"“People are craving real connection,” says Othership co-founder Amanda Laine, “Saunas naturally create that.”"
"I was sitting in the new BASIN Glacial Waters spa at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise where Kyan, a young Dutchman with flowy blonde hair, stood shirtless in front of me. A sheen of sweat had covered his abs, making them appear sculpted like a super hero as he theatrically waved a towel, wafting hot steam towards me. I tried to distract myself by gazing out the large picture window framing the snow-capped Canadian Rockies and sparkling Lake Louise."
"As the soundtrack changed to Shakira's “Hips Don't Lie” he started smashing snowballs filled with aromatic oils over the scorching sauna stones, releasing scents of Siberian fir and forest berries. Between the blaring music, the alpine-views, the heat, and now these heady aromas, the experience was a complete sensory overload that we all enjoyed together, swaying to the music. When it ended, Kyan thanked us and encouraged us to rehydrate and, if we were bold enough, try the cold plunge."
"Kyan is one of six trained aufgussmeisters-or sauna masters- who orchestrate the15-minute steam and sweat ritual at BASIN Glacial Waters at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The thermal bathing retreat, which opened in September 2025, offers a multitude of hydrotherapy experiences, from a Kneipp walk and hydro pool to Finnish and bio saunas. But the signature aufguss ceremony included in every three-hour session is the experience guests line up for."
A sauna experience at BASIN Glacial Waters at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise uses a guided aufguss ceremony to create shared sensory immersion. Guests sit around a room while a trained sauna master orchestrates a 15-minute steam and sweat ritual. The environment includes intense heat, alpine views, and music that drives group movement and enjoyment. Aromatic oils are released by smashing snowballs onto sauna stones, producing scents such as Siberian fir and forest berries. After the ceremony, guests are encouraged to rehydrate and may try a cold plunge. The retreat also offers additional hydrotherapy options such as Kneipp walks, hydro pools, Finnish saunas, and bio saunas.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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