I still remember the first time I sat in an outdoor sauna.
It was a chilly winter evening, and my friend had invited me over to their cabin in the woods.
After spending hours hiking through the snow-covered trails, my muscles were sore, and my fingers felt frozen.
That’s when they opened the back door and gestured toward a glowing sauna nestled in a corner of their yard.
Steam swirled out as they opened the wooden door, and the warmth hit me instantly.
I stepped inside, and within minutes, the aches in my body started to melt away.
Later, we slipped into their rustic cedar hot tub under the starlit sky, and it was pure bliss.
That night, I decided I needed to bring that same kind of magic into my own backyard.
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating the ultimate outdoor oasis, these outdoor sauna and hot tub ideas will inspire you to make it happen:
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Rustic Cabin-Style Sauna with a Barrel Hot Tub
This setup is perfect if you love that natural, outdoorsy aesthetic.
You could go for weathered wood panels, a stone foundation, and even a little chimney for added charm.
Pair it with a barrel hot tub made of cedar or redwood to complete the look.
The round shape of the hot tub not only looks inviting but also retains heat surprisingly well.
Position the sauna and tub under a canopy of trees or near a garden for that full-on nature vibe.
You can even add a gravel or stone pathway leading up to it to create a sense of adventure every time you use it.
For the ultimate rustic touch, consider adding a small wood-burning stove to the sauna.
The crackling fire will enhance your relaxation experience and bring warmth to chilly evenings.
Modern Glass Sauna with a Sleek Infinity Hot Tub
For those who lean toward a more contemporary style, a modern glass sauna paired with an infinity hot tub is a show-stopper.
The sauna walls can be made of tempered glass, offering panoramic views of your backyard or surrounding landscape.
This design creates an open, airy feel while still maintaining the heat you need for a good sweat session.
The infinity hot tub, with its disappearing edge, gives off a luxurious vibe that feels straight out of a high-end spa.
Place the tub at the edge of a deck or near a drop-off to enhance the visual effect.
LED lighting can elevate this design even further, especially for evening use.
Opt for minimalist furniture around the setup, like sleek loungers or a teak bench, to keep the modern aesthetic cohesive.
Portable Sauna Tent with an Inflatable Hot Tub
If you’re on a budget or lack permanent space, a portable sauna tent and an inflatable hot tub could be your go-to solution.
Portable sauna tents are easy to set up and can be moved around your backyard as needed.
They’re designed to trap heat effectively and often come with a small heater or steam generator.
Pair this with an inflatable hot tub, which is not only cost-effective but also surprisingly comfortable.
You can inflate it when you want to use it and deflate it for easy storage.
This setup is ideal for renters or anyone who wants to test out the sauna-and-hot-tub lifestyle before committing to something more permanent.
Add some string lights or a portable heater outside to create a cozy atmosphere.
Lakeside Sauna and Hot Tub Duo
If you’re lucky enough to live near a body of water, this one’s for you.
Build a small sauna on a dock or lakefront property, allowing you to enjoy stunning water views while you relax.
A hot tub placed nearby lets you transition seamlessly between the sauna and a soothing soak.
For an extra touch, try to align the setup so you can catch the sunrise or sunset over the water.
This combination is perfect for creating a serene escape from everyday life.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Scandinavian-Inspired Sauna and Hot Tub Setup
Nothing says cozy and elegant like a Scandinavian-style outdoor sauna and hot tub.
The key here is simplicity, clean lines, and natural materials like light-colored pine or spruce.
A minimalistic rectangular sauna with large windows can give you a peaceful retreat while still connecting you to the outdoors.
Pair it with a hot tub made of smooth stone or wood to keep the earthy vibe.
To enhance the hygge factor, you can add textured elements like wool blankets, lanterns, and woven baskets nearby.
This design works beautifully whether you’re surrounded by snowy mountains or a modest suburban backyard.
Place the setup on a wooden deck to tie everything together and boost that Nordic aesthetic.
Garden Hideaway Sauna with a Sunken Hot Tub
Turn your backyard into a secret garden retreat by tucking your sauna and hot tub into lush greenery.
A small sauna with a green roof—planted with moss or succulents—can blend seamlessly into the landscape.
To complement it, go for a sunken hot tub that sits level with the ground.
This design not only looks visually stunning but also gives you the feeling of soaking in a hidden oasis.
Surround the area with tall plants, climbing vines, or even a trellis to create a sense of privacy and tranquility.
Add stepping stones or wooden walkways to guide you to your personal paradise.
Firepit-Centered Sauna and Hot Tub Arrangement
For a setup that’s perfect for entertaining, create a sauna and hot tub arrangement with a firepit as the centerpiece.
Position the sauna on one side and the hot tub on the other, with the firepit in between.
This layout encourages socializing, as your friends and family can gather around the fire while waiting for their turn in the sauna or tub.
Choose a firepit that matches your style—whether it’s a stone-built design for a rustic look or a sleek metal bowl for a modern vibe.
Outdoor seating, like Adirondack chairs or cushioned benches, can make the space even more inviting.
Japanese Zen Sauna with a Cedar Soaking Tub
A Japanese-inspired sauna and hot tub design brings a sense of mindfulness and calm to your backyard.
Think clean lines, natural wood, and a focus on simplicity.
A compact sauna made of cedar or bamboo can serve as the perfect relaxing escape.
Pair it with a cedar soaking tub, also known as an ofuro, which is smaller and deeper than traditional hot tubs.
Surround the area with elements like a rock garden, bamboo fencing, or a koi pond to complete the Zen aesthetic.
This setup is ideal for anyone who wants their backyard to feel like a peaceful retreat.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Rooftop Sauna and Hot Tub
If you don’t have much backyard space—or just want to take your relaxation to new heights—consider a rooftop sauna and hot tub.
This idea is especially great for urban dwellers with access to a flat rooftop.
A compact sauna with panoramic windows offers stunning views of the city or surrounding area while keeping the heat in.
A compact hot tub can be placed nearby, allowing you to soak under the stars or enjoy the skyline.
You can enhance the atmosphere with string lights, potted plants, or even an outdoor heater for those cooler evenings.
Coastal Sauna and Saltwater Hot Tub
If you live near the ocean or a beach, a coastal-themed sauna and hot tub is the way to go.
A sauna with driftwood accents or a weathered look can fit right in with the coastal aesthetic.
Pair it with a saltwater hot tub, which not only feels luxurious but also provides skin-soothing benefits.
Decorate the area with nautical touches like rope, lanterns, or seashells for a cohesive look.
Imagine soaking in warm, salty water while listening to the sounds of crashing waves—it’s the ultimate way to unwind.
Compact Sauna Pod with a Plug-and-Play Hot Tub
For smaller backyards or limited space, a compact sauna pod and a plug-and-play hot tub can be a game-changer.
Sauna pods are small, self-contained units that are easy to install and don’t take up much room.
Pair this with a plug-and-play hot tub, which is pre-assembled and only requires a standard electrical outlet to operate.
This setup is perfect for those who want all the benefits of a sauna and hot tub without a lot of hassle or construction.
Add a few potted plants or a small privacy screen to make the space feel cozy and inviting.
Mountain Lodge Sauna with a Rock-Lined Hot Tub
If you’re in a mountainous area—or just want to recreate that vibe—a lodge-style sauna and hot tub is a perfect choice.
A log cabin-style sauna with large windows lets you take in the stunning mountain views while you relax.
Pair it with a hot tub lined with natural rocks to blend seamlessly with the rugged environment.
This setup works beautifully with a wood-burning stove in the sauna and an outdoor fireplace nearby.
It’s the kind of space that makes you feel like you’re on a ski vacation every time you use it.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Year-Round Spa Pavilion
Why not go all out and create a fully enclosed spa pavilion in your backyard?
This setup combines a sauna, hot tub, and even a lounge area under one roof.
A pavilion protects you from the elements, so you can enjoy your sauna and hot tub in any weather.
You can design it with retractable walls or sliding glass doors to let in the fresh air during warmer months.
Add features like built-in lighting, a sound system, and even a mini fridge for drinks to make the space feel like a true luxury retreat.
This is the ultimate idea for those who want a backyard setup that’s both functional and beautiful year-round.
