Where to Sauna: A Guide to Durham, Charlotte, and Bonita Springs

When Sauna House first opened its doors, the goal wasn’t just to bring the benefits of contrast therapy to Asheville — it was to create a space that feels intentional down to the last detail. A place where design supports well-being. Where the pace slows so that clarity can grow. And where heat, cold, and rest are simple, accessible tools for feeling better — not luxury indulgences.

Those guiding principles have stayed with us, from our Asheville roots to every community that’s welcomed us since. Today, you’ll find Sauna House in Durham, Charlotte, and Bonita Springs, with each space informed by its own local rhythm and amenities — yet grounded in a shared design philosophy and sense of ritual. From the natural, high-quality materials used in our saunas and in-ground cold plunges to our calming color palettes and thoughtful bathhouse layout choices, everything is carefully considered to pair form with function, balance stillness with connection, and leave you feeling your best.

Curious what our hot-cold-relax philosophy looks like in Durham, Charlotte, and Bonita Springs? We’ll show you around the bathhouses below. And because no great reset ends at the door, we’re also sharing a few favorite stops near each location, from art museums to natural wine bars. Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do or just visiting the area, consider checking them out post-sauna to keep the feeling of restful discovery going.

Find us at: 326 W Geer St, Durham, NC 27701

When Sauna House came to downtown Durham, we found a spacious, light-filled building that struck just the right balance — calm and restorative, with an undercurrent of energy. Blocks from Durham Central Park and tucked beneath airy, lofted ceilings, the space now houses our largest in-ground cold plunges yet.

These stainless steel pools stay between 45–55°F, with circulating, filtered water and a generous depth that better evokes the feeling of dipping into a cold lake or ocean — offering a full-body immersion experience that’s hard to replicate in a tub. Research also suggests that full immersion after exercise can be more effective for recovery than modified cryotherapy methods, and being able to stand or move freely in the water helps support our intentional breathwork and nervous system regulation, too.

The result is a spacious, grounding plunge experience — one that invites you to stretch, breathe deeply, and settle into sauna culture stillness while benefiting from the natural dopamine lift that cold exposure brings.

• Public bathhouse with 2 high-heat traditional saunas, 2 large stainless steel cold plunges
• Heated Galanter & Jones lounge furniture
• Private loft (for up to 8): Private aspen sauna, cold plunge, rainfall shower
• Private vaulted room (for up to 6): A private aspen sauna, cold plunge, and shower, sized for solo rituals and small groups

• Grab a cortado and churros at Cocoa Cinnamon for a delicious post-sauna treat that’s just down the street
• Take in some contemporary art at the Nasher Museum of Art, a 65,000 sq. ft. building offering a groundbreaking collection of contemporary art
• Enjoy a meal of Spanish tapas with a Southern flair at Mateo Bar de Tapas
• Browse the bookshelves at Letters, a community bookshop and co-op, to find your next favorite read
• Catch a film screening or show at the Carolina Theatre for an evening of music, comedy, or dance
• Get moving with two of Durham’s most popular running groups—We run Durham & Bull City Run Club. Never run with a group? It’s not unlike the lift you get from sweating it out in the sauna with a community.
  
  Visit Sauna House Durham

Find us at: 1500 W Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28208

A bright, airy oasis nestled between the vibrant FreeMoreWest district and charming Wesley Heights, our Sauna House Charlotte location makes the most of its open layout and abundant natural light — all within a thoughtfully restored historic building. Whether you're stopping by to unwind after catching a Panthers game at the nearby Bank of America Stadium or easing into a solo afternoon reset, the space invites you to breathe deeper, move slower, and stay awhile.

As with every Sauna House location, the flow of the circuit — hot, cold, rest, repeat — is supported by a layout designed to guide you through the experience with ease. Communal areas are open and inviting without feeling exposed, creating a social sauna culture atmosphere that’s never overstimulating. And lounging zones are subtly separated, allowing for quiet conversation, reflection, or a peaceful pause between plunges. The goal is balance: space to connect when you want to, and space to be still when you don’t.

The Charlotte location includes everything you need for a restorative bathhouse visit — from high-heat saunas to stainless steel cold plunges — plus the option to reserve private cedar sauna rooms tailored for solo sessions or small group rituals. That’s especially popular for midday resets, offering a moment of calm in the rhythm of a busy day.

• Public bathhouse with 2 high-heat traditional saunas, 2 large stainless steel cold plunges
• Heated Galanter & Jones lounge furniture
• Large private cedar sauna (fits 8), with a private plunge and shower
• Small private cedar sauna (fits 4), with a private plunge and shower

• Refuel next door at Rhino Market & Deli, a neighborhood favorite for sandwiches or pop into Town Brewing Co. for a cold one—both seconds from Sauna House Charlotte’s front door!
• Head to the nearby Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek greenways for a post-sauna walk and some fresh air
• Explore exhibits centering Black artists at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
• Sip natural wine at The Bohemian
• Shop books, home goods, and vinyl at Paper Skyscraper, where you can find one-of-a-kind finds from local artists and makers
• Close your exercise ring in with the city’s most popular run club—Mad Miles. They host around three events every week, check here for the latest.

Visit Sauna House Charlotte

Find us at: 10610 Founders Way Unit 100, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Our first franchise location, Bonita Springs brings the Sauna House experience to sunny southwest Florida with its own relaxed, beach-adjacent bathhouse vibe. It’s also conveniently located for pickleballers headed to the U.S. Open of Pickleball (cold plunges make for great post-match recovery!).

Whether you're coming off the court, a workout, or simply a long travel day, contrast therapy is a powerful way to restore balance. Cold plunges can help reduce inflammation, ease muscle soreness, and support circulation — while contrasting heat exposure from the sauna can improve mobility and activate the body’s natural recovery processes. Alternating between hot and cold also helps regulate stress hormones and tap into the parasympathetic nervous system, making it just as beneficial for your mood as your muscles.

Bonita Springs offers our widest array of communal cold plunges yet, with three pools ranging from 42–60°F and a three-tier sauna that echoes traditional Finnish design principles. The facility also features private infrared and cedar sauna rooms — some with chromotherapy panels, rainfall showers, and personal music systems — for a completely customized session.

• Communal sauna + 3 temperature-varied cold plunge pools
• Heated Galanter & Jones lounge seating
• Palm Room & Sandbar Room: Private cedar sauna + plunge for 4 guests
• Imperial Room: Private cedar sauna + plunge for groups of up to 10
• Private infrared sauna with a chromotherapy panel and private rainfall shower (or bring a friend for + $25)

• Browse handmade goods and vintage finds at the Flamingo Island Flea Market
• Relax on the outdoor patio of Organically Twisted, a vegan hotspot
• Watch the sunset at Barefoot Beach Preserve
• Book a facial at a nearby spa, like Spa Renova or Face Foundrié
• Try a beach yoga session at Bonita Beach Park
• Ladies—Get your steps in with a Naples’ Girls Walk Club. $10 membership is a steal, and a no-brainer when you hear it gives you 20% off at Sauna House Bonita Springs!

Visit Sauna House Bonita Springs

Durham, Charlotte, and Bonita Springs each bring something distinct to the Sauna House family, but our core remains unchanged: modern, minimalist design where form and function are in balance. All of our spaces invite stillness without feeling sterile — a commitment to making the benefits of bathing rituals intuitive, grounding, and within reach.

As we continue to grow, we’re excited to expand our franchise network to even more cities. Next up: Knoxville, Greenville, Austin North Loop, Raleigh, and Charleston. Each new space will stay rooted in our design values — but, like our community, no two will be exactly the same.