A Guide to Using Hot Tubs for Your Wellbeing
Have you fallen into the habit of just jumping in the shower? With energy bills continuing to rise across the UK, running a full bath has become something most people simply don’t do anymore. But soaking in hot water is actually far more important for your body than most people realise. In this article, we look at why hot bathing matters — and how combining a sauna with a hot tub can help your body truly recover.
How Many People in the UK Actually Take a Bath?
Rising energy costs have changed the way many of us wash. According to a survey by Sanctuary Bathrooms, 3 in 5 Brits (59%) now prefer showers over baths, with only 28% saying they still enjoy a regular soak. Around 1 in 9 people (11%) also said that higher energy bills had led them to cut back on baths altogether.
(Source: Sanctuary Bathrooms, Baths vs Showers: Which Nations’ Favourite?, 2024 / sanctuary-bathrooms.co.uk)
But cutting out hot baths completely could be doing your body more harm than you think.
The Difference Between People Who Bathe and Only Shower
There are some clear differences in health and wellbeing between people who regularly take a bath and those who only shower.
People who soak in a bath tend to sleep better, recover from tiredness more quickly, and feel more relaxed overall. The data supports this too: a study by Big Bathroom Shop, which looked at over 2,000 people, found that soaking in a bath lowered resting heart rate by an average of 15%, compared to just 7% for a shower. The study also found that 69% of people who prefer baths said their main reason was relaxation.
(Source: Big Bathroom Shop, Stressed Brits prefer baths over showers for relaxing, kbbreview.com, 2021 / kbbreview.com)
Why does soaking in hot water make such a difference? The warmth gets your blood moving and helps release tension in your muscles. Soaking in water at around 38–40°C for 15 minutes or more also causes your body temperature to naturally drop afterwards, which makes it easier to fall into a deep, restful sleep. A shower simply doesn’t create this effect, so the recovery benefits are much more limited.
Are You Finishing Your Sauna with Just a Cold Plunge?
Saunas are becoming more and more popular across the UK — and for good reason. But if your session always ends at the cold water, you may not be getting the full benefit. The real secret to feeling your best is hot and cold bathing — moving between heat and cold in a set order.
Heating up in the sauna and then cooling down in cold water is great for your circulation and helps your body find its balance. However, finishing on cold alone can leave your muscles tight and your body feeling tense.
Here is the ideal order to follow: start with 8–15 minutes in the sauna to warm your body up, then spend 1–3 minutes in cold water to refresh and wake yourself up. After that, take a rest outside to let your body breathe, then finish with a warm soak in a hot tub or jacuzzi to bring your body back to a comfortable, relaxed state. You can repeat this cycle as many times as you like.
Ending on warmth — not cold — is what allows your muscles to fully relax and your body to properly recover.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Sauna — the Full Cycle
Using the sauna, cold water, rest, and a warm soak together has become one of the most popular ways to help the body and mind recover. It has its roots in Japanese bathing culture and has long been a part of life in Scandinavia. Today, more and more people around the world are discovering just how good this full cycle can make you feel.
The most important thing is to take it at your own pace. There is no rush. Simply move between warm and cold, rest when you need to, and give yourself the time to properly unwind. When done well, it is one of the most effective ways to feel refreshed and restored — both in body and mind.
Introducing Luravia Private Sauna and Spa
Experience the full hot and cold bathing cycle in complete privacy. Opening in 2026, Luravia Sauna is a wellness space designed for people who want to take proper care of their body and mind.
Every private room comes with a sauna, cold plunge, and jacuzzi — so you have everything you need in one place, and can go at your own pace without sharing the space with anyone else. Each room also has its own private lounge area, where you can eat and drink and take your time to relax. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to give yourself a proper rest, Luravia Private Sauna and Spa is the perfect place to do it.
Luravia Private Sauna and Spa — Opening 2026.
