When luxury real estate and wellness collide, few things elevate an outdoor space quite like a beautifully designed sauna. In a recent Mansion Global feature titled “The Dream Steam: Saunas Aren’t Just for Indoors Anymore”, writer Ameena Walker explored the rising popularity of outdoor saunas—and the health and design trends driving the movement.
As one of the pioneers of infrared sauna technology, we at Clearlight® Saunas were honoured to be featured in the article alongside other voices in the space. Below, we expand on the key insights from Mansion Global’s piece and offer our perspective on why the outdoor sauna isn’t just having a moment (we've been selling saunas for 28 years!), it’s becoming a mainstay of modern home wellness.
The 'Day Spa', Reimagined for Your Backyard
Backyards are no longer just for barbecues and lounging. They’re fast becoming curated extensions of the home - personal sanctuaries designed to support rest, recovery, and wellbeing. As Mansion Global puts it:
“Outdoor saunas are having a moment, and for good reason. For homeowners with exterior space to spare, an outdoor sauna provides relaxation in the comfort of your backyard. And for those serious about wellness, saunas make a good investment in your overall well-being.”
At Clearlight®, we’ve seen firsthand the shift toward open-air infrared rituals. Our Sanctuary Outdoor Saunas - available in two-person and five-person models - are designed to merge nature, technology, and wellness into one seamless experience. These saunas come equipped with True Wave® full-spectrum infrared heaters, medical-grade chromotherapy, Bluetooth and smartphone controls, and ultra-low EMF/ELF shielding - all engineered to withstand the elements while delivering a the health beenefits of sauna.
What Kind of Sauna Is Right for Your Dream Garden?
Whether you prefer the organic charm of wood-fired heat or the gentle glow of infrared, the outdoor sauna category is more diverse than ever.
As quoted in the original article:
“Barrel saunas are a top pick because they heat up fast and have this cozy vibe thanks to their curved design. If you’ve got the space, a cabin-style sauna feels more traditional and can fit the whole family,” says Veeti Sairanen. “For something sleek and modern, cube saunas with glass panels are stunning because they bring in a ton of natural light and look super high-end.”
Clearlight’s cabin-style Sanctuary Outdoor models strike the perfect balance: modern lines, tempered-glass facades, FSC-certified wood, and advanced heating tech—all backed by a lifetime residential warranty.
And as Clearlight® founder Dr. Raleigh Duncan explains:
“There are outdoor infrared saunas, combination infrared, and traditional rock-heater saunas that allow either heating system to be run. Some outdoor infrared saunas have full glass fronts and recliner benches for extra luxury and unobstructed viewing. A few brands of outdoor infrared saunas allow red-light therapy and chromotherapy to be added to the infrared therapy. They may also offer aromatherapy and healing-salt therapy in combination for a total healing experience.”
The Wellness Benefits of Outdoor Living
As Mansion Global points out, research supports what sauna users have known intuitively for decades. Sauna use has been associated with promoting relaxation, supporting recovery after exercise, encouraging healthy skin, aiding the body’s natural detoxification processes, and creating space for deep rest. When placed outdoors, a sauna becomes more than just a wellness tool - it becomes a way to reconnect with nature, transition gently from the built environment, and embrace a slower pace.
The Rise of Wellness Backyards: Why Your Garden Is Your Next Retreat