A private sauna turns a ski day or a snowy hike into a spa night, no appointment needed. Every home on this page has its own sauna, and most also have a hot tub.
There's no public bathhouse in the Poconos, so a rental with a sauna is the easiest way to get the heat-and-cold routine the Finns are famous for.
The Finnish way
In Finland, when the sauna gets too hot you step outside to roll in the snow or take a quick dip, then go back in and repeat. A Pocono winter makes that easy. Keep the cold part brief, and never plunge into open water alone.
Sauna safety (from Harvard Health)
- Sauna heat can reach 185°F, and your pulse can rise 30% or more, so stay in no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
- Cool down slowly and drink 2 to 4 glasses of cool water afterward.
- Skip alcohol before and after, and skip the sauna when you're sick. Leave right away if you feel unwell.
- People with uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease should ask a doctor first. Harvard also says people with heart rhythm problems, heart disease or circulation problems should avoid cold plunges.
Prefer a public sauna?
Spa Kalahari's Hydro Escape at Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Manor (18+) has a sauna and steam room. See our spas guide for other options.
