The findings reinforce the value of varied thermal experiences – both dry and wet / photo: shutterstock/alenacepl
Hot water bathing may bring unique health benefits compared to saunas, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Physiology*.
Researchers from the University of Oregon found that soaking in a hot tub raises core body temperature more than dry or infrared saunas, triggering strong cardiovascular and immune responses.
Lead author Jessica Atencio says: “Hot water immersion was the most impactful when it came to increasing core body temperature ... causing an increase in blood flow, which is beneficial for vascular health.”
Quicker response Researchers monitored body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output (the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute), immune cell populations and blood biomarkers of inflammation. Data was collected before, during and after subjects soaked in a hot tub, sat in traditional dry heat and also in far-infrared saunas.
Of the three types of heat therapy, only hot water immersion produced an inflammatory response, as measured by the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the blood – an immune signalling molecule that drives immune cell populations.
Atencio explains: “When you’re submerged in water, the body can’t cool efficiently through sweating, so immersion produces more robust temperature increases.”
Co-author Christopher Minson, who has studied heat therapies for over two decades, adds: “Heat therapy can be a peaceful, cultural or social experience, which contributes to its health benefits. It’s also an option for people unable to exercise.”
Mix it up With demand for recovery and social wellness growing across spa, fitness and wellness sectors (see p54), the findings reinforce the value of offering a range of thermal options.
Liz Terry, the editorial director of Spa Business, notes: “Having new insights that drive purchasing decisions and business development is critical.
“We already know the efficacy of both traditional and infrared saunas, now research shows that warm water bathing, when done safely, is a powerful part of the mix.”
*Atencio, JK et al. Comparison of thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and immune responses to different passive heat therapy modalities. American Journal of Physiology, 2025.
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In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
The findings reinforce the value of varied thermal experiences – both dry and wet / photo: shutterstock/alenacepl
Hot water bathing may bring unique health benefits compared to saunas, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Physiology*.
Researchers from the University of Oregon found that soaking in a hot tub raises core body temperature more than dry or infrared saunas, triggering strong cardiovascular and immune responses.
Lead author Jessica Atencio says: “Hot water immersion was the most impactful when it came to increasing core body temperature ... causing an increase in blood flow, which is beneficial for vascular health.”
Quicker response Researchers monitored body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output (the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute), immune cell populations and blood biomarkers of inflammation. Data was collected before, during and after subjects soaked in a hot tub, sat in traditional dry heat and also in far-infrared saunas.
Of the three types of heat therapy, only hot water immersion produced an inflammatory response, as measured by the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the blood – an immune signalling molecule that drives immune cell populations.
Atencio explains: “When you’re submerged in water, the body can’t cool efficiently through sweating, so immersion produces more robust temperature increases.”
Co-author Christopher Minson, who has studied heat therapies for over two decades, adds: “Heat therapy can be a peaceful, cultural or social experience, which contributes to its health benefits. It’s also an option for people unable to exercise.”
Mix it up With demand for recovery and social wellness growing across spa, fitness and wellness sectors (see p54), the findings reinforce the value of offering a range of thermal options.
Liz Terry, the editorial director of Spa Business, notes: “Having new insights that drive purchasing decisions and business development is critical.
“We already know the efficacy of both traditional and infrared saunas, now research shows that warm water bathing, when done safely, is a powerful part of the mix.”
*Atencio, JK et al. Comparison of thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and immune responses to different passive heat therapy modalities. American Journal of Physiology, 2025.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Spa people: Tim Fu
Leading a wellness architecture project in Slovenia that’s one of the first in the world to use AI in all stages of design
Spa people: Kayley Thomas
Lush is famous for its bath bombs and retail empire, but the co-founder of its day spa concept reveals why its 19 global spa facilities are so essential
Spa people: Colin Mcilheney
We find out more about Colin Mcilheney, the man who created the ISPA US Spa Industry Study and has been analysing the sector’s performance ever since
News report: Map of luxury
New research by WATG shows emerging wealth hubs in India, the Gulf, Southeast Asia and Africa are reshaping luxury travel demand
Interview: Chris Norton
The CEO of Equinox Hotels tells Katie Barnes how the uber-cool brand is scaling its bold fusion of fitness, spa and luxury
Ask an expert...: Recovery
From cryo to compression to contrast bathing, Julie Cramer investigates why and how spas and resorts are integrating recovery packages
Research: Behind the boom
What are the hidden messages in the latest US study by ISPA? Colin Mcilheney digs beneath the surface
Research: Bigger picture
Rising salaries and shifting consumer expectations – two new surveys by the UKSA and GSG reveal the trends impacting UK spa operators
Sponsored: Lemi - Good sensations
Lemi’s Venice Head Spa combines the beauty of Italian design with fine-tuned technology to provide the ultimate top-to-toe treatment station for spas
Sponsored: G.M. COLLIN – Smooth operator
The new toner from G.M. Collin represents a ‘gold standard’ in leave-on liquid exfoliation for smooth and radiant results, without the irritation of a scrub
Sponsored: TechnoAlpin – Snow for all seasons
TechnoAlpin’s magical Snowroom installation at the Alpenrose resort brings the Austrian landscape and feel-good nature factor to its wellbeing experience
First person: Costa Blanca cure
Jane Kitchen visits Spain to compare and contrast two world-class medi-wellness clinics: well-established SHA and ambitious newcomer ZEM
Sponsored: Gharieni Group – Tech-powered recovery
The new brand in the Gharieni Group portfolio – Metawell – is delivering what today’s wellness clients are seeking most – deep recovery and mind-body renewal
Sponsored: BC Softwear – Human touch
While touchless therapies are a positive addition to spas, nothing can replace the healing power of human touch, says Barbara Cooke
Sponsored: Yon-ka – A potent blend
Yon-Ka’s new Serum Omega is a potent blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 to target
dry, stressed-out skin and deliver a calm and nourishing client experience
Menu engineering: At your service
Self-playing gongs in Sweden, surfing therapy in Morocco and Ananda launches holistic diabetes management programme in India
Private hotel owner and developer HVL Hotels will open a new luxury resort and tourism
destination called Laval Hunter Valley in the second half of 2027 in Pokolbin, Australia.
The annual wellness festival dedicated to wellbeing, culture, longevity and human connection,
called Alma, will be hosted by Rocco Forte hotel, Verdura Resort in Sicily, Italy.
Capella Hotel Group has appointed Feisal Jaffer as chief development officer as the company
ramps up its global expansion of both its Capella and Patina brands.
People taking GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound
may be losing weight, but they’re also becoming less physically active, according to new
research presented at the ENDO 2026 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Global retreat trade show, Synergy The Retreat Show, has launched a resource called The
Source, which hosts an open-access online Transformation Series programme.
The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) charity has announced its first five-
day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat, which will be held at Carden Park Hotel and Spa in
Cheshire, UK, between 1 and 5 September.
Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, has opened in Greece, with a renovated and
rebranded wellness offering called Ansana Wellness and Spa.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection property in Hawaii, US, has opened its
22,000 sq ft indoor-outdoor Spa at Mauna Kea as the final step in the property’s overall
renovation, which has cost more than US$180 million (€166 million, £140 mill
The UK spa review and discovery platform for consumers, the Good Spa Guide, has announced
it will host the Good Spa Guide Awards 2026 during an event on 16 November at Sopwell House
Hotel in St Albans, UK.
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
