From Spectator to Competitor: Natalie's Road to the UK Herbal Cup.
Herbs, heat and heartfelt tradition collide at the Herbal Cup - the international sauna and steam competition that celebrates plant lore, ritual and craft in equal measure. Ahead of the first ever UK Herbal Cup, we asked Natalie Campo, a UK Sauna Master from Sakura Sauna Haus (@sakurasaunahaus), to share her story of the Herbal Cup who first fell in love with the competition as a spectator in Austria and Prague, and who is now stepping into the steam room as a competitor herself. Here's her story, in her own words.
What drew you to competing in the Herbal Cup?
I was chatting with someone at a sauna training event and they mentioned the Herbal Cup, and I felt it would be something I would love to do and it would be a great challenge and goal to work towards to help improve my sauna skills. I also felt that it would resonate with a lot of Sauna Masters here in the UK, as we have such a love and tradition of foraging and herbalism. So I have been spreading the word ever since!
In 2024 I went to Alpen Therme in Austria and saw their regional qualifications for the Herbal Cup, and I was hooked. I spent time with the judges and competitors and was not only mesmerised with the aromas but also in awe of the amount of love, passion and hard work that was put into the competition. Then in 2025 I went to Aquapalace in Prague to see the Herbal Cup finals.
Natalie with the Japanese team at 2025 Global Herbal Cup Finals at Aquapalace, Prague. Image: Natalie Campo.
What was your first impression of the finals - the atmosphere, the crowd, the setup?
The Herbal Cup final takes place over five days. It's a celebration of herbs and the international sauna community. The atmosphere feels more intimate than Aufguss WM, and you can really see the teamwork - not just within the individual countries competing, but from the whole Herbal Cup community who are involved in ensuring all is in place. Before the steam room ritual you see the team helping to make the beauty treatments, and it's all hands on deck to get everything ready on time. There is also an area with a beautiful cherry blossom, where the Japanese team offer traditional kimono, sake and tea ceremonies. Whisk, herbal and relaxing rituals are held in the Zemní Bana, led by International Sauna Masters. The Panoramatická Sauna also holds freestyle and classic Aufguss sessions.
How is it structured - heats, judging rounds, breaks?
The sauna element of the competition is held outdoors in Srubová Bana, a beautiful big round sauna - and we did have snow whilst waiting to go in, it can get cold! The rituals are held every 45 minutes, alongside rituals from the previous King or Queen of the Herbal Cup and other International Sauna Masters. The steam room has a capacity of 20 people on two levels and runs on a similar schedule; you need to reserve a place for this ritual when you're at Aquapalace.
There are some lovely traditions, like at the end of each day when the winners are announced and they jump into the pool to be greeted by the judges. These winners then go forward to the final on the last day. Last year, 8 people were selected for the finals, and they have to do their rituals again - so you need to prepare for doing your rituals twice.
The last night is a big party with its own traditions, such as fan-waving competitions and leaf whisking.
The judges results from the 2025 Global Herbal Cup Finals at Aquapalace, Prague. Image: Natalie Campo.
What’s it like to watch the rituals - the heat, scent, music, choreography?
Such a tricky question to answer! Like Aufguss, you get these goosebump moments where you are so immersed in the world they have created. For me, the addition of whisks, herbs and inventions that have been carefully curated create a multisensory experience — aromas that make you feel, "how on earth did they imagine and create that?" It leaves you so excited about sauna. This is not about show moves or using a towel if you don't want to. Hard to explain, but I highly recommend you go and experience it yourself!
Did anything surprise you about how it’s judged?
The judging sheet is BIG! You're judged on sauna/steam and the presentation table. The judges will ask you questions about the ingredients you've used, so you have to be prepared for this when they come round to the presentation tables.
Tell us more about the presentation tables.
I highly recommend looking at photographs and videos from previous years. The level of work, creativity and artistic talent is incredible. The tables are there to show your peeling procedures for the steam room and to explain your theme to the audience.
A presentation table from the 2025 Global Herbal Cup Finals at Aquapalace, Prague. Image: Natalie Campo.
What made you think, “I want to do this myself one day’” ?
The main reason I really wanted to get involved in the Herbal Cup is that I wanted to learn more about skincare in the sauna and steam room using herbs, plants and natural ingredients. I really wanted a focus for improving what I can offer my guests in the sauna, and I wanted to have a reason for learning more and developing my skills in the sauna and steam room.
Now that you’re competing, has anything from that year stuck with you as inspiration?
Yes, I think of the blend of warmth and professionalism, of sharing your passion for herbs and plants in a simple but carefully curated way.
Any nerves or excitement now, ahead of the UK Herbal Cup?
Yes, there's a lot to juggle! Getting the two rituals organised, plus costume, plus presentation table. My house has been taken over by Herbal Cup! I just want to do the best I can and enjoy every moment of the experience.
What would you tell someone attending the UK Herbal Cup for the first time?
I hope the first Herbal Cup in the UK will inspire lots of Sauna and Steam Masters to take part next year. I really think it will be something that the UK will embrace and we’ll have so many people wanting to compete next year. Ask questions, see how it's run, and enjoy the rituals.
A sculptural piece from the 2025 Global Herbal Cup Finals at Aquapalace, Prague. Image: Natalie Campo.
The UK Herbal Cup is one of 18 national qualifying rounds being held around the world in 2026, taking place here on 12–13 October at Hoar Cross Hall. Head to our Herbal Cup page to find out more about the event, how to take part, and how it's judged. The winners will go forward to represent the UK at the Global Herbal Cup in Prague this November.
