Digital fatigue, post-pandemic pursuits, wellness awareness, and cultural revival… All of these forces have converged to turn the sauna into a reason in itself to travel.
Demand for saunas is rising across the world. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the number of public sauna facilities climbed from 45 in 2023 to 147 by 2025. Research shows that from New Zealand to the United States, Australia to Finland, many countries have elevated the sauna from a local tradition to a global wellness attraction. And the reasons behind this surge are not hard to grasp. The sauna is a place where old and new coexist, where culture and health blend seamlessly. It offers travelers—especially those fatigued by the digital world—authentic, inclusive, and grounding experiences that promise both bodily and mental purification.
It is a practice rooted in centuries-old rituals and cultural histories, yet one that aligns perfectly with contemporary wellbeing trends. Its scientifically recognized health benefits—boosting immunity, reducing stress, enhancing circulation—regularly appear in research and are frequently emphasized by experts. With all these elements combined, the sauna moves far beyond a simple spa amenity, becoming a narrative, a journey, and in many cases, the very purpose of a trip.
Sauna traditions with deep historical roots can be found around the world. Today, the most significant step may lie in reinterpreting these age-old rituals through a modern lens. From the traditional steam saunas and ice baths of Scandinavia to Japan’s sentō (public bath) culture refined by tourism; from Russia’s banya ritual to the sweat lodges of Indigenous communities in North America; and from the Finnish sauna—considered inseparable from the nation’s identity—to countless local variations, the sauna has evolved into more than a space for sweating, rejuvenation, or healing. It has become a way to understand local culture, forge connections, and curate unforgettable experiences.
As travelers increasingly seek wellness and sauna-centered journeys, luxury hotels have responded by dedicating more space and creativity to sauna experiences within their spas. Below, we have gathered some of the world’s most exceptional hotel saunas.
Amangiri, USA
Amangiri’s 25,000-square-meter Aman Spa, nestled among Utah’s dramatic red rock formations, brings together every element of contrast therapy: a steam room, dry sauna, cold plunge pool, and heated step pool. Guests can restore balance through “Thermal Therapy” sessions, while the spa’s exclusivity to hotel residents adds a sense of privacy, serenity, and elevated luxury.
