A boom of wellness developments catering to social health and wellbeing has emerged post-pandemic. In contrast to spas that cater mostly to individuals by way of spa treatments and therapies, spa design that centers around social wellness aims to promote meaningful and positive social interaction and community development.

With careful consideration and planning, social spa concepts have the ability to drive meaningful revenue and financial return.

When buzz around a documentary titled “Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” floated into our awareness, we made immediate plans to attend opening night at the Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto.

From the opening scene, the film created a portal that moved the audience from the darkened theatre into the intimate setting of a traditional Estonian Smoke Sauna.