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...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Swissline by Dermalab
Inspired by the science of cellular rejuvenation and driven by the desire to optimise skin health an [more...]
Elemental Herbology
Founded in 2008 by a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Elemental Herbology is a spa, retail [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.
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.
Eighty-four per cent of consumers now say wellness is a top priority in their lives, with this
percentage increasing year on year, according to a preview presentation of McKinsey’s Future of
Wellness 2026 research report.
Mass protests have been taking place since Monday 1 June in Albania over the development of
a luxury resort by Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
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.
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...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Swissline by Dermalab Inspired by the science of cellular rejuvenation and driven by the desire to optimise skin health an [more...]
