CHILLS & THRILLS

Many homeowners are responding to continued evidence that contrast therapy—alternating hot and cold modalities—is good for the mind and body. These health-conscious individuals have amenities like saunas and cold plunge pools installed inside and outside their homes and take wellness vacations to spas dedicated to the practice.

THE BENEFITS OF CONTRAST THERAPY

Contrast therapy has both physical and emotional benefits. Dr. Jonathan Leary, the Founder and CEO of Remedy Place, a “social wellness club” that offers contrast therapy among other treatments and services, says that the practice of contrast therapy provides a simulated cardiovascular effect, supporting circulation and metabolism as your body works to recalibrate to a normal temperature. “Most importantly, it is training your thermal regulators and teaching the body to be more resilient to extremes.”

Dr. Leary notes that some benefits of using an infrared sauna include detoxification, pain relief, stress reduction, relaxation, weight loss, and improved circulation. The effects of plunge pools, set between 50 to 55 degrees, can be very emotional. “There’s the positive mental shift,” says Leary. “It’s not just anecdotal; it’s backed by science—ice baths are known to spike our dopamine levels, that neurotransmitter affectionately dubbed the happy hormone.” Combining these two practices will help you reap maximum health benefits.

CONTRAST THERAPY SPACE AT HOME

Those genuinely devoted to the practice can add these amenities to their homes for the ultimate luxury experience.

Lorne Atherton, President of Forest Cooperage, a brand that sells aesthetic hot tubs and saunas, says creating a contrast therapy space at home is easier than you might think. “The key elements are a hot space (like a sauna) and a cold space (like a cold plunge pool),” explains Atherton. “Ideally, these spaces should be near each other to make transitioning between them seamless.”

Atherton notes that even small homes and backyards can be transformed into effective contrast therapy zones. “While outdoor installations offer a natural and invigorating experience, indoor setups provide convenience and privacy,” he says, recommending that homeowners consider available space, desired ambiance, and budget.

Balancing function and aesthetics is the best approach for creating these spaces. “Choose materials like Western red cedar that can withstand temperature and humidity changes and opt for a design that complements your home’s overall style,” says Atherton.

Other choices for interior installations include thermally modified aspen, alder, or spruce, depending on the homeowner’s preferred aesthetic and color palette. Walls can go beyond traditional wood paneling, too. Options such as stone surfaces or a glass front will lend your home sauna degrees of texture or the feeling of spaciousness.

“Remember, contrast therapy is not just about the physical setup,” says Atherton, “It’s about creating a space where you can relax, rejuvenate, and reap the numerous benefits of this ancient practice.”

CONTRAST THERAPY ON THE ROAD

In addition to transforming your home spa, you can seek out hot and cold therapies at resorts worldwide. Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, operates 25 hotels and resorts with integrated high-tech spas that guide guests toward well-being. “I’ve discovered that the path to longevity is enriched by the powerful interplay of hot and cold thermal therapies,” says Anna Bjurstam. Six Senses Wellness Pioneer, “By embracing hormesis, we can harness the benefits of controlled stressors to enhance our body’s resilience and vitality. This biological phenomenon is key to improving health and longevity.”

Six Senses resort offerings include steam rooms, cold plunges, ice fountains, infrared saunas, cryotherapy baths and hot and cold massages for guests and spa visitors. Amenities vary depending on the locale, such as traditional Onsen-esque hot baths at their Kyoto, Japan, location or various saunas interspersed with a cold bucket shower and ice sessions at the Igloo at the Vitality Suite at Six Senses Spa Douro Valley, Portugal.

Six Senses Spa Crans-Montana—which is featured in the Dec 2024 issue of The Living Kitchen magazine - introduces a unique sauna experience featuring aufguss ceremonies and ice fountains to stimulate circulation and boost the immune system.

Another incredible destination option is Norway’s FjordSauna, located in one of the worlds’ most spectacular landscapes. It is an authentic and sustainable recreation experience aboard a floating sauna with a cold plunge into the world heritage fjord.

Intrepid travelers can hunt down the Solar Egg, an egg-shaped sauna created by the artist duo Bigert & Bergström for Riksbyggen. The sauna, which consists of a pine wood interior and a highly reflected gold steel panels, was exhibited in 2017 at the Luossavara ski resort in Kiruna, Sweden. Since then it has traveled to Paris, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Minnesota, and is now back in Swedish Lapland at the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi.

From a simple cold plunge and sauna experience to a curated biohacking adventure, embracing the extremes of temperature can be a new and invigorating part of your routine to improve your health and mindset.