We’re thrilled that our new wood-fired, cedar barrel sauna is ready for guests! As sauna addicts ourselves, this project is one that we’ve been really looking forward to delivering and we are so excited to share it with you.
The sauna is situated a short walk from the Tree House, the Bus and LoveNest cottage. It’s built on a platform overlooking native bush and the ocean. We’ve made the platform big enough so that you can also relax and enjoy the view after your sauna, or do yoga. We think it’s a beautiful moment of luxury, as well as relaxation and rejuvenation for the mind, body and soul.
We are so happy to say that the end result was even better than we had hoped for (and our hopes were high!)
Sauna location
For us, the exact location for this sauna was where we started. We know that a major reason our guests are visiting is because they’re looking to escape, unwind, and recharge.
So, whether you’re coming back from a tramp, surf, or you spent the afternoon dozing while reading a book, we wanted to make sure our sauna in Raglan was going to help you relax. This is why we carefully selected the location to be the perfect place to watch the sunset from inside the sauna.
A truly off-grid sauna
The only thing better than watching the sunset from inside a sauna is if that sauna is also wood-fired. It’s almost as if the orange and yellow hues of the sunset slowly move from the clouds in the sky right into the stove inside.
Although a wood-fired sauna takes a little bit more effort, it’s absolutely worth it. The sauna and stove we carefully selected means it can heat up to 90C very quickly and will hold this heat with very little maintenance to the fire as it can burn exceptionally well without being wasteful with wood!
The perfect sauna for a priceless view
Looking at various options for the sauna we wanted to make sure it was large enough to have multiple people in it safely while also not feeling too large and less intimate – which is why we settled on a Barrel Sauna.
The barrel size and design also means it will heat up faster and hold heat well.
Our half moon window design from Tauranga company Cedar Spring Recreation meant we could make the most of this amazing view while still maintaining a sense of privacy.
The last thing we reviewed were the various options of wood types and knew that for us, wanting our sauna to last, we wouldn’t settle for any cedar product other than western red cedar. Knotty cedar doesn’t have the longevity of Western Red Cedar.
Probably more important for our guests when it comes to wood type though is the smell of Western Red Cedar. Cheap cedars and other thermowood options just won’t do the same thing for the senses and we wanted to make sure that all senses were covered with our sauna escape.
Sauna benefits
Using a sauna can provide many health benefits. Here are some of the main ones:
- Relieves stress: Saunas can help to relax the body and mind, reducing stress and promoting feelings of well-being.
- Promotes relaxation and better sleep: Using a sauna before bedtime can help to promote relaxation and improve the quality of sleep.
- Improves cardiovascular health: Regular sauna use has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, including lower blood pressure, improved circulation, and reduced risk of heart disease.
- Flushes toxins: Sweating in a sauna can help to flush toxins out of the body, including heavy metals and environmental pollutants.
- Boosts immune function: Sauna use has been shown to boost immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells, which help to fight off infections and disease.
- Relieves pain: Sauna use can help to relieve chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
- Promotes skin health: Saunas can help to promote healthy skin by opening pores and removing dead skin cells.
- Improves athletic performance: Sauna use can help to improve athletic performance by increasing blood flow to muscles and reducing muscle soreness and fatigue.
Overall, regular sauna use can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health, helping to promote relaxation, improve cardiovascular health, and boost immune function. However, it is important to use caution when using a sauna and to consult with a doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Book a sauna session with your stay
If you’d like to book a sauna session, just email us at hello@tinyhouseescapes.co.nz and we’ll provide all the details on how to book.