General info
Our sauna is now available to book – it’s $50 for a 50-minute, private session daily. Our standard, available sauna time slots occur in the late afternoon or early evening each day to make the most of the sunset. 2x towels are provided. You must read the following sauna guidelines and risks before using the sauna. Email us at: hello@tinyhouseescapes.co.nz to book.
Sauna guidelines
- Preparation: Don’t eat too soon before your sauna session – ideally, leave at least 90 minutes after eating. Before using the sauna, it is also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You must also take a shower before to clean your body and then dry yourself thoroughly (wet skin does not perspire as quickly). You can take another cold shower at the sauna. If you have long hair, tie it up to keep it out of the way. Remove any clothing or accessories that could get in the way or become uncomfortably hot. Take your shoes off before you step onto the barrel
- Enter the sauna: You must use a towel to sit or lie on. The temperature will be between 80-100 degrees celsius. Don’t add wood to the fire. It will stay hot enough for your whole session.
- Add water to the rocks: To increase the humidity in the sauna, you can add water to the sauna rocks. This creates steam and makes the air more comfortable to breathe.
- Relax and breathe deeply: The heat in the sauna will make you sweat, which helps to cleanse your body of toxins. Try to relax and breathe deeply, taking slow, full breaths to help you adjust to the heat. The goal is to sweat and raise your body temperature.
- Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink water before and after using the sauna to stay hydrated. You can also bring water with you into the sauna to drink during your session.
- Time your session: Most people stay in the sauna for 10-20 minutes at a time, but you should listen to your body and adjust the time based on how you feel. If you start to feel dizzy or uncomfortable, it’s time to leave the sauna. If you’re a beginner, only stay in the sauna as long as you feel good, even if this is only a few minutes.
- Cool down: After your sauna session, take a cool shower or take a cold plunge in the wine barrel to cool down your body. This helps to close your pores and prevent your body from overheating.
- Repeat: You can repeat the sauna session multiple times, but make sure to take breaks and stay hydrated. Also ensure that you fully dry yourself each time before re-entering the sauna. After your final sauna session, take a longer break to let your body cool down and return to its normal temperature.
- Ending the session – Please ensure that you leave the sauna platform promptly at the end of your 50 minute session so we have time to prepare it for the next session.
Remember to listen to your body and never push yourself too far. If you have any medical conditions, consult with a doctor before using a sauna. Enjoy your sauna experience!
Sauna can be risky for certain individuals
While using a sauna can provide many health benefits, there are some people who should avoid using a sauna or use it with caution. Here are some general guidelines:
- Pregnant women: Pregnant women should avoid using a sauna, especially during the first trimester. The high heat can be harmful to the developing fetus and may increase the risk of birth defects.
- Children: Children under the age of 12 should not use a sauna as their bodies are still developing and may not be able to regulate their body temperature properly.
- Elderly individuals: Elderly individuals should use caution when using a sauna, as they may have underlying medical conditions that make them more susceptible to heat stroke or dehydration.
- Individuals with certain medical conditions: People with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic medical conditions should consult with their doctor before using a sauna. Sauna use may exacerbate these conditions.
- Individuals who are dehydrated: People who are dehydrated should not use a sauna as the high heat can further dehydrate the body and may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol: People under the influence of drugs or alcohol should avoid using a sauna as they may be more susceptible to dehydration and heat stroke.