Discover how an outdoor sauna can do more than heat up a house, it could heat up your family.
If you’re a parent juggling school runs, dinner prep and the never-ending battle of screen time versus real time, the idea of sitting in a warm, peaceful space with no distractions might sound like a dream. But what if that dream was possible, right in your back garden?
Putting an outdoor sauna on your property is no longer something reserved for Scandinavian influencers and country getaways. It's quickly becoming a functional and rather multi-purpose addition to family homes that are eager to spend money on wellness, relaxation and quality time together.
A warm getaway without an out-of-town trip
It is just not possible to get them all in the car on a spa day most weekends. With forgotten goggles at the pool, tantrums from toddlers and snatched-off nappies on the go, the concept of "relaxation" begins to sound rather like a planning puzzle.
That is where an outside sauna just a few steps from your back door really comes into its own. No booking times, no queues and no inconvenience means that whether it's a 15-minute de-stress after the office or an entire Saturday night tradition, it is yours to command at any time.
Even better, it makes cold, rainy evenings something to be savoured. Rather than swiping your phone away under a duvet, imagine stepping into the inviting warmth of your garden sauna while the children watch a film or do their homework. Heaven.
Health benefits for the whole family
We all know saunas are relaxing, but there is a lot more to them than that. For adults, regular use of the sauna can ease everything from blood pressure to muscle strain. If you've ever had a day spent hunched over a laptop with a creaky neck and spasming shoulders, you'll know exactly what I mean.
But the rewards are not just for the adults. Teenagers, especially those going through the angst of exams or sports-related aches, can also benefit from a secure and calming place to unwind and physically recover. Even younger children (of course, accompanied by an adult) can benefit from a few minutes of the snuggly heat, ideal for unwinding before bedtime or after a tough school day.
And don't miss the immune system boost. There's some research to indicate that frequent sauna use can enhance circulation and reduce the incidence of colds, something any parent will appreciate as a bonus.
Quality time that isn't screen-based
Getting activities that everyone in the family can engage in is no easy feat to accomplish. You want to view YouTube, somebody else wants to play Minecraft, and all you desire is some peace.
Interestingly, a sauna will deliver that elusive middle ground. No phones (moisture and screens don't mix), no distractions, no noise. Just a warm, quiet area where everyone sits and converses, or simply relaxes in comfortable silence.
Many families who’ve installed saunas say it’s become their new go-to bonding activity. Think of it as the modern version of gathering around the fireplace, only warmer, sweatier and with better skin benefits.
A stylish addition to the garden
Now, we’re not saying your outdoor sauna has to be the centrepiece of your garden, but with so many beautiful designs out there, it just might be.
There are companies that provide beautiful modern garden saunas that fit harmoniously within your outdoor area. From sleek and modern to warm and rustic, there's a choice for everyone with different tastes and spaces.
Not only do they look great, they also add value to your property, another perk if you’re thinking ahead. A well-designed outdoor sauna can be a real selling point when it comes time to move on.
A few things to think about
Of course, no big home addition is without its considerations. First up: Cost. Outdoor saunas aren’t cheap, and while they vary depending on size and materials, you’re still looking at a few thousand pounds minimum for a good quality setup.
There's also the practical angle. You're going to need space, power access and possibly planning permission if you're in a certain area. And then of course a little bit of routine maintenance, especially if you're situated in a wet corner of the country.
Then there’s the question of use. Will it actually become part of your family routine, or will it turn into the garden equivalent of the treadmill that now acts as a clothes rack?
The key is to be realistic. If you’re genuinely looking for ways to build better wellness habits, spend more time outdoors and find calm amidst the chaos, then the investment might just be worth it.
The final word
On first sight, an outdoor sauna can look like a luxury product, something for spas and upmarket lodges, but not suburban family homes. But scratch beneath the surface, and it's apparent there's something quintessentially wholesome about having a special place to unwind, re-connect and re-centre.
In a world where families are more busy than ever, finding the time for well-being and being together isn't nice, it's necessary. An outdoor sauna won't solve all of life's day-to-day concerns, but it can be a cosy, serene retreat that brings a touch more balance to your family's life.
