Much has been made of the health benefits of sauna bathing. With good reason. Physically, nothing is more reinvigorating than a deep, healthy sweat every day. Tension fades. Muscles unwind. Mentally, we emerge relaxed, revived and ready for whatever the day may bring. The body’s response to gentle, persistent heat is well-documented and proven day in and out by people all over the world.
Our large & spacious cedar wood 36 person capacity Finnish sauna is set at 80 - 90 degrees & will relax, improve your overall health, and enhance your wellness.
The Finnish sauna is complemented by our large icy cold plunge pool set in lush surroundings for the perfect fire & ice experience. The plunge pool has been modified to bring you the ultimate in hot/cold therapy health benefits and it is chilled to 5-6 degrees. Contrast therapy is hugely beneficial for your health and our amazing pool is so much bigger than your average ice bath. We boast the only wellness space in New Zealand where you will be able to enjoy such a huge sauna and spacious chilled pool - contrast therapy at it's finest.
Read more about the 'Benefits of a Sauna' »
SAUNA BOOKING SESSIONS EXPLAINED -
To provide everyone with sufficient personal space & a relaxing environment we are now operating the sauna in 2 different styles of Booking Sessions. The sauna sessions are 60 or 90 minutes long depending on the session time & generally do not include your changing time as we don't want you to feel rushed afterwards (this will differ if there is a private session booked after your session). There will be a limit of 14 in the early riser sessions and 13 in all other sessions.
These sessions are separated into 2 groups –
1/ Shared Sauna Bookings –You can book a sauna session where you will be sharing the sauna with up to 12 or 13 patrons. Sauna Etiquette applies for everyone’s comfort. You can either book your spot online, call us or take your chances and head up to The Retreat. These sessions are first in first seated and when the 14 or 13 spots are full you’ll have to choose another session. A wait list is available online & sometimes spaces come free - we'll then contact you if this is the case & require confirmation from you within a few hours. These sessions are available all week unless the sauna has been booked privately. Sauna towels are not provided, but can be hired/ or bring your own - you will need 2, one to sweat on & the other to shower with after your session.
2/ Private Sauna Bookings by arrangement – You can either give us a call or email us to arrange to book a sauna session for your own private use and share the session with whoever you like. You are welcome to have a bigger group - please see Pricing for further details. The great thing about Private Bookings is that they open the sauna up to being an even more relaxed environment for yourself and your group. Within these private sessions you can choose what your group can wear in the sauna (or wont!) - we can now provide you with greater freedom of choice which is wonderful for us all. You can come alone, with friends, partners and your family – children are most welcome but need to be supervised at all times. Sauna towels are not provided, but can be hired/ or bring your own - you will need 2, one to sit/sweat on & the other to shower with after your session..
Our longstanding Women’s Only sessions are still ongoing on Tuesday (Be careful that you book on the correct gender session as we have altered these for summer 2024/25!).
Please see our timetable below for Sauna Hours, session details & Pricing tab for costs.
Please note: The Retreat is closed on all Public Holidays.
To all Newcomers to our Sauna
Please be aware: You are welcome to sauna nude or in your bathing suit - whatever you are comfortable with. (Strictly NO underwear, sportswear or clothing). Our Sauna Etiquette applies on Mixed Gender Shared Sauna Sessions requiring patrons to wear a towel around your waist, but there are mixed elements of swimwear & nudity in certain areas.