How Airbnbs Are Increasing Nightly Rates by up to 30% with Saunas

A warm cedar aroma, soft light, and the steady rhythm of breath in heat — a sauna transforms not just the body, but the space it lives in. For Airbnb hosts across Australia, adding a traditional sauna has become more than a design choice. It’s a proven way to increase Airbnb revenue and enhance the guest experience, often allowing hosts to lift nightly rates by as much as 30%

Why Wellness Amenities Boost Airbnb Nightly Rates

Wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel. The Global Wellness Institute reports that wellness tourism is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025 worldwide, with travellers actively seeking restorative, health-focused stays. In Australia, demand for nature-connected and wellness-rich accommodation has accelerated post-pandemic as guests look for more than just a bed — they want ritual, recovery, and experience.

A sauna fits seamlessly into this trend. Unlike a hot tub or pool, it is low maintenance, low cost to run, and deeply connected to wellness culture. Guests are willing to pay more for the chance to step into cedar, steam, and silence.

*(Source: Global Wellness Institute)

Case Study: What Happens When a Sauna Is Added

Across Europe, Airbnbs with saunas consistently list at a premium. In Finland, a country with more saunas than cars, properties with private sauna access regularly outperform similar listings without. In Australia, the same trend is emerging.

Airbnb data highlights that listings with wellness amenities such as hot tubs, saunas, and pools see significantly higher booking rates and repeat guests. For hosts, this means a competitive edge in crowded markets. A coastal cottage in Victoria, for example, can command an extra $70–$120 per night simply by offering a private sauna experience — more than covering the investment within a single season.

*(Source: Airbnb Economic Impact Report)

Return on Investment: How Fast Does a Sauna Pay Off?

The numbers are straightforward:

  • Initial investment: A high-quality 4-6 person sauna, such as the Glow Classic Cedar, sits at a premium yet accessible price point.

  • Nightly rate uplift: +$80 average increase per booking.

  • Occupancy boost: Properties with saunas see up to 22% higher year-round occupancy due to wellness appeal.

  • Operating cost: Running a sauna session costs roughly $2.50 in electricity, far less than heating a spa or maintaining a pool.

For many hosts, this means the sauna pays for itself within 12–18 months, while continuing to generate revenue for years to come.

Saunas as a Guest Experience, Not Just an Amenity

Beyond numbers, a sauna changes how a guest feels. The cedar aroma, the glow of LED light, the release of heat and breath — it transforms a stay into a ritual. Guests leave with a memory tied to wellness and restoration, making them more likely to return and recommend the listing.

By offering a sauna, hosts aren’t just selling accommodation. They’re selling an experience of calm, connection, and care.

Bringing the Glow to Your Property

At Glow Saunas, we design traditional Finnish saunas with smart control, built from sustainably sourced cedar to suit both homes and commercial spaces. For Airbnb hosts, they offer a blend of durability, style, and proven business impact.

Explore our full sauna collection here or take a closer look at the Glow Compact Cedar, ideal for smaller properties.

Ready to Increase Your Airbnb Revenue?

Adding a sauna is more than an upgrade — it’s a shift in how guests experience your space. If you’re ready to enhance your property, lift your nightly rates, and create an unforgettable wellness stay, we invite you to book a call with our team.

Calm, confident, and considered. Let’s build your next guest experience together.

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