Winter is here, and if you’re shivering away at home, it’s time to start fantasising about a toasty escape. Victoria is full of blissful hot springs and tranquil spas. And, if you’re looking for saunas specifically, you’re in luck. From saunas floating on lakes, to saunas with pretty views, there’s quite a few places to choose from around Melbourne and Victoria. Feel your mood improve as you bask in the heat. Then, recharge with an icy cold plunge for a bit of contrast therapy. Remember to make a booking to secure your session, and bring along some water to stay hydrated.
For a toasty experience that’s quite close to home, why don’t you drift over to Sauna Boat Melbourne? In this floating sauna experience, you’ll warm up in a timber-lined, 80°C sauna, while taking in views of the surrounding water and city skyline. After that, plunge into two ice baths on the deck of the custom-built boat. You’ll find it in Docklands, in a quiet part of the harbour. The sauna is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 7am to 7pm.
Get nice and cosy in the seaside space, Hello Sauna. Just moments away from the shore, this mobile, wood-fired space offers a relaxing retreat. Enhance your experience by adding on a coffee scrub for exfoliation. Then, cool off with an invigorating dip in the ocean. This space is open from Friday to Sunday, and you can choose between 30 minute or 60 minute sessions.
You’ll find Phillip Island Sauna right by the beach on Cowes Jetty. Take in views of the water, while you heat up inside the rustic, wood-fired space. Each session is guided to help you make the most of your experience, with carefully chosen essential oils to move the heat and enhance your relaxation. Once you’re done, head outside for a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Wander over to Lake Sambell, just a ten minute walk away from Beechworth, and slow down at Stillwater Saunas. Feel the heat and breathe in the steam from this Scandinavian-style floating sauna. Temperatures inside will fluctuate between 85°C and 100°C. Then, once you’re well and truly relaxed, head outside and plunge into the lake to cool off.
Find plenty of serenity in the High Country from one of the three cedar saunas at Håut Hutt. One of them is located in Porepunkah, and the other two are mobile, moving about to places like Mount Beauty, Lake Catani and Mount Buffalo depending on the season. Warm up to over 80ºC in the Finnish-style space while taking in nature views. Depending on the sauna, there are cold showers and plunge tubs for you to use.
Escape to Lakes Entrance and unwind in the tranquil Koho Sauna. Floating on Gippsland Lakes, this spacious, wood-fired sauna is a great retreat from everyday life. There is a shower to help you cool down, or, you could simply swim in the lake. Koho Sauna is open from Thursday to Sunday.
