Saunas, steam rooms and contrast therapy have surged in popularity across the UK, particularly among younger urban professionals. Now these British sauna enthusiasts are looking further afield and exploring more advanced thermal rituals, according to Italian specialists,
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti has seen a rapid rise in interest from UK guests in their sauna offering and the specific wellness benefits the saunas bring. The resort offers one of Europe’s most extensive sauna experiences, with nine different saunas and five thermal environments, each with a specific therapeutic purpose to support physical recovery, emotional balance and deep relaxation.
Long valued for their health benefits, saunas stimulate circulation, encourage detoxification through intense sweating and help relax muscles while improving skin elasticity and radiance. At the same time, contrast therapy – alternating between heat and cold immersion helps down-regulate the nervous system, training the body to return more quickly to a balanced state of calm. Wellness experts expect this hot-and-cold ritual to become one of the defining spa trends of 2026.
The five thermal environments at Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti are:
The Green Dragon – for impulsive or nervous energy
This circuit features medium-temperature dry saunas designed to calm the mind and rebalance the body’s energy levels including:
- Aromatic Orange Sauna (50°C / 40% humidity)
- Rosemary Essence Sauna (60°C / 40% humidity)
- Lady Sauna (50°C / 45–50% humidity)
- Tempered waterfall and relaxation area
The Red Phoenix – for anxiety and emotional tension
For those experiencing stress or anxious energy, the Red Phoenix path combines intense heat with cooling rituals to stimulate circulation and release emotional tension. The contrast between hot dry saunas and cold immersion helps rebalance the nervous system. Experiences include:
- Finnish Panoramic Sauna (90°C / 10% humidity)
- Finnish Sauna (70°C / 20% humidity)
- Cold-water bath
- Sensory showers
- Kneipp path and ice waterfall
The White Tiger – for fatigue, weakness or low energy
This steam-rich circuit focuses on hydration and gentle heat to revive the body and improve respiratory function. The high humidity helps clear the airways, soften the skin and restore energy levels. Facilities include:
- Tepidarium (38°C / 70% humidity)
- Medium Calidarium (42°C / 95% humidity)
- High Calidarium (48°C / 95% humidity)
- Sensory showers and relaxation areas
The Black Tortoise – for stress and deep detoxification Designed for those feeling physically or mentally overloaded, this circuit focuses on mineral therapy and restorative warmth.
- Salt-water pool (35–36°C) infused with Alpine salt to help detoxify the body, relax muscles and improve circulation
- Salt grotto combining heat, humidity and mineral salt to cleanse the respiratory system and regenerate the skin
The spa also features a Family Sauna and steam bath (40–42°C / 95% humidity), allowing guests of all ages to enjoy the benefits of heat therapy.
Enhancing the traditional sauna experience further, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti offers complimentary group Aufguss and sauna stretching sessions inside the Finnish sauna heated to 70°C with 20% humidity.
Aufguss is a herbal sauna ritual, where the Lefay sauna master smashes balls of ice infused with aniseed and eucalyptus onto the stove to a relaxing musical soundtrack. During the session, the sauna master pours balls of ice infused with essential oils, onto the hot sauna stones, creating a burst of steam that increases both heat and humidity. The sauna master then uses specific towel techniques to circulate the hot, intensifying the sensation of warmth on the body. The ritual includes different fragrances and music making it a multisensory experience. Beyond relaxation, an Aufguss helps to stimulate circulation, open the pores, support detoxification, and enhance overall well-being.
During the 30-minute sauna stretching, the sauna master demonstrates fluid stretching movements designed to release muscular tension, particularly beneficial after skiing or hiking in the surrounding mountains. Essential oils including stone pine, mugo pine, Siberian fir and citrus fruits such as lemon, grapefruit and blood orange are released into the air to enhance relaxation and breathing. The experience concludes with a classic contrast therapy ritual: a dip in cold pools, including an ice pool at 10–14°C, followed by a barefoot walk outdoors across grass in summer or snow in winter. This reconnects guests with the natural alpine landscape. The treatment leaves the body deeply relaxed, muscles soothed and the skin refreshed and glowing.
Prices at Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti start from 445 Euros per night with breakfast. To book visit www.lefayresorts.com