Tailor-made sauna for hotels: Why individual solutions make the difference
A wellness area stands and falls with its sauna. But while many hotels rely on standard products, the most successful hotels rely on a tailor-made sauna — a product that is precisely tailored to the room, the target group and the design concept of the hotel. In this article, we explain what distinguishes a made-to-measure sauna from the rack, what variants there are and what to look out for when planning.
Made-to-measure sauna: What is behind the term?
A custom-made sauna is not a product from the catalogue that can be ordered in different sizes. It is an individually planned and manufactured object that is tailored to the exact dimensions, room geometry and design requirements of a hotel. This starts with the floor area and height, continues with the choice of wood type and surface structure to technology, lighting and integration into the surrounding architecture.
In the hotel sector, a tailor-made sauna is particularly relevant, because no two wellness rooms are the same. Sloping ceilings, unusual floor plans, attic locations or listed buildings — all of this poses insoluble problems for standard products. A custom-made sauna is developed precisely for these situations and transforms architectural challenges into design quality.
What types of saunas are available for a custom-made sauna?
The decision for a made-to-measure sauna begins with the choice of sauna type. Each variant has its own indoor climate, its own target group and its own technical requirements:
Finnish sauna: The classic variant with dry heat between 80 and 100 °C and low humidity. Ideal for guests who appreciate intense warmth and traditional infusion. As a made-to-measure sauna , it can be designed with high-quality woods such as aspen, alder or thermo-ash and can be perfectly integrated into the wellness area.
Bio-Sanarium: Milder temperatures of around 50–65 °C with higher humidity. Particularly suitable for guests who find classic sauna heat too intense. A made-to-measure sauna in this variant offers space for atmospheric design with lighting control, scent systems and sound therapy.
Combined infra-bio sauna: The fastest-growing category in the hotel segment. This made-to-measure sauna combines the deep warming effect of infrared radiation with the mild climate of the Bio-Sanarium — two experiences in one room, for maximum flexibility in operation and a broader target group appeal.
Steam sauna: Humid heat at 40–60 °C and saturated humidity. Technically demanding to implement, as sealing, ventilation and choice of materials must meet the highest requirements. As a made-to-measure sauna with natural stone, mosaic or matt chrome steel surfaces, the steam bath becomes a premium element of the wellness area.
Material and design: What makes a high-quality sauna
With a made-to-measure sauna, quality begins with the material. In the interior, heat-resistant, pleasant-smelling and haptically convincing woods are in demand: aspen, alder and thermo-ash are among the most proven options for the sauna area. For outdoor use, especially in free-standing sauna houses or garden saunas, weatherproof hardwoods or weather-resistant thermal floors are suitable.
The design of a made-to-measure sauna naturally fits into the overarching design language of the hotel. Modern alpine architecture requires different solutions than an urban design hotel or a historic spa house. Large-scale glass fronts, integrated lighting concepts, individual bench configurations or an external infusion area – all this is possible and is developed together with the client in the planning phase.
Tailor-made sauna in hotel operations: technology, maintenance and operational safety
A sauna made to measure for hotel operations has different requirements than a private sauna. Daily continuous operation, changing user numbers and high hygiene requirements must be taken into account in planning, material selection and technology. High-quality sauna controls with programmable heat-up times, automatic overheating protection and remote maintenance option are standard for a professional sauna made to measure for hotels.
Maintainability also plays a crucial role: components must be easily accessible and spare parts must remain available. A made-to-measure sauna that can be operated reliably and without long downtimes is the basis for a smooth wellness operation – and for satisfied guests.
Custom-made sauna from IMAGINOX and TAO: quality from a single source
TAO is the sauna division of the IMAGINOX GROUP and stands for precision craftsmanship, modern design and error-free continuous operation. Thanks to our own carpentry workshop, saunas can be manufactured entirely according to individual wishes — in any size, with any type of wood, with any lighting and equipment configuration. All commercial models comply with all technology, hygiene and safety regulations and can be conveniently managed remotely by hotel staff. From the first draft to the turnkey handover, each sauna is made to measure in close coordination with the client – tailored to the room geometry, target group and design requirements of the hotel. The offer includes Finnish saunas, organic sanarium, combined infra-bio saunas and steam baths in every size and configuration.
Reference projects such as the Al Nin Hotel & Spa in Livigno, where a custom-made sauna world was realised as part of a two-storey wellness area, show the result: a tailor-made sauna that is not only technically convincing, but also becomes the unmistakable feature of the hotel. More information can be found on www.imaginox.com
