The home has always been a place of refuge, but it\u2019s increasingly becoming a place in which to restore mind, body and soul. Where rain showers and jacuzzi baths once embodied at-home wellbeing, today home saunas, steam rooms and thermal suites are the new must-haves in upscale living, enabling us to recreate the luxury spa experience round-the-clock.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery home can have some kind of sauna, steam or spa facility,\u201d says Erin Lee, Projects Director, Dr\u00f6m UK<\/a>. \u201cA small cellar can transform into a beautiful spa conversion. Equally, a compact loft could be the perfect setting for a private wellness retreat. An existing shower can convert into a steam shower equipped with chromatherapy mood lighting and aromatherapy oil diffuser for an extra indulgent bathe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Where space allows, a larger indoor home sauna or steam room, or even an at-home salt room for halotherapy can be a great way for the whole family to take control of their health and wellbeing without leaving the home.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you have a large period or new build property you can enjoy a wellness space that extends way beyond a traditional Finnish sauna or Banya, for Russian-style bathing, to an ultra-luxurious thermal suite. These suites comprise a series of therapy rooms designed to take your body on a wet and dry, warm and cold temperature journey, and can include a salt therapy room, floatation pools, tropical shower, ceramic heated loungers \u2013 even an ice cave or snow room. The luxe list goes on and on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Modern technology has made it possible for saunas, steam rooms and wellbeing area to offer experiences that satisfy all the senses. Colour and light positively affect our mood (chromatherapy) and can be incorporated within your zen den with the use of LED technology. Steam-shower generator kits can pump in essential oils, allowing you to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of aromatherapy, while invisible or exposed acoustic speakers make it possible for you to listen to music as you sauna, steam or bathe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAn indoor sauna cabin starts from as little as at \u00a35,000\u201d says Erin, Projects Director, Dr\u00f6m UK, \u201cwhich quickly pays for itself if you regularly pay to use a spa. A deluxe sauna the whole family can enjoy will cost more, but the benefits can really outweigh the expense. Many spas don\u2019t allow children into saunas, but creating a tranquil year-round space where you all put down your phones and spend time together is priceless. You don\u2019t even have to drive anywhere to enjoy that time together. It\u2019s right there on your doorstep.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The classic rule of thumb that there will always be a maximum price people will be prepared to pay for a property in a particular area. That said, you can always improve a property\u2019s wow-factor, which can help you achieve the highest asking price. According to George Clarendon, Partner at Knight Frank estate agents<\/a>: \u201cPeople rarely come to me and ask for a house with a spa but a beautiful bespoke wellness space with an indoor pool and spa facilities can be a huge enhancement when securing a buyer \u2013 but only if it\u2019s well designed and made. A luxury hot tub integrated into landscaped grounds, along with other lifestyle elements such as a BBQ area or pizza oven can also be especially attractive to property buyers.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unless you live in a listed property or intend to extend it, you can usually add a spa room without planning approval. Some building works and changes, including garden spas, can also be built without planning consent if they fall under \u2018permitted development rights\u2019. Your local planning authority can advise on planning permission.<\/p>\n An at-home spa room offers a tranquil oasis, any time of day or night, but the design of the spa adds to the R&R effect. \u201cIt\u2019s all about using natural materials to create a calm, energising environment, says Emma Hooton of Studio Hooton. Dark interiors can provide warmth, atmosphere and a cocoon-like feel, which is especially welcome in the northern hemisphere where it\u2019s often cold and chilly outside. Lighting can add to this cosiness or hygge-ness by being layered and flexible and automatically adjusting in colour and brightness as you move between therapy zones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Comfortable seating and storage for towels and robes are a must-have part of the spa experience, which should always start and end with a delightful space in which to change. A hair drying station, bench seats, and somewhere to dry swimwear and store clothes really add to the comfort factor. We love using natural woods in these spaces to harness the feel-good benefits of nature.\u201d<\/p>\n If you’re planning an upgrade to your home then find out how Studio Hooton can help you create a striking design. Find out more about our interior design services here.<\/a><\/p>\n Image courtesy of \u00a9 Drom UK Ltd<\/p>\n Dressing Room Designs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Creating a Home Cinema<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Adding a Spiral Cellar<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Interior Colour Trends for 2025<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nTrends in at-home spas\u00a0 <\/span><\/h4>\n
How much will a luxury sauna or steam room cost?<\/h4>\n
Will a sauna or steam room add value to my property?\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Will I need planning permission for a luxury home spa?\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Designing a luxury spa\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Looking to create your own luxury spa room?<\/h4>\n
Learn more about transforming your home:<\/h4>\n