Beyond Ice Baths: What Comes Next in Cold Therapy? (Webinar Replay + Bonus Resources) Thank you to everyone who joined the Global Wellness Institute’s Hydrothermal Initiative’s live Zoom session, Beyond Ice Baths: What Comes Next in Cold Therapy? We had a fantastic conversation that explored the entire hydrothermal journey – including heat, cold, rest and repeat – and took a deep dive into some of the reasons why gentler, more holistic approaches to cooling down have mass appeal. If you missed the live event (or want to revisit the discussion), we’ve got you covered. Catch the full recording here. Whether you’re a designer, operator, or wellness enthusiast, this session offered valuable insight into the latest hydrothermal trends—including expert perspectives on cold immersion, contrast bathing, and the guest experience. Want to dive deeper into the design standards behind today’s most innovative spa experiences? Download our free Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards, a must-read…
Hydrothermal Initiative Trends for 2025
Hydrothermal Initiative 2025 Trends As global wellness priorities shift, the spa and hydrothermal industry is reimagining everything—from how we use water to how we define relaxation. The five trends shaping 2025 show a sector that’s becoming more sustainable, inclusive, socially connected, and emotionally transformative. Water conservation is driving regulatory reform and design innovation, while the ice bath craze is giving way to gentler, more accessible…
Sauna Users are Happier – Study Shows
Sauna Users are Happier – Study Shows A new study from Sweden finds that people who use saunas are happier, sleep better, and have more energy. Dr. Hans Hägglund, a professor at the University of Uppsala (aka the “sauna doctor”), said of the study: “It shows that sauna users are happier, sleep better, have more energy,  and rate their mental and physical health better…
Introducing the New & Improved Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards
Increased interest in personal and communal wellness, means that developers, architects, designers, and builders are exploring new ways to incorporate evidence-based hydrothermal wellness features, such as saunas and cold plunges, into virtually every residential or commercial project. In celebration of providing educational guidance for these builds for over a decade, the Global Wellness Institute has published the 4th edition of the Guide to Hydrothermal Spa…
Does the Combination of Finnish Sauna Bathing and Other Lifestyle Factors Confer Additional Health Benefits?
A recently published paper from Mayo Clinic, authored by Seto K Kunutsor, MD, PhD and Jari A. Laukkanen, MD, PhD explores sauna bathing and its link to health benefits beyond its use for leisure and relaxation. The paper analyzes observational and interventional studies that suggest that regular or frequent sauna bathing reduces the incidence of vascular and nonvascular diseases, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dementia,…
Hydro-Thermal Therapies are Essential for Building Health, Safety and Resilience in the Age of Pandemics
Hydro-Thermal Therapies are Essential for Building Health, Safety and Resilience in the Age of Pandemics Hydro-thermal therapies reduce the risk of chronic disease and boost the immune system’s ability to resist viral infections – An evidence based discussion paper. This position paper has been prepared to express and demonstrate why hydrothermal experiences should play an important active role in this time of global pandemic. It…
