Vikings settled disputes with ale-drinking contests and pillaged ships. But they also knew how to relax, taking advantage of geothermal features and the restorative powers of hot water. That kind of restoration has carried on for ages, as sauna-based destinations are very much trending at the moment.
The sauna is no spring chicken. It’s estimated to be some 2,000 years old, created with the use of hot rocks in Finland. But what started as a fine way to fend of the winter cold or wind down after battle has become one of the most preferred means of relaxation, no matter where you call home.
Some places do it better than others. As you create your summer travel itinerary, consider going full Viking and treat your body to some age-old remedies. There are some remarkable locales out there, set up with glamping-like communes built around saunas and their long-cherished powers of recovery.
Now, with all do respect to the viking and their many conquests, this is 2026. That means while we still hold near and dear the warm water experience, we look forward to modern accoutrements too, like plush bedding (even in a yurt), massages, aromatherapy sessions, and more.
With the following options, you get the best of both worlds. There’s the abundant natural beauty and built-in ability to get lost in the wild. Plus, you get the modern day amenities. That might not mean screens and a solid internet action but instead guided instructions on archery or massages from trained professionals.
Chances are good that if you pursue one of these places, you’ll enter adventurous and eager and leave with some mental and physical clarity. There’s a lot of data out there supporting time spent away from the grid. Turns out, you can do it without fully giving up some of those luxuries.
People are after this kind of relaxation in record numbers. Searches now for camping, glamping, and resort opportunities so often revolve around nature, saunas, and an organic brand of wellness. That said, we’ve taken a little of the heavy lifting out of the internet research work.
Here are a few destination options that fit the Viking wellness theme, both abroad and right here at home.
Ekopod
Set in Cornwall, England, Ekopod is spread over five bucolic acres of flowers and forest. There’s an onsite spa, all of the glamping amenities, and you can even rest your head in a bell-shaped ten fit with a colossal king size bed. Relaxation, old English style.
Eco Camp Terme Snovik
Nestled in a quaint part of picturesque Slovenia, Eco Camp offers heated indoor and outdoor pools, treatments, and, naturally, saunas. Soak up the alpine views, take a barefoot hike, or feast at the on-site restaurant.
Les Pilotis du Cognac
A southwest French destination near the famous town of Cognac, Les Pilotis features hot tubs, saunas, and close access to nearby distilleries (famed for producing various French brandy types). There’s a big pool but we suggest going for the adjacent Charente River for a paddle or dip. There’s great biking and the grounds are divine.
Rivendell Park
This Dorsett, England resort is near the town of Bournmouth and offers a creek, saunas, and a terrace bar. Take in the breathtaking surroundings of the southern English coast, both here and the nearby Dorset National Landscape, home to the arresting Jurassic Coast.
Of course, you can find some of this right here in the states too, whether it’s sauna on a remote Midwestern lake or a floating one like they have at Ebb & Ember in Portland. Read on for a few more ideas here in the U.S.
Bodhi Farms
Place perfectly in southwestern Montana, Bodhi Farms has a year-round sauna, massages issues in teepees, and a sustainable-minded restaurant on the grounds. There’s a working farm with animal pastures and greenhouses and cabins and yoga classes, for those who really want to creature comforts. And when you feeling like an outing, get out and checkout out the nearby Bozeman dining scene as it’s quite impressive for a smaller town.
Lumen Nature Retreat
The epitome of luxe Nordic lodging, Lumen Nature Retreat touts some supremely cool amenities and architecture in the heart of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Stay in a Scandinavian structure or tent, hit the sauna, take in the bath house, or chill beside a fire pit. There’s no bad time to come, whether it’s for winter sports, summer produce and hiking, or the amazing colors of autumn lighting up the area.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
Another high-end resort with an earthy ethos, Alila Ventana is located in stunning Big Sur, California. Here, you’ll find luxe gatherings like dinners with wine pairings, cold stream plunges, falconry, leathermaking, and more. We suggest going straight to the saunas and, while you’re there, getting a roadtrip in along the central California coast.
