The Sauna Trend is Hotting Up

The integration of saunas into glamping sites is a burgeoning trend that aligns with the rising demand for wellness tourism and luxury outdoor experiences. As travellers increasingly seek unique and health-focused accommodations, glamping businesses can enhance their offerings by incorporating wellness amenities, notably saunas, to attract a discerning clientele.

Why the Wellness Trend is on the Rise

The rise of wellness tourism can be attributed to shifting consumer priorities toward health, mindfulness, and self-care. In today’s fastpaced and digitally connected world, guests are seeking escapes that allow them to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and nature. According to a 2023 McKinsey report, over 50% of global consumers now prioritise wellness in their daily lives, with spending on wellness products and services growing by 10% annually. Canopy and Stars’ 2025 Market Report revealed that searches on its website related to “saunas” increased by 1505% in 2024, when compared to the previous year.

This reflects a broader societal shift toward proactive health management, making wellness-focused amenities like saunas an essential offering in the hospitality industry.

The Appeal of Saunas

Incorporating saunas into glamping sites offers several benefits that cater to current guest preferences:

• Enhanced Guest Experience: Saunas provide a luxurious touch, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate, thereby elevating their overall stay.

• Health and Wellness Benefits: Regular sauna use is associated with stress reduction, improved circulation, and detoxification, aligning with the wellness goals of many travellers.

• Increased Revenue Potential: Offering premium amenities like saunas can justify higher nightly rates. For instance, Backcountry Recreation reports that adding outdoor saunas and hot tubs can boost nightly rates between 2530%, leading to a significant revenue increase.

Key Considerations of Saunas

Incorporating saunas into glamping sites can elevate the guest experience, but careful planning and execution are essential. Here are the key things to consider:

Space and Placement

The location of the sauna is crucial. It should be easily accessible yet private enough to create a sense of exclusivity for guests. Placing saunas near scenic viewpoints, such as lakes or forests, enhances the overall experience. Proximity to amenities should also be factored into the planning.

Type and Size of Saunas

Business owners need to determine the most suitable sauna type for their site. Barrel saunas, cube saunas, or panoramic saunas each have unique benefits and fit different spaces and aesthetics. The sauna size should match the average group size of the guests and consider whether families or couples are the primary clientele. Larger saunas may be necessary for group bookings, while smaller, cosier designs may appeal to couples.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing priority for many guests. Selecting eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient heating options, such as wood-fired or electric infrared heaters, is important. You could also consider using renewable energy sources, like solar power, to operate the sauna.

Health and Safety Compliance

Ensuring guest safety is a top priority. Saunas must meet local health and safety standards, including proper ventilation, fire safety measures (especially for wood-fired saunas), and slip-resistant flooring. Clear instructions for sauna use and maximum occupancy limits should be provided to guests to minimise risks.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance and thorough cleaning are essential to keep saunas hygienic and in good working order. Business owners should invest in durable materials that can withstand wear and tear and create a cleaning schedule to ensure the sauna is spotless for each guest.

Pricing and ROI

Adding a sauna is an investment, so glamping owners must calculate the cost versus the potential return. Saunas can justify higher nightly rates, especially if marketed as part of a luxury wellness experience. Promotions or packages that highlight the sauna as a premium feature can attract guests seeking unique wellness stays.

Guest Education and Marketing

Some guests may be unfamiliar with sauna culture or its health benefits. Providing information on proper sauna use and its wellness advantages can encourage them to try it out. Highlighting the sauna in marketing materials, including photos of scenic sauna setups or testimonials from satisfied guests, can help draw in wellness-focused guests.

Integration with Other Amenities

Saunas work well when paired with complementary amenities, such as wild swimming areas, hot tubs, outdoor showers, or relaxation decks. Providing additional facilities, like towel racks, robes, or cold plunge pools, can enhance the experience and make the sauna offering feel more luxurious.

By considering these factors, glamping business owners can create a sauna experience that not only enhances guest satisfaction but also boosts revenue and strengthens theirs as a wellness-focused destination.

Wild Swimming and Saunas: A Perfect Pairing

Wild swimming—the practice of swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or the sea—has become a popular wellness activity in recent years. Much like saunas, wild swimming offers numerous health benefits, including boosting circulation, reducing stress, and improving mental clarity. When paired together, wild swimming and saunas create a holistic and invigorating experience. The contrast between the cold water of wild swimming and the heat of a sauna stimulates the body’s cardiovascular system, improves blood flow, and enhances endorphin release, leaving participants feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

This pairing is rooted in Nordic traditions, where alternating between icy dips and sauna sessions has been a cultural practice for centuries. Glamping sites that offer access to natural swimming spots alongside saunas are uniquely positioned to tap into this trend. By integrating these complementary activities, they can provide guests with a wellness experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and a deep connection to nature.

The integration of saunas into glamping sites represents a strategic response to the growing demand for wellness-focused travel experiences. By enhancing guest satisfaction and potentially increasing revenue, saunas serve as a valuable addition to the glamping industry. As wellness tourism continues to expand, glamping businesses that incorporate such amenities are well positioned to attract and retain health conscious guests seeking unique and restorative stays.