Room + Wild Sauna Hotels
The sauna tradition, deeply rooted in Northern European cultures, particularly Finland, dates back thousands of years. Originally used for cleansing, relaxation, and even childbirth, saunas have evolved into symbols of community and well-being. Historically, these simple wooden structures, heated by wood-burning stoves with steam created by water poured over hot stones, were believed to purify both body and mind. Over time, saunas have spread worldwide, adapting to modern variations while maintaining their connection to renewal, simplicity, and the healing power of heat.
Experiencing a sauna in the wild amplifies its physical and mental benefits. Immersed in untouched landscapes, it promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to nature. The heat detoxifies the body, improves circulation, and soothes tired muscles, while the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural environment enhance the calming effects. Alternating between the warmth of the sauna and the refreshing coolness of the outdoors invigorates the senses and boosts the immune system. Whether overlooking a forest, a serene lake, or snow-covered mountains, a wild sauna provides a restorative escape, blending physical rejuvenation with mental clarity.
The Nami Project
Canada
*Images property of The Nami Project
The Nami Project is an adults-only oceanfront landscape hotel situated in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada. Offering unparalleled access to nature, the property is just steps from the Pacific Rim Trail. The Tofino-Ucluelet area is a compelling destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and rich cultural experiences set against Vancouver Island's rugged coastline.
Created as a haven for slow and silent living, The Nami Project encourages guests to embrace the rhythm of the changing seasons and the tranquility of nature. The meticulously designed cabins and suites, each featuring a personal cedar sauna, offer breathtaking ocean and forest views. This environment invites guests to slow down, practice gratitude, and relax, fully immersing themselves in the natural beauty surrounding them.
Embracing Japandi design, The Nami Project blends Japanese simplicity and harmony with Scandinavian minimalism and warmth. Large sliding glass windows and extended ceilings provide unobstructed views of the coastline, enhancing the connection with nature. Each cabin and suite includes a custom-made cedar sauna and a private sunken cedar hot tub (in cabins only). Guests also have access to a common area with additional hot tubs, a cold plunge tub, lounge chairs, and a gas fireplace.
Guests at The Nami can enjoy incredible moments from their units, such as whale watching, observing bald eagles, and the calming rhythm of the tides. The emphasis on thoughtful design promotes well-being, making The Nami Project a unique retreat that combines a truly undisturbed experience with the attentive care of a traditional hotel.
Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Iceland
*Images property of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
The sauna experience at the Retreat at Blue Lagoon is a perfect blend of relaxation and connection to Iceland’s unique natural environment. Nestled amidst the dramatic lava fields, the sauna offers sweeping views of the otherworldly landscape, enhancing the sense of tranquility and immersion in nature. The geothermal heat creates a soothing warmth, detoxifying the body and calming the mind, while large windows frame the stark beauty of the volcanic surroundings. After the sauna, guests can take a refreshing plunge into the mineral-rich Blue Lagoon waters or step outside to breathe in the crisp Icelandic air, completing the cycle of rejuvenation. This harmonious combination of heat, coolness, and nature creates a deeply restorative and grounding experience, embodying the essence of wellness in one of the world’s most extraordinary settings.
My Arbor
Italy
*Images property of My Arbor, ®BP, ®JP
Perched high above the lush forests of South Tyrol, My Arbor is a serene retreat that seamlessly blends modern luxury with a profound connection to nature. Designed to evoke the feeling of a treehouse in the sky, the hotel’s elevated architecture integrates harmoniously with its surroundings, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills and the majestic Dolomites. Here, guests are encouraged to slow down and recharge, with a variety of wellness experiences, including the signature spa featuring locally inspired treatments and panoramic relaxation areas.
The sauna experience at My Arbor is a true immersion in nature and wellness. Nestled among towering trees, the sauna combines the soothing warmth of wood-fired heat with the invigorating crispness of alpine air. Guests can alternate between the sauna's restorative heat and the refreshing coolness of the outdoors, enhancing circulation, relieving stress, and promoting deep relaxation. Large windows frame stunning views of the surrounding forest, allowing for a tranquil, meditative escape.
Seehof
Italy
*Photos property of Seehof Nature Retreat
At Seehof, the sauna isn’t just a wellness facility—it’s a gateway to reconnecting with nature and finding balance in the peaceful embrace of South Tyrol’s stunning landscape. Overlooking a tranquil private lake and nestled within lush alpine landscapes, the sauna provides a calming retreat where guests can unwind and recharge. The warmth of the sauna soothes muscles and promotes deep relaxation, while panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forest, creating a seamless connection to nature.
Guests can alternate between the sauna’s rejuvenating heat and the refreshing coolness of the outdoor air or even the lake itself, enhancing circulation and fostering a profound sense of renewal. The experience is further elevated by the silence and stillness of the environment.
Aro Hā Wellness Retreat
New Zealand
*Images property of Aro Ha
The sauna experience at Aro Hā Wellness Retreat in New Zealand is an integral part of its holistic approach to well-being, combining the restorative power of heat with the tranquility of its breathtaking alpine surroundings. Nestled in the majestic Southern Alps overlooking Lake Wakatipu, the sauna offers a serene space for deep relaxation and detoxification. The warmth helps soothe muscles, improve circulation, and cleanse the body, making it the perfect complement to Aro Hā’s active wellness programs, such as yoga, hiking, and strength training.
Guests can alternate between the sauna’s soothing heat and refreshing dips in cold plunge pools, a practice that rejuvenates the body and sharpens the mind. This hot-and-cold therapy is deeply invigorating and enhances the overall sense of vitality and balance.
Forsthofgut
Austria
*Photos property of Forsthofgut
Nestled at the edge of a serene forest in the Austrian Alps, Forsthofgut is a sanctuary where nature, wellness, and luxury come together. Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and lush meadows, the hotel offers an unparalleled connection to the outdoors, with every element designed to honor its environment. Guests can immerse themselves in wellness experiences at the award-winning waldSPA, which draws inspiration from the forest itself, incorporating natural materials, alpine herbs, and panoramic views. From outdoor saunas and refreshing natural swimming pools to restorative yoga sessions and guided hikes, Forsthofgut invites visitors to embrace the healing power of nature.
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