Unwind at a sauna this winter
Sweat it out at these Maine saunas…and enjoy some nice health benefits in the process!
Cedar Grove Sauna’s mobile sauna travels along the Maine coast. Alternate between heating up in the wood-fired sauna and dipping in the ocean at one of their popup events. COURTESY PHOTO.
By Raine Raynor
Even winter’s most fervent fans can agree: It gets cold here in Maine. If you find yourself in need of a good thaw–and a boost of health–a couple hours at the sauna may be just the remedy.
Saunas are historically rooted in Finnish and Estonian culture as places for relaxation, health and socialization. Sweating in a sauna can help relieve stress, ease muscle aches and sweat out toxins. Here in Maine, you’ll find saunas at bathhouses, gyms, spas and even on wheels. The saunas listed below are all open to the public, whether by prior appointment or as walk-ins. Bring a friend or unwind with some centering alone time!
Be sure to use saunas safely. Eat a snack beforehand, stay in for no more than 15-20 minutes at a time, and hydrate throughout. Use a towel between your skin and hot surfaces, and avoid alcohol and caffeine use at the sauna. Consult a medical professional about possible effects of any prescription or over-the-counter drugs when using a sauna.
Do you have a recommendation for a sauna we should include? Send us a message!
Saunas to visit in Maine | Local builders and sellers of saunas
A chilly plunge after sauna can be a great way to refresh and reset–whether you submerge your whole body or just dip in a toe. PHOTO COURTESY CEDAR GROVE SAUNA.
Saunas to visit in Maine
Belfast Dance Studio & Center for Embodiment
109 High Street, Belfast
207-338-5380
Public sauna open during dance studio class hours. Private and group sessions available by the hour, plus ten-session cards for frequent sauna-goers.
Camden Whole Health
91 Elm Street, Camden
207-230-7235
Wellness center offering infrared or traditional heat-and-steam sauna by appointment. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cedar Grove Sauna
935 Halldale Road, Montville
cedargrovesauna@gmail.com
Community sessions and private sauna appointments typically open Friday through Sunday from October to May, with extra availability during holiday weeks. Mobile sauna can be found at pop-up events across the Maine coast.
Driftless Sauna’s mobile wood fired sauna, “Phoenix.” PHOTO: KR REAL ESTATE MEDIA.
Driftless Sauna
81 Ricker Road, Saco
rich@woodfiredsaunas.com
207-831-2291
Rentable wood-fired mobile sauna. Custom wood-fired saunas built with local cedar are also available for purchase.
Heaven’s Door
4 Weymouth Road, Gray
atheavensdoor@hotmail.com
207-740-6487
Private sauna, hot tubs and massage open daily by appointment, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Native Sauna
Camden
info@nativesauna.com
Native Sauna uses local Atlantic cedar to build mobile saunas and hot tubs that can be rented by day or purchased.
Nurture Through Nature
77 Warren Rd, Denmark
getaway@ntnretreats.com
1-855-207-RETREAT
Wood-fired sauna with monthly community sessions and private appointments Friday through Sunday, year-round. Lodging available.
PsySoma Therapies
Lincolnville
pottle.healing@gmail.com
207-505-0465
Sauna and salt cave in an Amish cabin available by appointment or as an add-on to other spa treatments.
Riverside Lodge & Sauna
20 Paris Hill Rd, Paris
207-744-2412
Private wood-fired saunas available by appointment Thursday through Sunday. Lodging available.
A custom sauna with local cedar built by Sebago Saunas. PHOTO: KEVIN BRUSIE.
Riverview Sauna Spa & Massage
158 Pork Point Rd, Bowdoinham
207-666-3254
Private wood-fired sauna, outdoor hot tub, and massage therapy. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sea Smoke Sauna
39 Smith Street, North Haven
info@seasmokesauna.com
Private wood-fired sauna appointments for up to four people, typically open Tuesday plus Thursday through Saturday.
Sullivan Recreation and Fitness Complex at University of Southern Maine
66 Falmouth Street, Portland
usm.sullivancomplex@maine.edu
207-780-4169
Sauna in each locker room with gym membership or day pass. Open seven days a week.
Washington Baths
145 Washington Avenue, Portland
info@washingtonbaths.com
207-253-1555
Public sauna open Thursday through Monday, 2 to 9 p.m. No reservations required.
Wolf Cove Inn
5 Jordan Shore Drive, Poland
info@wolfcoveinn.com
207-998-4976
The sauna is available for 1-hour sessions for overnight guests and non-guests, alike. Ask about their “Fire & Ice” option for an ice bath to complement your sauna experience.
The Y at the Health Club & Spa
1977 S. Lisbon Rd, Lewiston
207-795-4095
Sauna and spa facilities with Auburn-Lewiston YMCA membership or day pass. Open weekdays 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Local builders and sellers of saunas
Can’t get enough? A sauna is a great addition to your home and lets you sweat it out whenever you like! The following Maine businesses include sellers and builders of saunas who prioritize sustainable wood for a relaxation experience that’s healthy for both you and the planet.
Driftless Sauna
81 Ricker Road, Saco
rich@woodfiredsaunas.com
207-831-2291
Custom wood-fired saunas built with white cedar siding and interiors available for purchase, plus rentable wood-fired mobile sauna.
The Lumbery
287 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth
mainewood@lumbery-me.com
207-835-7023
Local seller and servicer of Thermory barrel saunas built with European thermally modified spruce, a chemical-free and fully recyclable wood product.
Native Sauna
Camden
info@nativesauna.com
Builder of custom mobile saunas and hot tubs that can be rented by the day or purchased. Choose from a wood-fired, electric or propane-fueled heater.
Sauna Culture Company
Greater Portland area
info@saunacultureco.com
207-432-7787
207-409-5564
Builder of custom saunas made with local materials. Sauna rentals coming soon.
Sebago Sauna
Casco
rgdaigle@gmail.com
207-332-3631
Builds and designs custom Finnish-style saunas using Maine-grown and milled white cedar.
Snowcoast Saunas
snowcoastsaunas@gmail.com
207-807-1252
Builder of Finnish-style saunas using locally sourced wood. Mobile sauna coming soon.
On the cover: Judi steps out of a cabin in the 100-Mile Wilderness to fresh falling snow.