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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.
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative
engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly
designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Spa Supply Solutions
Founded in 2014 by spa management expert Julie Bevilacqua, Spa Supply Solutions is a leader in spa p [more...]
Living Earth Crafts
For over 50 years, LEC has been manufacturing award-winning spa equipment for the world’s finest spas [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.
Gran Hotel Taoro in northern Tenerife, Spain, has completed the final phase of its three-year
renovation with the debut of its Sandára Wellness Centre.
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the spa business with more than 650 locations across
the US and Canada, has appointed franchise expert Carrie Walsh as CEO as the company plans
to expand.
Synergy – The Retreat Show, the global trade show for retreats, has launched a global research
initiative that will provide insights into the retreat sector from both consumer and industry
perspectives.
The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has published a non-regulatory global industry
framework designed to ensure the retreat market offers responsible experiences.
A new survey of UK and international spa practitioners shows that stress, burnout and
wellbeing concerns have caused one in three respondents to consider leaving the industry.
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity
guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's
physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing
sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Anna Bjurstam has left her role as Wellness Pioneer at Six Senses Hotels and Resorts and
launched a new wellness, longevity and “consciousness consultancy” called Wahayla.
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has opened today (10 July) in the Northwest of England
with a
1,715sq m Fairmont Spa that has been designed using a ‘Wellness without Walls’
concept.
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative
engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly
designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Spa Supply Solutions Founded in 2014 by spa management expert Julie Bevilacqua, Spa Supply Solutions is a leader in spa p [more...]
