There’s no better place than a sauna to ease tired muscles, get rid of aches and pains and generally escape the rat race. But if you want something that does more than just get you into a sweat, how about a sauna that’s located in a gondola over the Finnish mountains? Or a traditional Andean hothouse in Machu Picchu, made from eucalyptus leaves? For an amazing view, try the sauna that looks out onto the Dolomites, or Koi Sauna, with its aquarium of fish to gaze at while you perspire.
Artists and architects around the world have experimented with saunas, turning many of them into beautiful works of art. What better way to let off some steam? Ahead, we give you a run down of the coolest out there...
Koi Sauna, Thermen & Badwelt Sinsheim, Germany
The Koi Sauna in Thermen & Badwelt Sinsheim is not your average sauna experience. Here you can watch colourful Koi fish swimming as you steam at 80° degrees. Alternatively, above the aquarium, is a panoramic view of the forests outside. And when you get bored, try the Tropics Sauna where you can swap fish-gazing for looking at colourful tropical birds.
http://www.badewelt-sinsheim.de
Photo: Courtesy Of Thermen & Badwelt Sinsheim.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru
Instead of pine, traditional Andean sauna huts are created from bamboo and fresh eucalyptus leaves. Hot stones are heated in a fireplace at the centre, over which more eucalyptus leaves are placed. This is particularly refreshing if you’re suffering from sinus problems as you inhale the warm eucalyptus fumes.
Photo: Courtesy Of Inkaterra.
Mama Thresl, Austria
The beauty of the view outside this sauna’s window - of Austrian mountains and woodland - is matched by its impressive interior. Smooth lines and organically shaped pine benches surround a log-burning stove, while cleverly positioned lighting helps add to the air of calm.
Photo: Courtesy Of Mama Thresl
Hotel Arts Barcelona, Spain
Find zen in the middle of the city at 43 the Spa in Hotel Arts Barcelona. Situated on the 43rd floor, this stunning sauna eases muscular pain and reduces tension with a combination of cedar wood scents and views of the lapping Mediterranean Sea.
http://www.hotelartsbarcelona.com
Photo: Courtesy Of Hotel Arts Barcelona
Ylläs 1 Gondola Sauna, Finland
Only in Finland can you enjoy a gondola ride and a sauna at the same time. The unusual 20-minute tour takes place at twilight when the skiing has finished for the day. It starts from the top of the Ylläs mountains and takes you two kilometres downhill, pass frozen lakes and miles of pine trees, as you steam and sweat inside your specially-adapted cabin.
http://www.yllas.fi/en/services/sauna-gondola.html
Photo: Courtesy Of Yllas.
SALT, Norway
SALT is an art installation that functions as both a sauna and a stage. With a capacity of 100 people and its own bar, it claims to be the biggest public sauna in the world, and has a glass fronted wall which looks out onto the remote beach of Sandhornøya. If the Arctic Circle is a bit far to travel, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are plans to tour SALT around the world, including to Ireland and Scotland.
http://www.salted.no/sandhorn-saunaen/
Photo: Courtesy Of Marte Antonsen for SALT.
The Grotto Sauna, Canada
Situated on the edge of Ontario’s beautiful Georgian Bay, the Grotto’s curved lines have been created to emulate the waves outside, while the large oval windows let in an abundance of natural light. Sadly, this is a residential sauna so you’ll have to content yourself with admiring it from afar.
http://www.partisanprojects.com/projects-index/grotto-sauna
Photo: Courtesy Of The Grotto.
ESPY Sauna, The Corinthia, London
With crystal chandeliers and dark mirrored tiles, the ESPY sauna at The Corinthia is a modern interpretation of the traditional Finnish saunas. An amphitheatre glass enclosure and lighting underneath the sauna’s seats produce a calm ambiance that helps tired muscles and minds relax. The sauna also overlooks a lit pool and ice fountain, perfect for cooling off after your steam.
https://www.espalifeatcorinthia.com/
Photo: Courtesy Of The Corinthia.
7132 Therme, Switzerland
Over 60,000 slabs of Vas quartzite were used to build this luxury thermal spa in the middle of the Swiss mountains. As well as being an architectural masterpiece, the sauna uses mineral-rich water that comes from a depth of 1000 metres. It emerges pre-heated to 30°C, so the steam on your skin is 100% natural.
Photo: Courtesy Of Graubünden Ferien/Gaudenz Danuser.
Adler Lodge, Italy
With a panoramic view of the nearby snow-capped Dolomites and the scent of a mountain meadow wafting in through open slats, the Adler Lodge’s cliff-edge sauna is a million miles away from the daily grind.
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