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The "Aurora" Luxury Traditional Outdoor Sauna with Changing Room

 

Think glamping has reached its luxury peak? Think again! The next big thing isn’t a fancy mattress or stargazing skylight. It’s saunas.

Across the UK, glamping sites are turning up the heat with outdoor saunas, transforming stays into spa-like escapes that offer far more than just a pretty view. What was once a rare Nordic indulgence is now becoming a staple of the high-end glamping experience.

Forecasts in late 2024 show UK wellness travel growing ~9–11% per year through the mid-2020s and it’s expected to reach to £68.8 billion in 2030. (Grand View Research)

No longer a luxury add-on, outdoor saunas are quickly becoming a signature feature, elevating guest experience, extending the season, and setting glampsites apart in a booming wellness-focused market.

 

Why Are Saunas So Popular?

At the heart of it, it’s all about guest experience. Today’s travellers aren’t just after a comfy bed, they’re looking for something deeper: rest, wellness, and a genuine connection to nature. That’s exactly what a sauna delivers.

Here’s why glamping sites across the UK are embracing the heat:

• They turn a simple stay into a spa-like retreat

•They attract wellness-minded guests who might otherwise book hotel spa weekends

• They work year-round

• They create a connection, a warm, communal space like a campfire, just sweatier

•They set your site apart, in a competitive market, a sauna becomes a standout feature

 

The Luxury Grill, Sauna & Hot Tub Garden Cube

 

Health Benefits That Make It Worth the Sweat

Saunas aren’t just about luxury. They offer real, science-backed benefits that keep guests coming back. The heat does more than relax; it helps the body reset.

• Muscle recovery: Perfect after long hikes, cold swims, or a day of outdoor activity

• Stress relief: Triggers endorphins and calms the nervous system

• Better sleep: Promotes deeper, more restful sleep

• Detoxification: Encourages sweating, which clears pores and flushes out toxins

• Immune boost: Hot-cold contrast (like a sauna followed by a river dip) supports circulation and immunity

Guests often describe the blend of crisp air, natural stillness, and sauna heat as the most restorative part of their stay, a full-body reset they didn’t realise they were craving until the calm set in.

 

The Sauna, Spa and Lounge Wellness Cube

 

Sauna Styles Shaping the Glamping Experience

From sleek and minimalist to rustic and woodsy, outdoor saunas are showing up in all sorts of beautiful, guest-friendly forms. Here are the most popular styles making waves across UK glamping sites:

• Barrel Saunas: These rounded timber structures are compact, charming, and photogenic. GlampLaunch offers The "Infinity Glass" Luxury 10-14 Person Traditional Barrel Sauna, featuring a full-width tempered glass wall, premium thermowood construction, and luxury LED lighting, seamlessly blending nature, relaxation, and high-end design.

• Luxury Traditional Outdoor Saunas: The "Aurora" Luxury 6-8 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna by GlampLaunch combines classic design with modern comfort, providing a spacious and relaxing environment.

• Pod Saunas: The "Halfmoon" Pod - Luxury 4-6 Person Traditional Sauna Pod from GlampLaunch offers a unique, curved design that blends seamlessly with natural surroundings.

• Cube Saunas: GlampLaunch 's 4-6 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Cube with Changing Room features full glass wall panels and doors, offering panoramic views and a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Each of these sauna styles provides guests with a unique and immersive wellness experience, enhancing the overall appeal of glamping accommodations.

 

Real-Life Glamping Sauna Success Stories

Across the UK, glamping sites are embracing the outdoor sauna trend, enhancing guest experiences and setting new standards for luxury and wellness.

• By the Wye, Hay-on-Wye, Wales: Nestled in the treetops along the River Wye, this glampsite offers a panoramic cedar barrel wood-fired sauna. Guests can unwind while enjoying breathtaking river views, adding a unique wellness element to their stay.

• Devon Yurt, Devon, England: Set on a tranquil farm with Dartmoor views, Devon Yurt features a glass-fronted barrel sauna. Guests can relax while watching rare breed sheep in the paddocks, combining rustic charm with modern comfort.

• Willow Cabin, Loch Venachar, Scotland: Located on the edge of a serene loch, Willow Cabin provides a wood-burning sauna experience. Guests often alternate between invigorating cold-water swims and the sauna's warmth, creating a rejuvenating retreat.

 

Outdoor barrel sauna at By the Wye, Hay-on-Wye, Wales. Image credits to By the Wye.

 

Saunas: A Wellness Trend That’s Here to Stay

The UK glamping scene is evolving quickly, and outdoor saunas are becoming one of the most in-demand features. They offer guests a rare combination of deep relaxation and nature immersion, perfectly aligned with the rising demand for wellness-focused getaways.

At GlampLaunch, we provide a wide range of outdoor saunas that pair seamlessly with glamping pods to create a complete, immersive guest experience. If you're building a new resort or upgrading an existing site, we provide everything you need to launch a wellness-focused glamping destination, from design to delivery and beyond.

As the market continues to grow, investing in amenities like saunas can give your site a competitive edge, attract wellness-minded travellers, and open new revenue streams. For glampsite owners ready to elevate their offering, this is more than just a trend. It's a strategic opportunity.

 

Summary

• Outdoor saunas are quickly becoming a must-have feature at UK glamping sites, turning simple stays into spa-like retreats.

• UK wellness tourism is growing 9–11% per year and is projected to reach £68.8 billion by 2030. (Grand View Research)

• Saunas elevate the guest experience, attract wellness-focused travellers, and help glampsites stand out in a competitive market.

• They work year-round, encourage longer stays, and create warm communal spaces similar to campfires.

• Health benefits include stress relief, better sleep, muscle recovery, detoxification, and a stronger immune system.

• Guests describe the mix of fresh air, nature, and sauna heat as the most relaxing part of their stay.

• Popular sauna styles include barrel saunas, traditional outdoor saunas, pod saunas, and modern cube saunas with panoramic glass.

• GlampLaunch offers a range of luxury sauna designs including the Aurora, Halfmoon, and Infinity Glass models, blending comfort with stunning aesthetics.

• Real UK glampsites embracing saunas include By the Wye in Wales, Devon Yurt in England, and Willow Cabin in Scotland, all offering scenic, wood-fired sauna experiences.

• Outdoor saunas are helping glamping sites boost guest satisfaction, lengthen the season, and open new revenue streams.

• As demand for wellness escapes rises, saunas are more than a trend; they're a strategic investment for glamping businesses looking to grow.

• GlampLaunch supports glampsite owners with sauna design, delivery, and setup to create unforgettable wellness experiences

 

FAQs

1. Why are outdoor saunas becoming so popular at UK glamping sites?

Outdoor saunas offer the perfect combination of nature, relaxation, and wellness, making them a major draw for modern travellers. As wellness tourism in the UK continues to grow, more glamping guests are seeking meaningful, restorative experiences. A sauna adds that extra layer of comfort and luxury, helping sites stand out in a competitive market.

 

2. What are the benefits of adding a sauna to a glamping business?

Adding a sauna to your site can boost revenue by increasing booking value and extending the season into autumn and winter. It attracts wellness-focused travellers, encourages longer stays, and enhances the overall guest experience. Sauna use also leads to glowing reviews, repeat visits, and strong word-of-mouth marketing.

 

3. Which sauna styles work best for glamping accommodation?

Top styles include barrel saunas, pod saunas, and sauna cubes. For example, GlampLaunch’s Infinity Glass Barrel Sauna offers striking views with a full-width glass wall, while the Aurora Traditional Sauna brings timeless design and premium comfort. These styles are built for durability, easy maintenance, and maximum guest appeal.

 

4. Can a sauna be used all year round in the UK climate?

Yes. GlampLaunch saunas are designed for year-round use, with thermowood construction, proper insulation, and heating options that make them comfortable even in colder weather. In fact, many guests find the contrast of cold air and sauna heat deeply therapeutic, especially during off-season stays.

 

5. How can I get started with installing an outdoor sauna at my glamping site?

GlampLaunch offers a full range of outdoor saunas tailored for glamping businesses. From design and layout advice to delivery and optional features like changing rooms, lighting, or hot tubs, we support you every step of the way. Explore our Wellness Pods to find the perfect fit for your site.