4 Things to Know Before Booking an Airbnb with a Sauna

Booking an Airbnb with a sauna sounds amazing, but it helps to know what you actually get before you hit “reserve.” 

I guide you through the essentials so you avoid surprises and enjoy the stay you imagine. From the type of sauna to the benefits and costs, you learn everything that makes your booking worth it.

• Know What You’re Booking: Always confirm whether the sauna is private, shared, indoor, outdoor, or infrared.
  
  

• Check the Details: Review photos, amenities, and guest feedback so you know exactly what to expect.
  
  

• Understand the Health Benefits: Expect relaxation, stress relief, and potential wellness boosts during your stay.
  
  

• Compare Sauna Types: Learn the difference between Finnish, steam, and infrared saunas so you choose what suits you best.
  
  

• Weigh Costs and Value: Recognize that saunas add luxury and often higher pricing but can greatly enhance your experience.

An "Airbnb with Sauna" is a rental featuring a sauna, private or shared, dry, steam, or infrared. Check listing details, availability, and health considerations. 

Guest reviews, photos, and host communication help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience, often alongside other luxury amenities at a higher price.

• Relaxing Experience: Guests enjoy a spa-like atmosphere that makes their stay feel luxurious.
  
  

• Private Unwind Space: A sauna offers a quiet place to relax after traveling or outdoor activities.
  
  

• Stress Relief: Helps guests relieve stress and feel more refreshed.
  
  

• Warmth and Comfort: Perfect for warming up in colder climates and feeling cozy.
  
  

• Unique Amenity: Adds a special touch that guests may not have at home.
  
  

• Property Appeal: Makes the listing stand out and attracts wellness-focused travelers.
  
  

• Memorable Stay: Turns a regular visit into a rejuvenating and enjoyable getaway.

Booking an Airbnb with a sauna isn’t just a luxury, there’s solid science showing why it can elevate your stay. 

Research highlighted in Mayo Clinic Proceedings notes that regular sauna use has been linked to lower risks of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and even improved immune function. 

Beyond physical health, a study published in the PLOS One Journal explored the calming “totonou” state many people feel after hot-cold sauna cycles, showing boosts in relaxation, mood, and even more efficient brain activity. 

Your heart can benefit, too, findings in the American Journal of Physiology reveal that pairing sauna sessions with exercise can meaningfully improve cardiorespiratory fitness, reduce systolic blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. 

And if you’re seeking pain relief or quicker recovery during your trip, a review in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported that repeated dry sauna sessions may support overall wellness and help ease discomfort for many users. 

Altogether, staying in an Airbnb with a sauna can turn a simple getaway into a restorative, health-boosting experience.

When you book an Airbnb with a sauna, you’ll usually find a few common types. Traditional Finnish saunas provide dry, intense heat, while steam saunas create thick, humid warmth. 

Some listings include infrared saunas, which heat your body directly rather than warming the air. Saunas can be electric or wood-burning, electric heats up quickly, while wood offers a more rustic experience. 

Outdoor saunas are also common, offering a different atmosphere than indoor setups.

Adding a sauna to your Airbnb can be a smart upgrade, but it helps to know what to expect before making the leap. 

Installing one typically ranges from about $3,000 to $11,000 depending on whether you choose an infrared, traditional electric, or custom build, with annual upkeep and electricity usually landing between $200 and $500. 

While that investment may feel steep, hosts often see strong returns: outdoor saunas and hot tubs can boost nightly rates by as much as 25–30%, encouraging longer stays and faster payback. 

Insights from sources like AirDNA also show that listings with saunas earn around 7–9% more in ADR, especially in small towns and rural markets where cozy, wellness-focused experiences are in high demand. 

Profitability can swing with the seasons, too, winter and holiday periods typically drive higher occupancy in cold-weather destinations, while event-driven markets benefit year-round. With smart, dynamic pricing and thoughtful marketing, a sauna can help your listing stand out and stay booked, even in slower months.

Indoor saunas offer quick access, reliable use in bad weather, and straightforward convenience. Outdoor saunas provide a stronger sense of escape, more privacy, and a more distinctive, nature-focused experience. 

Indoor setups are better during harsh weather, while outdoor saunas often feel more relaxing. The best option depends on whether you prioritize convenience, privacy, or atmosphere.

You can find a sauna on Airbnb by starting with a Google search like "airbnb sauna" plus your location or using the site directly with a URL that includes the sauna amenity code. You can also explore curated sauna listings on Airbnb or use third-party tools like Airbnb base to quickly filter properties with saunas in your desired area.

If you have a sauna, you need to inform your insurance provider to ensure proper coverage. For home use, check that your dwelling or personal property coverage includes the sauna, and consider increasing liability limits or adding an umbrella policy. For commercial use, you need public and professional liability, property and equipment, business interruption, and employers liability insurance to protect your business, staff, and clients.