Create the Ultimate Outdoor Sauna and Hot Tub Retreat: 13 Ideas

We all need a place to relax and unwind after a long day.

With the pressures of work, family, and life, it can be hard to find a spot that’s quiet, calming, and peaceful.

That’s why creating a tranquil retreat in your backyard is a must for any homeowner.

When you think of an outdoor retreat, you likely think of something with a lot of greenery, a pergola, and a fire pit.

However, there are two other outdoor additions that you should consider: an outdoor sauna and a hot tub.

If you want to make your backyard the ultimate place to relax and unwind, then a sauna and a hot tub are must-have features.

In this article, we’re going to share a few ideas for creating a spa-like retreat in your backyard.

1. Go for a modern sauna

This modern sauna is a great example of how a sauna can be a focal point in a backyard.

The black exterior and clean lines of this one make it a piece of art in this backyard.

The large windows and glass door make it feel open and inviting, and the landscaping around the sauna is a great idea to make it feel like it belongs in the space.

2. Create a sauna with a view

If you have a backyard with a view, why not take advantage of it? This outdoor sauna has a wall of windows that allows the homeowners to enjoy the beautiful scenery no matter what the weather.

The sauna is surrounded by a spacious deck, and there is a hot tub in the corner.

The deck also has an outdoor shower, a changing room, and a fire pit.

3. Add a cedar hot tub to your sauna

A cedar hot tub is the perfect addition to your sauna retreat.

Cedar is a great choice for outdoor hot tubs because it’s naturally rot-resistant and can withstand the elements.

Hot tubs are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. They can also help soothe sore muscles and joints.

You can customize your hot tub to fit your space and needs.

You can even add a hot tub cover with a built-in shade to create a more private, spa-like experience.

4. Create a sauna in a small space

If you have a small backyard, you can still create the outdoor oasis of your dreams.

By adding a small sauna and a hot tub, you can make the most of the space you have.

In this backyard, the sauna was built on a deck to keep it off the ground and to make room for the hot tub and a cozy seating area.

5. Add a shower to your sauna

If you have a sauna, you’re going to want a way to rinse off after.

Add a shower to your sauna to rinse off before you hop in the hot tub or head back inside.

A shower is also a great way to cool off if you’re using the sauna to relax on a hot summer day.

6. Create a sauna with a cold plunge pool

If you don’t have a lot of space in your backyard, you can still create a sauna and hot tub retreat.

This compact design includes a wood-burning sauna, changing room, and a cold plunge pool.

A cold plunge pool is a small pool or tub filled with cold water that you use to quickly dip in and out of.

This is a common practice in Scandinavian saunas and is believed to have health benefits.

This design also includes a small patio with an outdoor shower, so you can rinse off after your time in the sauna and hot tub.

This design gives you everything you need to create a relaxing spa experience, even if you don’t have a large backyard.

7. Create a sauna with an outdoor kitchen

This outdoor sauna and kitchen combo is the perfect place to relax after your meal.

You can even use the sauna to cook your food! Sauna cooking is a traditional Finnish method that involves placing your food on a rack above the coals in the sauna.

The food is cooked by the steam and the residual heat from the sauna stove.

8. Add a fireplace to your sauna

If you like the idea of having a sauna and hot tub combo but want to make it feel a little more luxurious, consider adding a fireplace to your sauna.

This outdoor sauna has a large fireplace with a wood storage area.

The fireplace adds a cozy touch to the sauna and makes it feel like an extension of the outdoor living room.

9. Create a sauna with a changing room

If you plan to use your sauna with guests, or if you have a pool or hot tub, a changing room is a good idea.

This outdoor sauna features a changing room, outdoor shower, and outdoor hot tub.

The changing room offers privacy for guests to change in and out of their swimsuits and towels.

This is especially useful if you live near a body of water, like a lake or ocean, and want to provide a way for guests to rinse off before and after using the sauna or hot tub.

10. Create a sauna in your garage

If you don’t have room in your backyard, consider converting your garage into a sauna.

This is a great option for people who live in areas with cold winters.

You can simply walk from your house to the garage without having to face the cold.

You’ll need to make sure your garage is well insulated, and you should also install a ventilation system to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

If you have a two-car garage, you can even convert one half into a sauna and the other half into a changing room.

If you don’t want to give up your parking space, consider building a small addition onto your garage and turning that into a sauna.

11. Create a sauna with a pool

If you love the idea of a sauna but don’t want to get hot, consider a sauna and pool combo.

This is a great way to relax and cool off after a long day. You can also use the pool to cool off between sauna sessions.

Pool saunas can be built as a pool house or as a freestanding structure. This one has a modern design with a flat roof and lots of windows.

The pool is located right in front of the sauna, making it easy to move between the two.

12. Create a sauna with a meditation space

This sauna room is designed with a bench that spans the length of the room.

This allows for a large number of people to enjoy the sauna at once. The bench is also large enough for people to lay down, if they want to.

The large window allows for a lot of natural light to come in and the view is amazing.

The sauna room leads out to a deck that has a hot tub. The deck is designed with a raised section that has a pergola.

This is a great place to store towels and robes.

The pergola also has a bench that is perfect for sitting and relaxing after a good sweat in the sauna.

13. Create a sauna with a shower

This sauna has a showerhead and a drain. The wood floor is on a slight angle and the sauna is built on top of the deck.

This sauna is heated with a wood stove and has a chimney to let the smoke out.

Conclusion

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