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Saunamasters told stories during 15-minute ceremonies / PHOTO: Aysia Marotta
Judging from the lines of folks in the queue, you might have imagined that you were waiting to enter the latest trendy restaurant or sizzling cocktail bar. In fact, the destination was even hotter – the event sauna at Bathhouse Williamsburg, New York City, US!
The first-ever national US trials for the Aufguss World Masters Championship were held there recently and the excitement from organisers, partners Design for Leisure, competitors and attendees was palpable.
Over two days, eight solo contenders and two teams competed to represent the US at the annual worldwide competition in Verona, Italy, between 15-21 September.
The fifteen-minute performances were judged by an international panel of four experts. Lasse Eriksen, Aufguss WM VP and Norway Sauna Association was joined by Riccardo Marzi (Aufguss.it), Enrico Ganassin and Ong Lay Pay (Danish Sauna Association).
Judging criteria Solo contestants are judged on five categories:
• Professionalism Hygiene, cleanliness and safety are key to making participants feel comfortable and allow the audience to connect to the saunamaster's storytelling.
• Heat A crucial component for any sauna, but judges look at how it's used during the ritual and when it's increased during the experience.
• Towel waving techniques The difficulty of the style used and whether the movements integrate both hands and throws is assessed.
• Scents Essential oils are used on the sauna's stones, which are heated to 200-300 degrees Celsius. The judges want to see the oils, which have different burning points, used correctly and at the right points within the show's narrative.
• The Show The judges assess the atmosphere and use of music and timing and how compelling the storyline is.
During team performances, judges pay attention to choreography and synchronisation.
Second-place finishers will have another opportunity to compete in play-offs (to be held in Germany, 28-31 August) for a last chance to participate in the World Championships.
This year national Aufguss World Masters trials have been held in 18 countries, including first-time entrants for Canada and the US – which join Japan as being among the first non-European countries to take part.
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
Saunamasters told stories during 15-minute ceremonies / PHOTO: Aysia Marotta
Judging from the lines of folks in the queue, you might have imagined that you were waiting to enter the latest trendy restaurant or sizzling cocktail bar. In fact, the destination was even hotter – the event sauna at Bathhouse Williamsburg, New York City, US!
The first-ever national US trials for the Aufguss World Masters Championship were held there recently and the excitement from organisers, partners Design for Leisure, competitors and attendees was palpable.
Over two days, eight solo contenders and two teams competed to represent the US at the annual worldwide competition in Verona, Italy, between 15-21 September.
The fifteen-minute performances were judged by an international panel of four experts. Lasse Eriksen, Aufguss WM VP and Norway Sauna Association was joined by Riccardo Marzi (Aufguss.it), Enrico Ganassin and Ong Lay Pay (Danish Sauna Association).
Judging criteria Solo contestants are judged on five categories:
• Professionalism Hygiene, cleanliness and safety are key to making participants feel comfortable and allow the audience to connect to the saunamaster's storytelling.
• Heat A crucial component for any sauna, but judges look at how it's used during the ritual and when it's increased during the experience.
• Towel waving techniques The difficulty of the style used and whether the movements integrate both hands and throws is assessed.
• Scents Essential oils are used on the sauna's stones, which are heated to 200-300 degrees Celsius. The judges want to see the oils, which have different burning points, used correctly and at the right points within the show's narrative.
• The Show The judges assess the atmosphere and use of music and timing and how compelling the storyline is.
During team performances, judges pay attention to choreography and synchronisation.
Second-place finishers will have another opportunity to compete in play-offs (to be held in Germany, 28-31 August) for a last chance to participate in the World Championships.
This year national Aufguss World Masters trials have been held in 18 countries, including first-time entrants for Canada and the US – which join Japan as being among the first non-European countries to take part.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
