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I’m a bit of a wellness junkie, but I like rituals and habits that are scientifically proven and stand the test of time. Eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, getting sound sleep, reaching 10,000 steps a day, and now, taking a sauna 3-4 times a week, are essential parts of my “wellness stack.” From here, I might embellish a little: I love the occasional Erewhon or Goop Rotisserie dinner, daily electrolyte drink (Instant Hydration is a new favorite), tracking sleep and activity in my Oura Ring, daily Ritual vitamin and protein, acupuncture from my energy healer, hot yoga, and many of the other wellness accouterments there is no shortage of in LA.
Wo, when my husband tasked me with finding the best sauna as the last piece of the puzzle for the home we’ve lived in for the past two years, I took my job seriously – and landed at Sun Home Saunas.
You May Be Wondering: Why Sauna In The First Place?
Sweating is your body’s natural way of detoxing, and there’s no better place to work up a healthy sweat than in a sauna. As the heat penetrates deep into your skin, it opens your pores and encourages the release of toxins. Think of it as a gentle purge, allowing your body to shed impurities and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Not only do saunas reduce stress and improve circulation, but they can also help rid the body of toxins from a variety of sources such as air pollution, food, and personal care products (women walk out of their home after applying an average of 168 chemicals every day, according to one study). During an infrared sauna session, you can expect to detoxify your body by releasing toxins such as:
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Mercury
- Arsenic
- Aluminum
- Nickel
- Formaldehyde
- Chlorine
- Bromine
- PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
Aside from all of the decades-old tried and proven health benefits, at its core, the sauna is a sanctuary for self-care. It’s a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and honor your body.
We like
- High-quality craftsmanship
- 10 effective infrared heaters–you need less heat to achieve the same, even better, results
- Spacious design
- Aesthetic AF
- Ultra-low EMF/ELF shielding
- Accompanying app
- Mental health and wellness benefits
- Sustainable materials
- Improved my sleep and HRV
- Best investment that I use almost every. single. day.
We don't like
- Slightly complicated and expensive delivery and assembly (use of 3rd party vendor to install-though they provide recs in your area)
- Lack of cohesive instructions /best practices / education
- Safety concerns with front lamps getting very hot / lacking proper protection
- No child-safety lock (we bought one on Amazon)
Here Comes the Sun Home
Sun Home Saunas brought the healing warmth of the summer sun to my home with their Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 5-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew the experience was going to be something special—something that would go beyond the average sauna experience and redefine what relaxation means to me.
The Sun Home Sauna collection features three exceptional models, all currently on sale. The Solstice™ ($4,899) is perfect for a one-person indoor sauna experience. The Equinox™ ($6,399) offers a cozy retreat for two indoors. For those who prefer an outdoor setup, the Luminar™ ($9,399) can accommodate up to five people. I personally went for the Luminar™ because it gives me that outdoor nature escape feel, plus I can experience it as a solo sanctuary or a space for my family and friends.
It’s Gettin’ Hot in Here
Infrared saunas are like a modern twist on the traditional sauna experience, offering all the benefits at a much more comfortable temperature. Instead of heating the air around you like a regular sauna does (which can get as hot as 195°F), infrared saunas use special lamps to warm your body directly. This means you still get all the detoxifying and circulation-boosting perks but at a cozier range of 110°F to 140°F. For those who want the option to really crank up the heat, Sun Home Saunas go up to 170°F, giving you more flexibility to tailor your experience, whether you're in for a relaxing sweat or a more intense detox.
Another important consideration is the heat emitted by the infrared heaters. These heaters can get very hot quickly, and the front heaters, in particular, lack protective coverings, aside from an embossed warning that says “Caution Hot.” While the other heaters are safely positioned behind the wood backrest, the exposed front heaters require extra caution. After burning my toe on one accidentally while stretching (100% my fault), I’ve become much more vigilant while inside. I also noticed that one of the plastic strips holding the glass has slightly warped from the heat, but the Sun Home Saunas team responded promptly and assured me they would send someone out to fix it, which I appreciate.
For parents considering this sauna, it's important to note the lack of a child safety lock, which could be a concern for little ones. I ended up installing one myself but wish it came standard or was offered by Sun Home as an add-on. Despite this, the sauna delivers significant mental health and wellness benefits, promoting relaxation and stress relief, making it a valuable addition to any wellness routine.
Looks Good, Feels Good
When it comes to aesthetics, my Luminar™ is simply stunning. The Canadian cedar carbonized wood gives it a rich, warm appearance that’s somehow luxurious and inviting at the same time. It’s giving high-quality craftsmanship. As someone who tends to get claustrophobic in saunas, its double-pane glass exterior lets me look outside and feel like I'm surrounded by nature, even though I'm technically inside. It’s not all just looks, though; the cedar wood is also incredibly durable and resistant to decay, so I know its beauty is built to last. With this addition to my home, it’s like having a piece of the spa on my upstairs deck, making my closest de-stressor from work life just a few steps away.
Every time I step inside, the warmth envelops me in the most comforting way. I’ve worked my way up over the last few weeks from 10 minutes at 140 degrees to 20 minutes 170 degrees. The heat it omits is steady and soothing. Kudos to the sauna’s excellent insulation! Unlike other saunas I’ve tried, there’s no uneven heating or hot spots—just a consistent, gentle heat that seeps into my muscles, melts away the tension, and detoxifies my body.
This consistency is super impressive, especially considering it holds ten infrared heaters, making it the only one of its kind in the entire world. And the best part? There’s no overwhelming scent of chemicals or artificial materials. Just a subtle, earthy aroma of wood, which adds to the sensory experience.
How To Build the Sun
The exhilaration of unboxing a new item is often quickly met with the anxiety of setting it up, especially with a piece as substantial as this sauna model. While I didn’t expect the setup to be a small task, the delivery and assembly proved to be a bit more complicated and expensive than anticipated. Although the company provided great advice for installation in Los Angeles, I'm unsure how smoothly the process would go in other locations.
To add to the challenge, the sauna didn’t come with any instructions or best practices (something they could easily fix!). We paid about $2,000 for installation because we installed it on our rooftop deck, though your installation may be significantly cheaper, as it needs to be near a strong electrical outlet, so we had to do a lot of rewiring to get it up there.
Sweating Has Never Been Cleaner
Keeping my sauna clean is easier than you might think, and I’ve developed a simple routine that works well for me. After every session, I start with a quick vacuum to clear out any loose debris—dust, dirt, or even leaves if it’s been windy outside. Then, I grab my sauna cleaner (purchased on Amazon), spritz it around, and wipe down all the surfaces to get rid of sweat and residue.
Every month or so, if there are any stubborn stains that won’t budge, my husband or I will use some fine sandpaper to lightly sand those areas, which keeps the wood looking brand new. This routine has been a breeze to stick to, and it really makes stepping into the sauna feel like a fresh, relaxing experience every time. I mean, who doesn’t love a good Sunday clean? It’s low-maintenance, but keeps everything in top condition!
Portal to Peace
The benefits are almost immediate. After just a few minutes, I can feel the stress of my workday slipping away. Not only do my muscles relax, but my mind quiets. I feel a comfort in the stillness and a sense of restored peace that’s hard to find when you operate life at 100mph. Sweating out toxins leaves me feeling refreshed and revitalized, not to mention the added boost to my skin’s appearance. That natural post-sauna glow has truly become my biggest skincare routine hack. Sometimes, I’ll even take my gua sha in with me. The increased circulation from the heat enhances blood flow, bringing fresh, oxygenated blood to your skin’s surface. This not only nourishes your skin but also leaves it looking dewy and radiant. Say goodbye to dullness and hello to a complexion that beams with vitality.
The medical-grade chromotherapy lighting makes me feel like I’ve hopped into a personal time portal, as the subtle interior and exterior LED accents enhance the serenity. Coupled with the Bluetooth premium surround sound system, I can connect my phone and jam out to my favorite song or podcast—queue The Skinny Confidential Him and Hers Podcast— or I can opt for a guided meditation and further sink into bliss. The speaker system is fairly basic, but is still user-friendly.
Admittedly, I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to electromagnetics, so one feature that really stands out is the ultra-low EMF/ELF shielding. It's comforting to know that while I'm soaking in the benefits of the sauna, I'm also protected from any harmful electromagnetic fields. Adding in this tiny touch of safety makes my sauna session even more enjoyable and worry-free. Plus, there’s the eco-friendly aspect. Knowing that the materials are sustainably sourced and the carbonization process is gentle on the environment makes the Sun Home Luminar™ an even better choice.
An added bonus to this already decked-out sauna? SunHome also has an app! Their delightful customer service team helped us set it up, and it's been a game changer ever since. Now we can remotely heat the sauna and step in when it's perfectly toasty.
It seems like saunas are trending everywhere, and now I totally get why. This sauna works wonders on my blood circulation, helping my muscles recover faster and reducing inflammation thanks to its infrared technology. I recently saw a Stanford medical study say that regular sauna decreases all-cause mortality by 40%. That alone is enough to make me a believer. I've noticed a big boost in my immune system too—I feel more resilient and less prone to getting sick.
And let’s talk about sleep—I’m finally getting that deep, REM-level sleep we all dream of. Plus, the mental clarity I experience after each session makes tackling the day’s challenges so much easier. The consistent use of this sauna has become my new go-to for maintaining overall wellness and a balanced, stress-free life. One of the best investments I’ve ever made to-date, it's safe to say, I’m completely addicted to the heat.
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