By Shayna Mace | Photography by Courtney Terry Photography
Roshelle Ritzenhaler has a wellbeing.
“I’m really interested in the role of architecture, urban planning and placemaking in creating healthier communities,” she explains.
After visiting a hammam in Istanbul and saunas and bathhouses around the world, Ritzenhaler and her husband, Jason, opened Saunaday, a thermal bathhouse, last July. The hammam visit in particular piqued her interest in saunas and bathhouses.
“I remember sitting underneath this beautiful marble dome. There were three women sitting [and] chatting, having a normal Wednesday morning. It wasn’t a ‘spa day.’ I had this moment: ‘How do we not have something like this? These are people taking care of themselves, in a community.’”
Ritzenhaler, who has a background in architecture and design, painstakingly designed the bathhouse in tandem with Madison-based Angus-Young Associates. The 5,000-square-foot space is equal parts welcoming, modern and soothing.
Gorgeous design elements pay tribute to sauna and bathhouse culture. For example, the oxblood tiles in the cedar salt scrub showers are an homage to the deep red sauna huts in Finland.
Saunaday features a five-step bathing ritual, which begins with a hearty Dead Sea salt scrub in the cedar-lined showers. Bathers then venture into the moody, Moroccan hammam-inspired steam sauna complete with a warm, 90-degree “belly stone.” Guests can even choose to slather on a mud mask and rinse off using the sinks or shower.
Next, bathers enter the more social Cedar Sauna, lined with western red cedar, or the silent Aspen Sauna, comprised of Wisconsin aspen. Both saunas are heated by custom-crafted stoves from Finland.
As part of the “thermic cycle,” visitors then head to the invigorating, 54-degree plunge pool. The dip stimulates circulation, reduces inflammation and “there’s this wonderful dopamine rush,” says Ritzenhaler. Finally, guests can relax in the lounge area. Visitors are free to go through the cycle as many times as they’d like in two hours.
Guests can also add on a Hinoki hot tub soak, an infrared sauna session or book a private suite. (Also: Saunaday is tech-free and visitors are required to wear a swimsuit or attire they’re comfortable relaxing in.)
Ritzenhaler is eager to keep spreading the word about the many physical, mental and socio-emotional health benefits of communal bathing, sauna and cold plunge use. More importantly, she wants Saunaday to be a point of connection and relaxation for everybody.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that communal bathing is resurging just as technology has made people feel more disconnected,” she says. “Saunas give us a rare place to unplug, be present and feel human again.”
