First-Timers Guide
If you’re new to the bathhouse, welcome. Saunaday was created as a place to slow down, reset, and reconnect — with yourself, with others through timeless traditions of heat, steam, water and rest. Stepping into the bathhouse for the first time might feel unfamiliar, so here’s everything you need to know to feel comfortable, prepared, and ready. Since communal bathing is relatively new to our area, please rest assured that a majority of the people in the bathhouse are also experiencing the same ‘first timer’ feelings, and our team is trained to help every step of the way.
Our team is ready to offer step-by-step tours of Saunaday and answer any questions you may have.
Is this a spa?
Short answer: no.
Many people think of a spa and a bathhouse as the same, but they offer very different experiences. A spa is typically centered around one-on-one treatments, pampering, and hushed tones set to soft background music. A bathhouse, on the other hand, is a communal, self-guided ritual designed to foster both restoration and connection.
At Saunaday, conversation among friends is welcome, with just a couple of exceptions: our Aspen Sauna is reserved as a quiet, reflective space, and weekday mornings before 11 a.m. are set aside for quiet hours. We also curate the energy of the bathhouse through music — expect a softer, more tranquil vibe in the morning, and a warmer, more social atmosphere as the day flows into evening.
Another key difference between a bathhouse and a spa is that the experience may push you outside your comfort zone — and that’s where its power lies. Moving between heat and cold, activity and rest, creates deep restoration for the body, clarity for the mind, and often a surprising sense of social-emotional renewal. Leaning into that contrast is where the shift happens — and sharing the ritual alongside others can make it even more meaningful.
We also know the idea of a “social sauna” can feel intimidating at first. But remember: you don’t need to come with friends, and you don’t need to talk to anyone if you’d rather not. At Saunaday, you set the pace — choosing quiet solitude or moments of connection, depending on what you need in the moment.
The Full Breakdown
(Because some of us like details)
Step 1: Pack your Sauna Bag & Hydrate
We recommend a swimsuit, water bottle, and whatever you will need to get ready afterwards—think loose fitting clothing, fresh underwear, and toiletries. Some guests also prefer bringing something to read or journal (we’re tech free), hair tie/clip, their own robes (we provide towels but robes are BYO), and a sauna hat to protect their hair and make sauna sessions more enjoyable.
It’s also never a bad idea to make sure you’re well hydrated before you arrive.
Waivers may also be completed at the front desk upon check-in.
Step 2: Confirm your Appointment & Sign your Waiver
After booking online, you will receive an email and/or text request to confirm your appointment and fill out your waiver prior to arriving. We recommend doing this prior to speed up your check-in process.
Step 3: Arrival and Check-in
If driving, you will park in the surface lot across the street from our South Blount St. storefront—we have plenty of marked spots for the ease of our guests. We also are on a bike path with sidewalk bike racks. You will then be greeted by our welcoming team, given two towels, and directed to the lockers and changing rooms.
Step 4: Changing and Prep
First, head to a private changing room to get into your swimsuit (we’re not a naked place). Then pick an open locker and secure everything except one towel, your water bottle and your reading material. Trust us, you will want the other towel dry in your locker once you are done with your session to dry off.
Step 5: The Bathhouse
After changing, you will move towards the bathhouse and be greeted by our Cedar Salt Scrub Shower. Cleanliness is very important in a communal setting, so wash your mind, body, and spirit clean before you begin. Your next steps are really up to you. We recommend a ritual that starts with steam, then sauna, cold plunge, rest and repeat—but we encourage following your intuition on a given Saunaday. Our Bathhouse Attendant will always be available if you have any questions about The Bathhouse Ritual, benefits, or anything else on your mind—please don’t hesitate to reach out.
A few key tips:
Move mindfully: A bathhouse is a naturally wet environment. Please walk carefully, use handrails, and wear water shoes provided.
Bathhouse cleanliness: A quick rinse before the cold plunge is required. The heat cycle is designed to release what your body no longer needs — rinsing ensures you leave it behind, keeping the water clean and refreshing for everyone.
Sauna etiquette: Enter and exit all saunas quickly to minimize heat loss, and ask fellow bathers before adding water to the sauna rocks. While using amenities, find a nearby hook for your towel (to avoid towels laying around the pool deck and chairs), and pat dry while moving between spaces. Water is a way of life in a bathhouse, but this can help us maintain our environment for all.
Be safe: Always allow time to relax between contrasts so your body temperature returns to neutral—it’s an important part of the thermic cycle. We have plenty of options for hydration—from filtered water to a curated range of beverages. Listen to your body, not the timers in the saunas and cold plunge. If you ever begin to feel dizzy, unstable, or unwell, sit down immediately and call over a team member.
Review our Code of Conduct: We created this to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable at Saunaday. Please expect that we will enforce these policies (yes, even the no tech part :) Please review in full here: https://www.sauna.day/policies
Hydrate pre-, during, and post-Saunaday to really feel your best
Step 6: Check-out & Hydrate
You will be asked to be fully checked out by the end of your reservation time—this includes your final shower and change, as well as any primping and blow drying. So if you’re reservation is 7:00a-9:00a, we will see you at the front desk ready to depart at 9a. If you would like to stay longer, just inquire with a Bathhouse Attendant on availability, and we may be able to add-on an additional session.
Step 7: Sleep Well
Guests (and their Oura Rings) confirm that Saunadays are followed by the best nights.
Have additional questions for us? Review our FAQ’s on our Plan your Visit page, and please feel free to reach out to hello@sauna.day or give us a call or text at 608-460-6435.