As a theatre designer and co-founder of Sauna Sessions Arts Club I’ve been watching the amazing growth of UK sauna through the eyes of someone who designs and builds spaces for collective experiences.

On 1 June, the British sauna community gathered at Brighton Dome for Sauna Summit 2026. A day of keynotes, panels, and conversation shaped around one central question: what will British sauna look like in 2030?

I handed eighteen sauna bathers paper and pens in the moments after an Aufguss ritual, and asked them to draw how they felt.

In March this year I travelled to Finland for the annual Saunawave Nordic Reset retreat. A 9 day, deeply immersive journey of Finish sauna, culture and conversation. 

Here's a look at who took home the honours in 2026. Sponsored by Harvia.

The British Sauna Society has been working on a framework for professionals working in the UK sauna industry.

Redefining cooling through emotion, interaction, and contrast. With TechnoAlpin Indoor.

If you are heading to the UK Aufguss Championships 2026, this guide brings together saunas across Northern Ireland, along with nearby points of interest around each one.