5th October 2026 | IN HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn From ancient rituals to modern sanctuaries, the enduring appeal sauna, steam, and cold-water immersion lies in their power to bring us back to ourselves and to redefine wellbeing entirely on our own terms. Water thrown onto fire-heated stones, partially underground spaces transformed into steam-filled coves, communities coming together for a daily ritual as much as a social gathering. The sauna, despite its many modern-day innovations, is no new concept. Dating as far back as 6000–7000 BC, ancient cultures practised hot-air breathing and steam traditions as a means of cleansing and purification. Saunas and steam have, and always will be, an integral part of wellbeing. Hatch End Showroom Effe Plunge Room “Living by the water, I’ve become slightly obsessed with the contrast of cold and heat, especially this summer. Stepping into the sea, then warming up in the sunshine – it’s such a simple thing, but I always come out feeling refreshed and completely reset,” explains C.P. Hart’s Director of Marketing, Mo Goodfellow, in conversation with Rod Featon, the UK Sales Director of Italian wellness brand, Effe. “I love the idea of bringing that feeling home too, with a cold plunge followed by the warmth of a sauna or steam room. For me, it’s about recreating that connection with nature and turning the bathroom into a destination in itself – a private wellbeing oasis.” “For me,” adds Rod, “the sauna experience is centred around focus and control. The focus is on regulating my breathing which, in turn, should reduce and control my heart rate. It’s about taking time out for yourself and trying to find some inner calm”. Effe Backed by nearly 40 years of rich heritage, Effe is a world-class designer of public and private spas. Combining traditional bathing methods, cutting-edge technology, and beautifully stylish design, Effe delivers the highest quality wellness experience through its series of sauna and steam products. “In addition to our long-standing collections, we are so thrilled to introduce Baluar, the striking sauna and hammam created in collaboration with acclaimed Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola,” shares Rod. Reflecting Urquiola’s creative vision – one that is both empathetic and speaks to the senses – Baluar is inspired by the bastion, a defensive structure used in medieval forts that functioned as both protection and a lookout over the surrounding countryside. “I wanted to transform this architectural element into a wellness space: a compact, almost archetypal space where you can relax and unwind,” explains Urquiola. And for those who are drawn to water, the launch of Effe’s highly anticipated plunge bath offers the ultimate immersion between alternating hot and cold temperatures. A practice found in several wellness traditions, from the Finnish sauna to the Middle Eastern hammam, Effe’s plunge bath can be encased in soothingly scented heat-treated Aspen, Fir wood, Canadian hemlock, dark heat-treated thermal wood, or walnut Canaletto. It’s designed to feel at home in the bathroom or in a dedicated outdoor space. Perhaps the enduring appeal of these rituals is that there is no single way to experience them. Wellness has no prescribed definition – for some, it’s the opportunity to step aside from the everyday. For others, it’s the discipline of heat and cold, a chance to reset and then reconnect. At its heart, the meaning of wellbeing is inherently open. It’s entirely yours. Our AW26 Lookbook A collection of product launches, design collaborations, and editorial features, download your complimentary copy or visit your nearest showroom to take one home. Discover thoughtful design and inspiring spaces that put your wellbeing at the heart of every detail – wellness, designed around you. Browse the Lookbook here. Book An Appointment A showroom appointment is an excellent place to inspect our products first-hand, discuss ideas with a sales consultant, and commission a professional bathroom design. Please book an appointment via the link below to ensure the availability of a sales consultant. Book an appointment. Windsor Showroom About C.P. Hart C.P. Hart is an established bathroom supplier with over 85 years of experience in specifying and sourcing the world’s most innovative and durable premium bathroom products. A successful Contracts division operates with architects, designers, and contractors, often on major commercial property developments and hotels, whilst a highly qualified in-house design team works with individual and private clients, ensuring each bathroom is as unique as it is beautiful. C.P. Hart has always insisted on using the finest materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to create the highest quality classical and contemporary bathrooms. The brand has also developed a reputation for showcasing some of the world’s most talented and innovative bathroom designers, located in our showrooms across the UK and led by our expansive flagship in Waterloo, London. C.P. Hart’s bathroom collections include brassware, sanitaryware, furniture, tiles, home spas, and a range of other essential components for bespoke bathrooms. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 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