting in silence in a sweaty wooden box – there are wild saunas bringing you closer to nature, on-site DJs setting the tone for socialising, and guided wellness sessions providing an immersive experience. We take a deeper look at how saunas are being reimagined as multipurpose spaces that meet the diverse needs of the modern-age urbanite, and share the hottest saunas to visit.

The transformation of sauna culture 

Saunas as a practice began in Finland around 2,000 years ago and a social element followed soon afterwards, with communal saunas becoming a natural meeting place for families and business encounters alike. Today’s sauna culture continues to channel the same “elements of community and social interaction,” says Trudy Chan, CEO and co-founder of Go24 Fitness. The business recently opened Hong Kong’s “first communal contrast-therapy zone” at their space Onyx by Go24 Fitness – a space where guests experience alternatively hot and cool conditions to stimulate muscle recovery.  

North American bathhouse chain Othership has also introduced modern touches like music and tutorials. “The sauna boom reflects a growing interest in spaces where people feel safe to connect and be vulnerable,” says CEO and co-founder Robbie Bent. “We’ve seen how pairing traditional sauna culture with music, breathwork and community creates a modern gathering place for both wellbeing and belonging." 

The global sauna renaissance has been fuelled by the increased availability of lower-temperature infrared saunas, while a growing post-pandemic awareness of holistic wellness has driven curiosity in novel treatments and practices. “The public's interest in longevity is part of a major trend in wellness,” adds Chan. “There are numerous studies which point to the benefits of contrast therapy in aiding healthier, longer lives.” 

Alongside red light therapy and cold plunge pools, traditional and infrared saunas have become popular choices to popular to enhance recovery and overall fitness, reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. In the world of athletics, this isn’t new – contrast therapy is often used for recovery or boosting performance in elite sports. “What’s really changing is how accessible they are to the general population,” adds Olivia Chiu , a physiotherapist at Pinnacle Performance. 

The physical and mental health benefits of saunas

There’s also science to back up the benefits: citing a study , Chiu notes that those who visit saunas often boast a reduced risk of various diseases and reported beneficial effects like improved sleep and mood. It’s proven that heat dilates the blood vessels, promoting blood circulation, and releasing endorphins that help reduce stress levels. “While evidence about the benefits of the sauna is growing, it’s still not a substitute for good sleep and movement,” Chiu emphasises. 

For improved mental health, Chan suggests that contrast therapy can also help people slow down and reconnect, by requiring a focus on breathing and being “present in the moment” – qualities that are especially important in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong.

“I love how I feel after doing contrast therapy,” she adds. “After just 20 to 30 minutes, I find I'm refreshed, relaxed, mentally sharper and ready to tackle the day.” 

Safety in the sauna

Chiu advises not spending more than 10 to 20 minutes in the sauna in one sitting, and for those new to the practice to slowly build tolerance to the heat. 

Rehydrating, not exercising and refraining from consuming alcohol afterwards are also important tips to keep in mind. 

5 of the hottest saunas to visit in the world right now 

1. Onyx by Go24, Hong Kong

The premium gym brand’s newly opened Admiralty location is home to one of Hong Kong’s only contrast therapy services. Up to eight guests can simultaneously use the space, equipped with an infrared sauna, a cold plunge pool and compression boots. 

2. Sauna Social Club, London, UK

The Social Sauna ’s lounge, upstairs seating and yard all encourage socialising. The main sauna is outfitted with speakers, and at weekends the space is transformed into an immersive listening lounge. Guided sessions lead activities like creative writing, breathwork and art play, in conjunction with sauna and ice baths.

3. Beach Box Spa, Brighton, UK

Three year-round, wood-fired sauna cabins sit right on Brighton Beach , meaning sauna-goers can take a dip in the English Channel between turns in the heat. There’s also the option to cool down in a plunge pit, and body treatments like salt scrubs and face masks are available as add-ons.

4. Othership, New York, US, and Toronto, Canada

Guided sauna and ice bath sessions are available for beginners or those seeking extra support. Social sessions provide an opportunity for participants to connect freely over contrast therapy. Elements of breathwork, visualisation and performance are also embedded in the sauna experience , which promises low-lit, music-fuelled relaxation at the end of the night. 

5. Shibuya Saunas, Tokyo, Japan

Created with input from a mangaka (manga artist) who brought about a sauna craze in 2019, this bathhouse  has nine very different sauna rooms that rotate daily between being men-only and women-only, as well as four cold baths. Some are bright and warm, others moody and inviting introspection.