Sweat it Out: The Rise of Saunas in the Wellness Space
There's a hot new trend in the wellness scene inviting you to sweat, connect, and recentre. Here's why saunas are on the rise.
If ice baths were the wellness obsession of the past few years, saunas have taken the spotlight in 2024. Their popularity is heating up, with saunas popping up across cities and even backyard saunas becoming the latest must-have.
While saunas are far from a new trend, they’re experiencing an undeniable revival. Leading this wellness renaissance is Slow House Bondi, an urban sanctuary just moments from Bondi Beach, redefining the art of relaxation.
Featuring a wide range of amenities, from a traditional sauna and invigorating ice baths to soothing magnesium pools and therapeutic spa treatments. You’ll also find private infrared sauna suites, plus a selection of massages and facials to suit every need.
We caught up with Marc Dias, co-founder of Slow House’s Bondi HQ, to find out why saunas have become essential to self-care, their benefits, and the wellness trends set to shape 2025.
Benefits of Saunas
"Saunas provide a holistic health experience," Marc Dias explains.
“The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, boosting circulation to muscles and organs,” he says, noting how this also helps detoxification by promoting sweating.
This helps with muscle relaxation and pain relief, while its cleansing properties can benefit those with skin concerns.
Mentally, the effects are just as tantilising. “Regular saunas are a great way to reduce stress and improve sleep quality,” Marc says.
The heat stimulates the release of endorphins, boosting your overall mood. The calm, peaceful setting also makes it a perfect place to meditate or practice mindfulness.
The Sauna Revolution
Community and connection are other integral elements of sauna bathing, something that Slow House recognises and wants to foster. “The communal aspect of saunas enhances the experience. It’s not just about sweating—it’s about connecting.”
“We incorporate natural scents, soothing sounds, and personalised temperature settings. Our goal is to create a space where people feel supported on their wellness journey," he adds of the bespoke sauna experience you can expect at Slow House.
Sauna Like a Pro
If you're new to the sauna scene, you might be wondering how to get started. Marc recommends starting slow.
"Begin with shorter sessions of five to ten minutes and gradually increase the time,” he suggests.
Staying hydrated is also crucial. “Drink water before and after to avoid dehydration.” Choosing a comfortable temperature and listening to your body is critical to maximising the experience without overexertion.
“Allow time for cooling down afterwards,” Marc adds. Whether through a lukewarm shower or stepping into fresh air, this step is essential for recovery.
Marc recommends consulting a healthcare professional before beginning regular sauna sessions for those with specific health concerns. It should be noted that saunas are not recommended during pregnancy.
Not all saunas are the same, and choosing between traditional Finnish and infrared saunas can depend on individual wellness goals.
“The Finnish sauna uses dry heat between 65°C and 90°C. It’s great for detoxification and muscle relaxation,” Marc says.
Infrared saunas, however, use infrared light to create heat, warming your body directly rather than heating the air around you like traditional saunas. “They’re ideal for joint and muscle pain relief and for people who prefer a milder heat experience.”
Wellness Trends for 2025
With the new year right around the corner, Marc says personalised health solutions are set to become a "big focus."
“Sustainability is also taking centre stage, connecting personal health with the planet's health," he predicts.
Loved getting the lowdown on why saunas are so popular? Round out your self-care routine our edits of the best probiotics for gut health and the best juice cleanses in Oz to protect your immune system.
