Garden Saunas in Garden Design: Creating a Wellness Retreat at Home

The Breathing Space

In our previous blog, The Breathing Space, we introduced the concept behind our compact wellbeing garden for the Harrogate Spring Show. It demonstrates how even the smallest outdoor spaces can provide a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and restore balance. A key element that helped shape this Nordic-inspired design is the inclusion of a beautifully crafted outdoor sauna from Wildhut, who are generously sponsoring the garden. Their OHK 2 Person Outdoor Sauna sits at the heart of the space, reflecting the Scandinavian tradition of sauna culture and its deep connection with nature and wellbeing.

In this blog, we share Wildhut’s insights into the benefits of outdoor saunas, along with practical advice for anyone considering creating their own Nordic-inspired wellbeing retreat at home.

The modern garden is evolving. For many homeowners, it is no longer simply an attractive outdoor space but an extension of the home. With an increased desire to boost wellbeing and be better connected with nature, it is somewhere to relax, recharge and spend meaningful time with family and friends.

Outdoor saunas are particularly appealing because they can be enjoyed in every season. In the colder months, they provide warmth and comfort when the garden might otherwise be unused. In warmer weather, they can become part of a wider wellness routine alongside cold showers or outdoor relaxation areas.

Regular sauna use has also been linked to a number of potential health benefits, including:

Reduced stress and improved relaxation
Better circulation and cardiovascular health
Lower blood pressure
Relief from muscle tension
Improved sleep quality
Healthier skin

How Even the Smallest Garden Can Become a Wellbeing Sanctuary

As we move out of winter and begin to welcome the first signs of spring, many homeowners start to think about their gardens again. After months spent largely indoors, the desire to reconnect with outdoor spaces grows stronger. Growing in popularity is the desire to create a space designed for wellbeing, not just beauty.

One feature in particular that is gaining popularity in garden design is the outdoor sauna. Thoughtfully integrated into a garden, a sauna can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a restorative retreat that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Our sponsor Wildhut have a range of saunas to fit all budgets and gardens.

‘Nordic Outdoor Wellbeing’ is a concept we are exploring in a feature garden created for the Association of Professional Landscapers at the Harrogate Spring Show. Despite measuring just 4m x 5m, the garden demonstrates how compact spaces can still deliver a powerful sense of calm and relaxation.

I’m increasingly asked about garden saunas. It’s a fabulous way to add value to gardens, particularly in the colder and darker months when outdoor spaces are underused. People are wanting to create places to nurture wellbeing and connect with nature year-round. This small show garden is centred around a beautifully crafted sauna for two - a place of warmth, ritual and quiet restoration

Garden Designer, Ilkley Skipton Otley Menston Bingley

Melissa Morton

Choosing the Right Sauna for Your Garden

Outdoor saunas vary widely in price and specification, from DIY kits costing a few thousand pounds to bespoke premium installations.

According to Lisa Deller, founder and co-director of Wildhut, quality and materials make a significant difference to longevity and the overall experience.

“Cheap saunas often use low-cost materials that simply won’t withstand the UK climate. We design premium saunas using slow-grown thermo-treated timber, cross-laminated timber construction and marine-grade fittings to ensure durability and stability.”

She also emphasises the importance of ambience within the sauna itself, recommending aromatic cedar interiors and specialist sauna lighting to enhance the experience.

Traditional Nordic vs Infrared Saunas

Another key decision when choosing a sauna is whether to opt for infrared heating or a traditional Nordic sauna.

Infrared saunas use infrared rays to heat the body directly. They operate at lower temperatures and produce a gentler sweating experience.

Traditional Nordic saunas, however, heat the entire room using a heater and sauna stones. Water can be poured over the stones to produce steam, increasing humidity and creating the deep, immersive heat associated with classic sauna bathing.

This style of sauna is widely considered to deliver the most authentic experience.

Practical Considerations When Installing a Sauna

Installing a sauna within your garden requires some planning, particularly if you are integrating it into a wider garden design.

Important considerations include:

Groundworks:
Most outdoor saunas require a level base, typically a prepared concrete surface.
Power and water:
Electric heaters require a suitable power supply, while a water connection is needed if incorporating a shower.
Ventilation:
Good airflow is essential to maintain a comfortable and healthy sauna environment.
Access and installation:
Many high-quality saunas are delivered fully assembled, so vehicle access close to the installation location can be helpful.
Planning regulations:
In many cases, garden saunas fall within permitted development as outbuildings, although height and positioning restrictions may apply.

Creating Space for Rest and Ritual

Ultimately, the appeal of a garden sauna goes beyond health benefits. It creates a space for ritual and restoration.

In a fast-moving world, time spent in nature can significantly reduce stress and support mental wellbeing. Adding a sauna enhances that experience by providing a place to relax tired muscles, clear the mind and enjoy moments of quiet reflection.

Even in the smallest garden, it is possible to create a sanctuary.

With thoughtful design and careful planning, your garden can become more than just an outdoor space — it can become a place to slow down, reconnect and recharge.