22 • Travel, Spa & Wellness


New Year, New Beginnings - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 7 January 2026 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE


Outdoor saunas – the new lifestyle luxury


According to the Global Wellness Institute, the UK ranks number 1 globally for growth in wellness


Many people are looking to explore more holistic approaches to their overall wellbeing, and sauna culture has begun to gain traction as a popular wellness practice. At its heart lies the traditional


outdoor sauna. Rooted in Baltic and Nordic cultures, garden saunas are particularly popular for the sensory experience that comes with connecting to nature, disconnecting from daily life, creating a retreat and enjoying the health benefits of sauna use.


OVERALL BENEFITS Regular sauna bathing is thought to have many benefits to overall health and wellbeing, Our bodies respond to sauna exposure with an elevated heart rate, increased blood flow, and sweating, which mimics moderate physical exercise, known to benefit our cardiovascular health. Sports professionals use saunas to improve their performance and muscle recovery. Some studies also link frequent use to reduced stress and improved sleep.


THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFRARED & TRADITIONAL SAUNAS There’s a broad choice of saunas available in the UK, but the Nordic and Baltic countries prefer traditional saunas. Why is that? Put simply, a traditional sauna


is heated by stones and when water is poured over them, steam is produced. This combination of intense, immersive heat and


steamy air opens up pores and promotes a deeper, intense sweat that improves blood circulation and muscle recovery. By comparison, an infrared sauna works by using infrared light emitters to heat up the body and penetrate the skin, raising your core body temperature and providing a different experience and effect.


SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE


DESIGN Modern or classic? Opt for a design that works in your environment. Wildhut is a luxury garden sauna company with a classic British design that fits a contemporary city garden as well as a country estate, creating a timeless asset.


CONSTRUCTION Timber type and quality is paramount to a sauna that stands the test of time. To address this, Wildhut sources premium, slow-grown timber from cold climates. It uses a cutting-edge cross-laminated timber construction to create an ultra-strong and sustainable core for unbeatable stability and the best sauna experience.


QUALITY If you want quality, durability and lifespan, it’s all in the detail. Wildhut — fast becoming the standard for luxury garden saunas — is approved by architects and structural engineers, with powder-coated stainless steel supports that make for a perfect installation, excellent stability and ventilation. You can also relocate this sauna in the future. Insect mesh protection around the base deters insects and protects the timber.


If you’re investing in a sauna,


the best advice is to buy one that will look as good and perform as well in years to come as it does when new. It’s a lifestyle asset, so invest in the best quality you can afford.


SIZE, HEAT SOURCE & EXTRAS Contrast therapy, or hot-cold therapy, is a wellness practice that involves alternating between a cold environment and a hot environment in a bid to improve and stimulate circulation. It’s popular among athletes and health enthusiasts who are keen to improve their bodies’ resilience and repair systems. Wildhut offers two options for


contrast therapy: a marine-grade shower that’s ideal for a small city garden or an ice bath that’s designed to match your sauna. Wildhuts come in four different


sizes, allowing you to choose the sauna that works best for your household. The range spans sizes from two to nine people, with options like wood-fired heaters — ideal for remote locations — or an app-controlled electric heater for those who are looking for an energy-efficient option, as well as convenience. There are also triple- glazed windows that are sized and positioned to create your perfect view or to provide calming privacy. Other additions include high-spec sauna LED lighting, which creates the perfect ambience. For those who prefer to listen to music or podcasts while having a sauna, Bluetooth speakers are an optional extra and will help to create your ideal space.


For further information


Scan the code to find out more and book your free consultation online. Visit: wildhut.com/newbeginnings


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