Living in Singapore, you’d think we’d be done with the heat? Not at all!
Sauna and bath houses have been gaining traction as part of the wellness trend. But this spot in the CBD has taken it to the next level. They’ll even blow hot air in your face! To me, saunas are all about sweating it out on a wooden bench, in a room lined with wood, heated by what looks like a pile of rocks (the actual heater’s tucked somewhere underneath). But when we were told there’s going to be a ritual, I got interested.
Singapore’s first certified Aufguss sauna experience
House Longevity and Sauna Bath House is the first and only sauna in Singapore to offer the Aufguss ritual by certified practitioners. It’s a traditional ritual which originated in Germany and Austria, with the word Aufguss meaning “infusion” or “pouring on”. The entire process lasts about seven to eight minutes and it involves music, essential oils, as well as a choreographed “towel dance” that constantly circulates hot, scented air around the sauna. And yes, they’ll blow it right onto your face too!
I really wanted to keep my eyes closed at first, to fully immerse in the scented heat but for the purpose of this review, I had to keep them open. That’s how I noticed how graceful and intentional the Sauna Masters were, swinging and twirling the towels, with rhythmic bursts of hot air coming my way. It felt like I was watching a performance and I didn’t want to close my eyes after that, except when the hot, scented air came my way. Soon, eight minutes flew by and I didn’t want to leave.
I didn’t expect to stay eight easy minutes in a sauna, I usually do four to five minutes, head out for a dip, then return for another five minutes. The Aufguss ritual certainly made my sauna experience more enjoyable, with a deeper relaxation without thinking about the heat.
Why you can’t just DIY this sauna ritual?
But now I wonder, what’s stopping anyone else from doing this? Turns out, there are places that offer similar experiences and call it Aufguss. Speaking with the Sauna Masters from Italy, the Aufguss ritual is a highly respected ritual where only trained practitioners can perform. The “towel dance” is really secondary to the safety and comfort of guests. Afterall, they are dealing with extreme heat. And I do think it’s important to ensure that the Sauna Master doesn’t flick their own perspiration to the guests!
In the founders’ search for best-in-class wellness practices, the Aufguss ritual “stood out for its ability to combine physical recovery with an immersive, almost theatrical experience…it not only supports recovery, but also encourages people to slow down and be present”. Zhi Wei and Stephanie specially flew to Italy for the official Aufguss training and certification, and purposefully built this space around the ritual.
The space and intention behind this sauna ritual
This level of dedication and attention carries through the rest of the studio too — from the Finnish heaters and Estonian wood in the sauna to the ice and hot baths next door.
The founders designed Sauna Bath House as a sanctuary where you can drop in as you like. That’s because they provide everything you’ll need; towels, bath amenities, shower rooms, changing rooms, and even swim wear. There’s even a room for private events. I appreciate how the floors are kept dry so we don’t slip walking from sauna to baths. Its location is a bit of a “hidden gem”, you’ll need to walk down a spiral staircase to get here. But when the hum of the CBD fades behind you, you’ll see why this is the perfect spot.
Recovery backed by science — House Longevity
Upstairs, that same care shows up at House Longevity, a studio with science-backed recovery. They’ve got modern wellness technology like Red Light Therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, with metabolic and performance testing services on the way.
One main difference from other studios is their use of medical-grade technologies.
It’s not just relaxation
Co-founder, Zhi Wei is a medical doctor who insists on and invests only in medical-grade technologies with proven efficacy. It’s all about “prioritising systems that deliver consistent, measurable and clinically supported outcomes rather than just surface-level or short-term effects.” This is structured recovery, not just relaxation.
“By combining science-backed therapies like HBOT and Red Light Therapy with restorative practices such as Aufguss and contrast bathing, we offer a comprehensive system that supports both physical recovery and mental wellbeing,” shares the couple.
You might mistake them for a chill cafe but yes, you can enjoy a cup of ceremonial-grade matcha latte after a restorative session at House Longevity and Sauna Bath House.
Where: House Longevity and Sauna Bath House, 50 Raffles Place, #01-2B Singapore Land Tower, Singapore 048623
Open: Mon to Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 10am -6pm. Closed on Sun
Price: From $14.98/session for Red Light Therapy, from $25/ session for Sauna, from $62.50/session for Hyperbaric Oxygen
*Please check their daily schedule for Aufguss ritual experience (no additional charge)
