{"id":346155,"date":"2026-02-23T12:05:38","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T17:05:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sothebysrealty.com\/?p=346155"},"modified":"2026-04-03T16:28:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T20:28:38","slug":"turn-up-the-heat-how-sauna-culture-is-shaping-luxury-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/turn-up-the-heat-how-sauna-culture-is-shaping-luxury-living\/","title":{"rendered":"Turn Up the Heat: How Sauna Culture Is Shaping Luxury Living"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From traditional Finnish design to high-end finishes and tech, saunas are a sanctuary in the home, writes Emma Reynolds<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Sauna<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Varsinais Suomi, Finland<\/a> | Finland Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forget a wine cellar or car showroom; saunas are the ultimate status-defining amenity in today\u2019s luxury home. While neither new nor novel\u2014the ancient Finnish tradition dates back millennia\u2014in recent years, saunas have skyrocketed into mainstream wellness culture, propelled by mounting scientific evidence<\/a> linking traditional sauna use to muscle recovery and cardiovascular benefits<\/a> and reduced inflammation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The current sauna revival extends beyond health benefits alone. It’s reshaping how people socialize, relax and live together. In major cities such as London and New York, urban bathhouses are emerging as social gathering spaces among screen-fatigued, health-conscious young professionals seeking community. Meanwhile, biohacking trends and the interest in preventative health and longevity are an increasing influence on at-home amenities, like the sauna, among homebuyers across generations.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luxury buyers are commissioning custom saunas for their homes as essential design features, with some installations even commanding six-figure budgets. Ilene Chase<\/a>, a Chicago-based interior designer, says her high-net-worth clients are prioritizing wellness suites in both their primary and vacation properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"tiled<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

North Holland, Netherlands<\/a> | Netherlands Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Our homes dictate the lives we lead,” Chase says. “When we bridge extraordinary design with high-level wellness, we’re sculpting a spiritual sanctuary. There is something deeply personal about recovery in the privacy of your own home. You have the luxury of being completely unobserved. This is where the real work happens.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If traditional Finnish saunas are the design blueprint, today’s high-end versions are the architectural evolution. Standard saunas generally follow a Finnish design template, incorporating wood cladding (usually pine or spruce), a central stone stove, tiered benches and airtight insulation. Where design-focused commissions diverge is in materials and intention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luxury installations may swap or integrate softwoods for cedar or thermally modified hardwoods; incorporate floor-to-ceiling glass walls, ergonomic seating and integrated artwork; or include tech-driven features, such as red light panels, chromotherapy lighting, aromatherapy, or savvy speaker systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sauna<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Uusimaa Finland<\/a> | Finland Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finland is the sauna capital of the world, where the habit is inscribed into the list of UNESCO Intangible Culture Heritage<\/a>. So it comes as no surprise that this remote contemporary residence<\/a> on the secluded island of Sorpo in southwest Finland is outfitted with two spacious and modern saunas, one in the main residence and another overlooking the Archipelago Sea. Between sessions, residents can take a dip in the water to reap the benefits of hot and cold contrast therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jasper P\u00e4\u00e4kk\u00f6nen, founder of Helsinki’s renowned L\u00f6yly<\/a> eco-sauna and AITO<\/a>, which crafts authentic Finnish saunas, emphasizes outdoor positioning whenever possible. “Saunas are used far more when placed outdoors in a garden or by a pool,” P\u00e4\u00e4kk\u00f6nen says. “It’s a completely different experience when you’re overlooking nature\u2014the calming and relaxing effect is much stronger. Having said that, if your home doesn\u2019t have the outdoor space for a sauna, a bathroom sauna is better than no sauna at all.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"sauna<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Riga, Latvia <\/a>| Latvia Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The historic 19th-century Manor Z\u0113luste<\/a> is just 30 minutes from Latvia’s capital Riga, yet feels worlds away. The nine-acre property set along Lake Jugla has been thoughtfully renovated with modern amenities, while retaining its original architectural features. The property also has two saunas: a glass-walled space overlooking an indoor pool and a rustic wooden-barrel sauna outside beside a tranquil pond.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are also a must for high-end ski properties. This 6.5 acre Aspen estate<\/a> sits within the gated Starwood community, in a prime position overlooking Ajax and Mount Sopris. The modern mountain home has just about every amenity, but the wellness offering particularly shines. A luxe home spa rivals five-star resorts with an infrared sauna, cold plunge, steam room and gym.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"luxurious<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aspen, Colorado<\/a> | Aspen Snowmass Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, a designer-done residence<\/a> in the Netherlands pairs traditional architecture with modern, warm and textural interiors. The highlight of the lower-level wellness wing is a luxury sauna with soothing ambient lighting and decorative mosaic tiling that brings an artistic element to any relaxation routine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For P\u00e4\u00e4kk\u00f6nen, and most Finns, saunas are designed above all for connection. “The most beautiful moments in a sauna are social, shared either with my wife and children or with good friends,” he says. “There is something magical about sweating it out in a hot room with others. It creates very honest, sincere and authentic human connections.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Read our guide to the ultimate wellness features to install in your luxury home<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From traditional Finnish design to high-end finishes and tech, saunas are a sanctuary in the home, writes Emma Reynolds Varsinais Suomi, Finland | Finland Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Forget a wine cellar or car showroom; saunas are the ultimate status-defining amenity in today\u2019s luxury home. While neither new nor novel\u2014the ancient Finnish tradition dates back millennia\u2014in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":232770377,"featured_media":346170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1399],"tags":[1427,1439,1455,1500],"class_list":["post-346155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-and-design","tag-colorado","tag-finland","tag-latvia","tag-the-netherlands"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sauna_Aspen.jpg","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf4gbL-1s39","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":344156,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/the-ultimate-wellness-features-to-have-in-your-home\/","url_meta":{"origin":346155,"position":0},"title":"The Ultimate Wellness Features To Have In Your Home","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"June 26, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"From designer saunas in Finland to private yoga studios in Hawaii, wellness at home is a luxury must-have, writes Mandi Keighran Kuusamo, Finland | Snellman Sotheby\u2019s International Realty The pursuit of wellness is a key element of modern luxury living and the most sought-after homes now incorporate a range of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Header-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Header-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Header-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Header-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Header-2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Header-2.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":345833,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/5-stylish-home-resolutions-for-2026\/","url_meta":{"origin":346155,"position":1},"title":"5 Stylish Home Resolutions for 2026","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"January 8, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A new year invites a more meaningful approach to interior design, with personalized spaces that support your well-being and values, writes Emma Reynolds Austin, Texas | Kuper Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Each new year invites reflection and renewal and much of that begins at home. 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Although Long Island is largely known today as the epitome of halcyon coastal getaways, its globally renowned villages\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Exterior of shingle-style home with pool","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":342899,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/the-allure-of-forest-living\/","url_meta":{"origin":346155,"position":3},"title":"The Allure Of Forest Living","author":"SIR Admin","date":"October 31, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Homes designed around nature can enhance wellbeing\u2014and provide an opportunity to watch the fall colors, writes Elizabeth Fazzare Kuusamo, Finland | Snellman Sotheby's International Realty There\u2019s something about being in nature that has a calming effect. In fact, it\u2019s scientifically proven. Research shows a direct link between the great outdoors\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/xDSC01231.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/xDSC01231.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/xDSC01231.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/xDSC01231.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":341824,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/new-and-notable-homes-for-sale-over-10million-june-2024\/","url_meta":{"origin":346155,"position":4},"title":"New and Notable Homes For Sale Over $10Million: June 2024","author":"SIR Admin","date":"June 3, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"From a magnificent estate in Warrenton, Virginia, to a contemporary waterfront villa in Alassio, Italy, these are this month\u2019s five featured notable properties for sale over US$10 Million. 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