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Saunas have been a popular way to unwind and relax for centuries, and different countries have their own unique sauna traditions. From wood-fired saunas in Finland to natural hot springs in Japan, there are many famous sauna spots around the world that offer a truly unique experience. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most famous sauna spots around the world.
Löyly, Helsinki, Finland
Finland is known for its love of saunas, and Löyly is one of the most famous sauna spots in Helsinki. This modern and stylish sauna complex is situated on the waterfront and offers wood-fired saunas, a heated sea pool, and a restaurant with panoramic views. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and the perfect place to experience the traditional Finnish sauna culture.
Therme Vals, Switzerland
Therme Vals is a stunning spa complex located in the Swiss Alps, known for its natural hot springs and minimalist architecture. The complex includes a range of indoor and outdoor saunas, including a Finnish sauna, steam rooms, and a thermal pool. The stunning views and unique architecture make this a popular destination for spa enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in the middle of a lava field in Iceland. The spa is famous for its milky blue water, rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, which is said to have healing properties for the skin. The complex includes a range of indoor and outdoor saunas, steam rooms, and pools, and is a popular destination for tourists visiting Iceland.
Yunessun Spa Resort, Japan
Yunessun Spa Resort is a unique spa complex located in Hakone, Japan. The complex is famous for its themed pools, which include a green tea bath, a wine bath, and a coffee bath. The complex also includes a range of indoor and outdoor saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and a truly unique way to experience the Japanese spa culture.
Banya No. 1, London, UK
Banya No. 1 is a Russian-style bathhouse located in the heart of London. The complex includes a range of traditional Russian saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, and massage services. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists looking to experience a traditional Russian sauna and enjoy the benefits of a good steam.
Fairmont Spa Banff Springs, Banff, Canada
Willow Stream Spa is a luxurious spa complex located in the Canadian Rockies, known for its stunning views and natural hot springs. The complex includes a range of indoor and outdoor saunas, steam rooms, and pools, as well as a range of spa treatments. It's a popular destination for those looking to unwind in a beautiful natural setting.
Laugarvatn Fontana, Iceland
Laugarvatn Fontana is a beautiful complex of indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms located in the stunning Icelandic countryside. The complex is known for its beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, therapeutic waters, and relaxing atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the city and connect with nature.
Thermae Bath Spa, UK
Thermae Bath Spa is a beautiful complex of indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas located in the heart of Bath, UK. The complex is known for its beautiful architecture, therapeutic waters, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those looking to combine a city break with a relaxing spa experience.
Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina, USA
Chimney Rock State Park is a beautiful park located in North Carolina, known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park includes a unique sauna, built into the side of a mountain, with stunning views of the surrounding forest. It's a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers looking to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.
Therme Erding, Germany
Therme Erding is a massive water park and spa complex located just outside of Munich, Germany. The complex includes a range of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, all set within a tropical-themed setting. The complex is known for its wide range of activities, from thrilling water slides to relaxing saunas, making it a popular destination for families and groups.
Bulgari Hotel, Milan, Italy
The Bulgari Hotel in Milan is a luxurious hotel complex known for its spa and wellness facilities. The complex includes a range of indoor and outdoor saunas, steam rooms, and pools, as well as a range of spa treatments and wellness programs. It's a popular destination for those looking to combine a luxurious city break with a relaxing spa experience.
The Peninsula Spa, Hong Kong
The Peninsula Spa in Hong Kong is a luxurious spa complex located in the heart of the city. The complex includes a range of indoor and outdoor saunas, steam rooms, and pools, as well as a range of spa treatments and wellness programs. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists looking to unwind in a luxurious setting.
Hacienda Hot Springs, California, USA
Hacienda Hot Springs is a unique spa complex located in the California desert, known for its natural hot springs and rustic charm. The complex includes a range of outdoor saunas, hot tubs, and plunge pools, as well as a range of spa treatments. It's a popular destination for those looking to escape the city and relax in a natural setting.
Schloss Elmau, Bavaria, Germany
Schloss Elmau is a luxurious spa and hotel complex located in the Bavarian Alps. The complex includes a range of indoor and outdoor saunas, steam rooms, and pools, as well as a range of spa treatments and wellness programs. It's a popular destination for those looking to combine a luxurious spa experience with outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.
Kusatsu Onsen, Japan
Kusatsu Onsen is a famous hot spring resort town located in the Japanese Alps. The town is known for its natural hot springs and traditional Japanese saunas, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The town is also famous for its water, which is said to have healing properties for the skin.
Gellért Baths, Budapest, Hungary
The Gellért Baths in Budapest are a beautiful complex of indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, and massage rooms, all set within a stunning art nouveau building. The complex is known for its beautiful architecture, therapeutic waters, and relaxing atmosphere, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Thermes de Spa, Belgium
The Thermes de Spa in Belgium is a beautiful complex of indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, all set within a beautiful natural setting. The complex is known for its therapeutic waters, beautiful architecture, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
You can see there are many famous sauna spots around the world, each offering a unique way to relax and unwind. From luxurious spa complexes to rustic bathhouses and natural hot springs, there's a sauna spot out there for everyone. Whether you're looking for a traditional Finnish sauna or a unique themed sauna experience, these sauna spots offer a truly unique way to escape the stresses of daily life and rejuvenate the mind and body.
It may not be a perfect 'get-away', but you can still try to bring that great vacation relief home with you when you have your own at-home sauna or steam shower.