Why Suana Would be the Smartest upgrade for Your Airbnb
If you’re an Airbnb host or manage a vacation rental property, you already know the name of the game: stand out or stay empty.
In this highly competitive short-term rental market, listing your place isn’t enough. You need to offer something memorable, something that makes people stop scrolling and say, “Oh, I need to stay here.”
And a sauna in Airbnb can offer that memorable experience. It’s not just a luxury perk, but a high-impact investment that can increase your nightly rate, extend bookings into the off-season, and seriously improve your guest reviews.
However, it’s an expensive investment that needs maintenance as well, so is adding a sauna to your Airbnb worth it? Let’s break it down.
People Pay for Experience
Today’s travelers aren’t just looking for a place to sleep. They want an experience, and not everyone wants to share a hotel spa with strangers.
When you give guests private access to something like a sauna, it instantly makes your property feel more like a high-end retreat and less like a rental.
It’s not just about the physical benefit (though we'll get to that). It’s about the “vibe” as well. A sauna says: this isn’t just a stay, this is a getaway. This is wellness. This is quite luxurious.
And guess what? People are willing to pay more for that feeling.
Airbnb Guests Are Searching for Wellness
Health and wellness travel has experienced significant growth over the last five years, particularly since 2020.
From cold plunges to yoga decks to private saunas, people are seeking ways to unwind without leaving the property. Google searches for “wellness Airbnb” and “Airbnb with sauna” have been steadily rising, especially in weekend escape destinations like the Pacific Northwest, upstate New York, the Rockies, Northern California, and the Southeast.
Even if your place isn’t located in a traditional "wellness" destination, offering a sauna taps into that desire to reset, recharge, and relax. And it can attract travelers looking specifically for that kind of space.
How a Sauna Adds Value to Your Investment
Of course, you are doing business, so let’s check in with numbers as well. Adding a sauna to your Airbnb can allow you to:
- Raise your nightly rate: Properties with saunas often command $50–$150 more per night than similar listings without one, especially in colder climates or wellness-focused destinations.
- Boost your booking rate in off-seasons: Winter and shoulder seasons are tough, especially in areas that rely on summer or ski traffic. A sauna makes your property a cozy retreat year-round.
- Stand out in searches: "Private sauna" is a filter many guests use when browsing Airbnb. Having that amenity can put you into a smaller, more desirable pool of listings.
- Increase repeat bookings: Guests who have a standout, wellness-focused experience are more likely to return and to refer your establishment to friends.
Who’s Booking Places with Saunas?
Good question. It’s foolish to make a big investment for a handful of potential customers, but the sauna crowd isn’t just health nuts. It’s:
- Couples looking for romantic weekend escapes
- Urban professionals seeking digital detox weekends
- Small friend groups planning retreats or celebrations
- Travelers with muscle soreness, arthritis, or jet lag
- Cold-weather vacationers who want to warm up after hikes, skiing, or even long drives
What Kind of Sauna Should You Get?
There are two great routes for vacation rentals:
- Infrared Saunas: Great for small spaces, faster heat-up, and lower energy use. Guests love the modern wellness feel.
- Hybrid Saunas (like those with traditional heating + infrared): These are perfect for luxury properties and appeal to both sauna traditionalists and wellness seekers. These are often built with premium materials like Canadian red cedar and offer features like chromotherapy lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and more.
If your Airbnb has outdoor space, a cube sauna adds huge visual appeal. It becomes a central photo-op for social media and can be listed as a top amenity.
Maintenance and Guest Use
Worried about maintenance? Most modern saunas, especially infrared or hybrid ones, require minimal upkeep. Ozone filtration systems and solid construction (stainless steel + real cedar) mean you’re not cleaning out moldy water or dealing with major plumbing like you would with a hot tub.
Just make sure to:
- Provide simple printed instructions in the sauna and a digital guidebook
- Add rules about showering before use and not eating/drinking inside
- Include spa-style towels, robes, and maybe a scent diffuser to elevate the experience
You’ll be surprised at how respectful guests are when the amenity is clearly explained and treated as a luxury.