Article: Why a Sauna and Ice Bath Could Be the Highest ROI Upgrade for Your Retreat, Airbnb or Holiday Rental
Why a Sauna and Ice Bath Could Be the Highest ROI Upgrade for Your Retreat, Airbnb or Holiday Rental
The accommodation industry has changed dramatically over the past few years.
Today's guests are no longer simply looking for a place to stay. They're looking for experiences.
Whether they're booking a luxury Airbnb, a wellness retreat, a glamping destination or a boutique holiday rental, travellers increasingly prioritise properties that offer something memorable, restorative and share-worthy.
That's one reason saunas and ice baths have become some of the most sought-after wellness amenities in Australia.
For accommodation providers, they don't just enhance the guest experience—they can help increase occupancy, justify higher nightly rates and create a powerful point of difference in a competitive market.
Wellness Travel Is No Longer a Niche Trend
Wellness tourism continues to grow as travellers seek opportunities to disconnect, recover and recharge.
Guests are actively searching for experiences that support:
- Relaxation
- Recovery
- Stress reduction
- Fitness and performance
- Mental wellbeing
- Digital detox experiences
A sauna and cold plunge combination aligns perfectly with these goals.
For many travellers, access to wellness facilities can be the deciding factor when choosing between otherwise similar properties.
Stand Out in a Crowded Accommodation Market
Most holiday rentals compete on similar features:
- Location
- Views
- Bedrooms
- Pool access
- Interior design
Adding a sauna and ice bath creates a genuinely unique experience that immediately differentiates your property.
Instead of competing solely on price, you're offering something guests actively seek out.
Properties that feature wellness amenities often attract stronger engagement on booking platforms, social media and direct marketing campaigns.
Increase Nightly Rates and Booking Appeal
One of the biggest advantages of wellness amenities is their perceived value.
Guests are increasingly willing to pay more for experiences that feel premium and exclusive.
A sauna and ice bath installation can help:
- Increase average nightly rates
- Improve occupancy during quieter periods
- Enhance guest satisfaction
- Encourage repeat bookings
- Generate positive reviews
In many cases, the amenity becomes a central part of the property's marketing rather than simply an additional feature.
Create Content Guests Want to Share
Modern travellers market your property for you.
Saunas and ice baths are highly visual experiences that naturally encourage:
- Social media sharing
- User-generated content
- Reviews
- Word-of-mouth referrals
Guests frequently photograph and share wellness experiences during their stay, extending your property's reach well beyond the booking platform.
Every shared image becomes free exposure to future guests.
A Proven Addition for Premium Accommodation Providers
We've worked with a growing number of retreats, wellness destinations and premium accommodation providers across Australia who recognise the value of wellness-focused guest experiences.
Some of the properties and wellness destinations we've supplied include:
- Eden Health Retreat
- Linnaeus Collection
- Ostra Narooma
- Moogerah Lake Houses
- SOMA by Lorna Jane
While every property is different, the common theme is clear: guests increasingly value experiences that support relaxation, recovery and wellbeing.
The addition of a sauna and cold plunge helps create exactly that.
Wellness Amenities Appeal to Multiple Guest Types
One of the strongest business cases for a sauna and ice bath is the broad range of guests they attract.
These include:
Wellness Travellers
Guests specifically seeking recovery and rejuvenation experiences.
Couples
Premium wellness experiences enhance romantic getaways and special occasions.
Corporate Retreats
Businesses increasingly seek venues that incorporate wellbeing into leadership and team events.
Athletes and Active Travellers
Recovery-focused amenities are highly valued by endurance athletes, cyclists, runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Luxury Holidaymakers
High-end guests increasingly expect wellness facilities as part of the accommodation experience.
A Year-Round Revenue Driver
Unlike pools or seasonal attractions, saunas can create value throughout the year.
In cooler months they become a destination experience.
In warmer months, the combination of sauna and cold plunge remains highly attractive for recovery, wellness and relaxation.
This makes them a versatile asset that supports bookings across all seasons.
The Numbers That Matter
Ultimately, the value of a sauna and ice bath isn't measured solely by installation cost.
It's measured by:
- Increased booking enquiries
- Higher nightly rates
- Stronger occupancy
- Better reviews
- Enhanced guest experiences
- Greater marketing appeal
When an amenity helps guests choose your property over another, its value extends far beyond the equipment itself.
The Bottom Line
The accommodation industry is becoming increasingly experience-driven.
Guests want more than a place to sleep—they want memorable experiences that improve how they feel.
A sauna and ice bath combination delivers exactly that.
For retreats, Airbnbs, holiday rentals, wellness resorts and boutique accommodation providers, it can become one of the most effective ways to elevate the guest experience, stand out from competitors and create long-term value for the business.
If you're exploring ways to future-proof your property and create a genuine point of difference, a sauna and ice bath may be one of the smartest investments you can make.
Join a growing number of accommodation providers investing in wellness.
From boutique retreats and luxury holiday homes to established wellness destinations, operators across Australia are recognising the value of creating experiences guests can't find elsewhere.
Explore our sauna and cold plunge solutions or speak with our team about designing a wellness space tailored to your property.
