Warm up, slow down, and soak in the heat—these are the best stays across Australia and New Zealand with saunas worth travelling for.
Whether it’s a wood-fired sauna overlooking rolling hills or a sleek, modern retreat by the coast, these Slow Stays offer more than just a place to sweat. From soothing sore muscles to promoting deeper sleep, the benefits of sauna go beyond relaxation, making it a ritual of renewal for both body and mind. Here’s where to go for your sauna stay fix.
Still at Freycinet
Coles Bay, Tas
Like the Danish philosophy of hygge, Still at Freycinet invites you to get cosy while perching gracefully on the dunes of Sandpiper Beach. This eco Nordic-inspired stay features three generous bedrooms, each with its ensuite, and open-plan living areas that seamlessly blend warmth with minimalism.
But it’s the sauna experience that truly sets this retreat apart, offering panoramic views that elevate your relaxation. Use your included ‘sauna rituals’ pack and do the Nordic cycle between the warmth of the sauna and a cold outdoor shower. Top it all off with a soak in the deep charcoal bath and sit by the double-sided fireplace for a cosy evening with a book in hand. Still at Freycinet goes beyond sauna therapy, offering in-house chefs, massage therapists, and yoga teachers to enhance your wellbeing.
Blackbird Byron
Mullumbimby Creek, NSW
Perched high in the Byron Bay Hinterland, Blackbird Byron is a retreat designed for pure restoration. Here, the combination of an infrared sauna and a magnesium pool creates the ultimate thermal cycle—sweat out tension in the soothing heat, then plunge into mineral-rich waters with panoramic views stretching to the coast. With only three ocean-facing pavilions crafted from raw, natural materials, the experience feels intimate and intentional. Mornings begin with a chef-prepared breakfast, while sunset calls for cocktails by the pool. For those seeking deep relaxation, this is slow living at its finest.
The Pavilion
Spring Beach, Tasmania
The Pavilion, nestled in Spring Beach, Tasmania, is a unique blend of sustainability and elegance, designed exclusively for couples. This modular, open-plan sanctuary offers panoramic views and a direct look over a full-sized tennis court. Guests can start their days in luxury with king-sized beds and rain-powered showers, before choosing between a friendly tennis match or a leisurely day enjoying the natural beauty of Tasmania. The new Finnish sauna experience, complete with a complimentary sauna pack, adds an element of relaxation and rejuvenation, making The Pavilion an ideal retreat for those looking to indulge in nature, wellness, and privacy.
Dales Run
Kiama, NSW
Dales Run, just three minutes from the coastal town of Kiama, beckons with expansive views to the east and serene rural vistas to the west. This country retreat is designed with wellness in mind, offering modern features like an infrared sauna, yoga mats, virtual classes, and an outdoor bath and shower. For the ultimate relaxation, on-site massages can be arranged.
If you’re in the mood for adventure, Dales Run also caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Spend your days at the nearby beach, explore the countryside, or gather around the outdoor fire-pit for socialising. Whether you’re seeking tranquillity or excitement, Dales Run provides a haven for those embracing a slow and mindful lifestyle.
Little Valley ‘Summerhouse’
Laguna, New South Wales
The ‘summerhouse’, perched by a pond on a tranquil alpaca farm in Laguna, New South Wales, features a standout attraction: an authentic Finnish Dry Sauna. Crafted from reclaimed Red Cedar, this sauna promises a serene and indulgent experience, complementing the studio’s unique blend of comfort and rustic elegance. It’s an invitation to guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the natural beauty of the Australian countryside, making it a perfect retreat for adults looking to unwind and embrace the slow pace of rural life.
Nest Treehouses
Hakataramea Valley, NZ
Nest Treehouses transports you back to the enchanting memories of childhood treehouses, where the world faded away, leaving only stillness and the rhythmic beat of your heart. Perched high above a grove of radiata pines in the Hakataramea Valley, this luxurious minimalist cabin offers an escape from the daily grind.
Imagine relaxing in an outdoor cedar-stoked bath, gazing at a blanket of incandescent stars. Inside, a gas fire crackles, and you can savour local produce from a grazing platter. The serene sauna, with panoramic views just a short forest walk away, adds to the luxury. Optional in-house massages complete the wellness experience.
Just Down the Road
Branxholm, Tas
Just Down the Road offers a rustic charm that’s perfect for those looking to escape the daily grind. Located in the historic tin mining town of Branxholm, these three Tasmanian timber-clad cabins exude luxury in a lumberjack’s shack setting.
Each cabin features king-sized beds, fireplaces, outdoor baths, vintage decor, and even a record player. Designed with mountain-biking couples in mind, they provide bike wash down space and secure storage for your mountain biking adventures.
The communal area with barbecues, firepit, and barrel sauna is perfect for laughter and Derby-adventure debriefs.
Stowaway Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Immerse yourself in the romance of Stowaway Kangaroo Island with an outdoor hot tub, a cosy cantilever window seat, and a double-sided wood-burning fireplace. Spread across an 80-hectare regeneratively farmed property, each of the four luxurious Stowaways ensures complete privacy. In The Snug and The Hide, you can also indulge in the glass-fronted sauna with rejuvenating views.
This article was first published in November 2023 and was updated in March 2025.
