FAQs

HOW IS THIS SAUNA EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT FROM MY GYM?
Taking sauna in the traditional sense is very different from taking a sauna at a gym or spa. We welcome you to experience the real authentic sauna. Taking sauna can be a much more satisfying experience that what you’re accustomed to. It is also a great alternative and less maintenance than a hot tub. A traditional sauna uses lots of water—water on the rocks for steam, cool-offs outside with bucket of water and warm water bathing afterwards.

CAN I RENT AT MY AirBnB or VRBO LAKE HOUSE RENTAL?
Yes, we can reach out to your AirBnB host or feel free to do the same and get permission. Depending on the location of drop off it shouldn’t be a problem with our Mobile Saunas because they are on a small 5×8 trailer and weigh around 1500lb. The sauna needs to be well away from the home, obstructions or other buildings whether it is a vacation rental or your home.

ARE THERE LOCATION LIMITATIONS?
Yes, we will ask you about your proposed site for the sauna and make sure it will be accessible by truck and trailer. A flat driveway with easy access is preferred for quick and easy delivery. We want you to find the perfect spot but unfortunately some driveways in the Finger Lakes might not accommodate.

HOW DO THE WEEKEND SAUNA RENTALS WORK?
We usually pick a good time to drop off and set up the sauna on a Friday late afternoon or early eve. It usually takes about an hour. At the time of drop off your presence is important in order to pick location, sign the paperwork, go over sauna safety and prepare you and the sauna for the weekend. I have a information sheet for you and I go over some details on how to have an authentic sauna experience but leave the rest up to you to enjoy and discover. If it is your first time, I walk you through how to use the wood-burning stove and we supply you with a bundle of wood for the first night and handmade cedar Vihtas. You’ll need to source wood for the rest of the weekend. Depending on how many saunas and how long it burns. I usually say a large armful of kindling and small chopped wood is perfect for each sauna session.

WHAT IS A HOSTED EXPERIENCE?
A host (attendant) will curate your sauna session in a way that fits your group and will help things go smoothly so you can enjoy yourself too! We’ll start with sharing information about traditional sauna ritual and etiquette as well as the the accoutrements for sauna bathing that include birch branches “Vihta” (provided) and demonstrate how they can be used to feel incredibly invigorated. If Interested, we’ll walk you through how to tend the fire (different than house wood stove (kiuas) to get just the right heat on the rocks and how to get good steam “Löyly”. While the fire is heating the sauna, which usually takes :45 minutes, we will soak the birch branches and maintain the fire, etc. Bathers can get ready for having a sauna with towel, water and other needs before entering. If interested, cool water dips, plunges, can be arranged and are ideal on a lakeside location in any season especially winter. Several heatings and coolings maximizes health benefits and an overall feeling of euphoria after sauna. Experiencing the radiant heat of the rocks in the sauna followed by loyly, then a cool-off cycles is a deeply therapeutic endorphin release. Relaxation and connecting with nature afterwards makes the experience complete.
Full-service hosted rentals include an attendant who will clean between groups of users, and other sauna hosting duties. Special fireside foods and beverages can be provided to prolong the ultimate “Hygge” style experience ( a Danish word meaning “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” What more is to be enjoyed in life? —Rob and I call it “Sauna Life”

WHAT IF I’M UNCOMFORTABLE WITH HIGH HEAT or STEAM?
Every Body is different and I encourage folks to go at your own pace and have the breadth to discover what it is you like. That is part of the sauna experience —tuning into your body. We welcome you to explore and discover what it means to you. If it is a hosted event, I will give the options to take sauna at a lower heat or higher heat 100C+ (212F—230F) can be achieved to those interested. Temperatures 165-180F are lovely as mellow as well. Some people enjoy a sauna bath where you scrub and clean and shave then pour water over yourself at the end of your sauna session. After a sauna, we always have a few salty snacks and stay hydrated to restore electrolytes.

DO I SIGN A WAIVER?
Yes, everyone who will be using the sauna must sign a full disclosure iron-clad 1-time liability waiver after reading our information packet in the case of an accident so we are not libel. We encourage everyone to take sauna responsibly with utmost concern for safety for you and your guests.

HOW DO I PAY?
Cash

ARE THERE EXTRA FEES?
All fees for bookings with a delivery address in the state of New York are subject to sales tax at 8.00%

I’M INTERESTED IN OWNING A SAUNA BUT WOULD LIKE TO TRY IT OUT FIRST.
Sure, a sauna rental is a perfect fit for someone wanting to try out one of Rob Licht’s Customs Saunas before purchasing. We’ve partnered to bring sauna to the people and support sauna culture in the US.