IMAGES: MARKUS VARNESLAHTI ;JUULI RÖNKÄ/SELENE CREATIVE
FINLAND
Clockwise from top: Many Finns have woodland cabins with saunas; cold water dips are popular before taking a sauna; the tasting menu at the Pihlas Resort Previous pages from left: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel; Hot stones heating a Finnish sauna
Q&A with Pippa Laukka, MD, specialist in sports & exercise physiology, Helsinki
THREE SAUNAS TO TRY Löyly, Helsinki Löyly is a sauna complex located on Helsinki’s waterfront. The exterior is strikingly modern, all angular lines and wooden cladding. Inside, there are three saunas: a smoke sauna, a wood-burning sauna and one that can be privately rented. There’s also a restaurant, a bar and a deck for relaxing. But the best bit? It has direct access to the Baltic Sea, so guests can enjoy an invigorating dip after they’ve sweated it out. From £20 per person.
loylyhelsinki.fi
Ylläs Sauna Gondola, Lapland Finland’s sauna fascination reaches heady heights in the Lappish ski resort of Ylläs. Here, the Sauna Gondola ride takes three to four people from the peak of mighty Ylläs mountain on a 20-minute tour. The gondola is part of a two-hour sauna experience designed for up to 12 people. The idea is to take turns, with the rest of the group relaxing in another sauna or outdoor Jacuzzi set on the mountaintop. From £1,150 per group.
yllas.fi
Rajaportti, Tampere The Rajaportti sauna is a real historical gem — it’s been serving locals since 1906. In fact, it’s Finland’s oldest operating public sauna. This one is heated by wood in the traditional manner and envelops visitors in soft, soothing steam. It’s located in Tampere, a slow-paced city that lays claim to having more public saunas than anywhere else in Finland. From £6 per person.
rajaporttisauna.fi
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NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM/TRAVEL
OTHER WELLNESS ACTIVITIES Natural stone treatment During this treatment, natural stones are placed at diff erent pressure points along the body — some heated, some cooled — relieving tension in sore muscles and increasing blood fl ow. This is often combined with a soothing foot bath using water from a local Finnish lake and a sound bath, where noises of the forest fl oat through the air. Available at the Pihlas Resort, Joroinen, from £155.
pihlasresort.com
Wool sock walking This winter version of barefoot walking allows travellers to feel closer to nature, plus time spent without shoes has been shown to improve circulation. As you wander beneath snow-laden bows, the focus is fi rmly on your senses and breathing. End the experience in a thermal suit, fl oating on the surface of a forest lake, gazing at the sky. Available at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Rovaniemi, from £49.
arctictreehouseresort.com
Cloudberry facial These tasty (and healthy) wild berries grow abundantly in Finnish forests and boggy swamps. They’re seriously rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in fi ghting ageing, so it’s no wonder that they’ve found their way into skincare products and spa facial treatments. Available at the Midnight Sun Facial at Holiday Club in Saariselka, from £60.
holidayclubresorts.com
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAUNAS? Recent research reveals a compelling connection between consistent sauna sessions and a reduced likelihood of heart disease, sudden cardiac death, hypertension and memory disorders. There’s also considerable evidence to suggest that sauna bathing can induce positive physiological health effects, such as relieving stress, pain and muscle tension. The potential health benefits are associated with regular, multiple sessions of sauna activity.
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO USE A SAUNA? Saunas are known for their muscle-relaxing benefits, making them a great post-workout recovery option since the heat promotes blood flow and helps ease muscle tension. Avoid saunas too close to bedtime. The rise in body temperature can hinder your ability to both fall asleep and enter a deep sleep.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU STAY IN A SAUNA? Based on previous studies, the beneficial effects appear to kick in after spending approximately 15 minutes in the sauna.
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