Red light therapy and sauna are different wellness modalities with different mechanisms, operating requirements and treatment protocols.

Why relaxation space is crucial in hydrothermal spa or bathhouse design.

A developer has a vision. An architect starts shaping the building. An interior designer begins developing the look and feel. Spaces are allocated and floor plans start taking shape. Then questions arise about the pools and thermal experiences: What building services will they require? Where will the equipment go? What are the structural, mechanical, drainage and ventilation requirements? This is why a specialist is needed.

Design for Leisure has introduced a refreshed visual identity, including an evolved logo, updated color palette and a more contemporary look across our communications.

In this article, DFL Founder & CEO Don Genders explores how cooling can be designed to deliver meaningful contrast without pushing every guest toward extreme temperatures. He also looks at the importance of providing different cooling options, the operational realities of commercial cold pools and why the best experience is often the one guests will want to repeat.

Cooling is the reset between heat and rest. It helps guests move from intensity back toward balance. And when designed thoughtfully, it can make a hydrothermal journey feel more complete, more accessible and more memorable.

The Global Wellness Institute's Hydrothermal Initiative, Chaired by Design for Leisure's Don Genders, released their top 5 trends for 2026. Here we share "Trend 1: The Cooling Conversation Matures." Snow rooms are among the popular cooling experiences being added to the thermal bathing journey. (credit: TechnoAlpin Indoor) Though the rise of the ice bath in social media posts, on podcasts and in the news has brought a new and welcomed focus to the importance of cooling in the

The Global Wellness Institute's Hydrothermal Initiative, Chaired by Design for Leisure's Don Genders, released their top 5 trends for 2026. Here we share "Trend 5: Guided Rituals, Free Bathing." Sauna Master and guests interacting at Othership during an Aufguss performance (credit: Othership) Hydrothermal spaces are evolving from passive amenities into actively programmed recovery environments. Many venues now offer scheduled contrast sessions, aroma rituals, Aufguss performa