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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

Aufguss USA Nationals 2026 branding. Courtesy Aufguss USA. Arlene Scott Senior Wellness Correspondent & Hospitality Consultant May 8, 2026 The second-year competition expands to three days across two Bathhouse venues, with a 100-plus-seat event sauna, doubled international qualification slots, and the clearest signal yet that programmed sauna experiences are becoming a commercial category in the United States. The Aufguss USA Nationals 2026, the second annual qualifying compe

The Aufguss USA Nationals have wrapped in New York City after three days of heat, theatre, scent, towel work and competitive nerve, proving that sauna culture in the United States is no longer simply a matter of sitting quietly and pretending your eyebrows are not melting.

The 2026 Aufguss USA Nationals concluded last week following three days of heat, artistry, ritual, and competition across two Bathhouse locations in New York City, marking a major milestone in the continued growth of sauna culture in the United States.

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

The Aufguss USA Nationals 2026 returns to New York City this May 19–21, kicking off at Bathhouse’s new Atlantic Avenue location in Downtown Brooklyn.

35 years ago, Design for Leisure began with sauna and steam installations in leisure centers. What started as a focused technical discipline has evolved alongside the industry itself. Today, hydrothermal wellness has become central to how leading hospitality brands design spa, bathing, and recovery experiences. DFL has been fortunate to help bring many of these environments to life — from destination spas to emerging social bathhouse concepts. Over the past three and a half d

Design for Leisure's US$4 million (€3.7 million, £3.2 million) contract entailed the design, installation and finishes for wet facilities throughout the property. This includes the Hydrotherapy Odyssey, which features seven hydrotherapy experiences.

Design for Leisure is renowned for creating bespoke hydrothermal wellness environments that blend tradition with innovation. Signature experiences include authentic European-style saunas, steam rooms, snow rooms, vitality pools and multisensory circuits.

An expert primer on what to consider when looking for a site for a new bathhouse.

Around the world, the conversation about athlete performance is shifting. It’s no longer just about how hard you train — it’s about how intelligently you recover. And increasingly, collegiate programs are recognizing that world-class hydrothermal environments are essential tools in keeping athletes healthy, resilient, and competition-ready. TCU is one of the clearest examples of this shift happening in real time. The university's new Human Performance Center features a fully

Don Genders, founder & CEO of Design for Leisure, explains why it's time investors take a closer look at the new wave of social, sensory, and mentally restorative wellness clubs.

Design for Leisure (DFL), the global leader in the design and engineering of luxury hydrothermal spa environments, has significantly expanded its international operations to meet the surging demand for high-end hydrothermal solutions in both residential and commercial sectors.

When it comes to powering athletic performance, recovery is everything. At Texas Christian University (TCU) , that philosophy now has a...

At Texas Christian University, athletes are taking recovery to the next level with a KLAFS sauna and TechnoAlpin snow room — designed and installed by Design for Leisure.

Sports Illustrated is buzzing about TCU football’s new Human Performance Center and its 10,000-square-foot Simpson Family Restoration and Wellness Center, calling out the Snow Room as the first of its kind in college football. This recovery innovation was delivered and installed by Design for Leisure and manufactured by our partners at TechnoAlpin Indoor.

While saunas are a go-to place to sweat, unwind, relax, and even catch up with friends, could that time in the heat actually be adding years to your life?

The differences between true Finnish sauna "sweat bathing" and infrared heat therapy might surprise you!