If you’ve been thinking about adding sauna sessions to your wellness routine, you’ve probably come across two options: infrared saunas and traditional saunas. At first glance, they seem similar. Both make you sweat, both are designed to help you relax, and both have been embraced by people looking to improve their overall well-being.
But once you start researching, the differences become less obvious. Is one hotter than the other? Does one provide more benefits? Which is more comfortable? And if you live in a warm climate like Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, or Bradenton, does it even make sense to spend time in a sauna?
These are some of the most common questions we hear from guests visiting The Salt Caves & Spa at Lakewood Ranch. The truth is that both types of saunas can be enjoyable, but they create heat in very different ways, leading to a noticeably different experience.
Understanding how each works can help you choose the option that best fits your wellness goals and comfort level.
Traditional saunas have been used for centuries and remain a popular feature in health clubs, spas, and homes around the world.
A traditional sauna heats the air inside the room using an electric heater or wood-burning stove. Heated stones radiate warmth throughout the space, and in many saunas, water can be poured over the rocks to increase humidity.
Because the surrounding air becomes extremely hot, your body gradually heats up as you sit inside.
Temperatures in a traditional sauna commonly range from 150 to over 190 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the design and personal preference. Many people enjoy the intense heat and the classic sauna experience, especially those who have grown up using traditional Finnish-style saunas.
Unlike a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna does not rely primarily on heating the surrounding air.
Instead, specialized infrared heaters emit infrared light waves that are absorbed directly by your body. These waves gently warm your tissues while the air temperature remains much lower than that of a traditional sauna.
Most infrared sauna sessions take place in temperatures between approximately 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Health.com’s overview of infrared sauna benefits, infrared saunas are generally used at lower temperatures than traditional saunas while still encouraging sweating and relaxation.
Although the room feels cooler, many people are surprised by how much they still sweat during a session.
The experience is often described as more comfortable because you can enjoy the warmth without feeling overwhelmed by extremely hot air.
While both sauna styles encourage sweating and relaxation, the overall experience feels quite different.
The biggest difference is how heat is delivered.
Traditional saunas heat the air first, which then warms your body.
Infrared saunas warm your body more directly using infrared energy while keeping the surrounding air at a lower temperature.
That difference changes everything from comfort level to session length.
Traditional saunas are significantly hotter.
Many first-time sauna users are surprised by just how intense the heat can feel after only a few minutes.
Infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures, making them more approachable for people who find extremely hot environments uncomfortable.
Comfort is subjective, but many guests who try both styles find infrared sauna sessions easier to tolerate.
Instead of feeling like you’re surrounded by extremely hot air, the warmth develops gradually and feels more evenly distributed.
This often allows guests to stay relaxed throughout their session while reading, meditating, or simply enjoying quiet time.
One misconception is that a cooler sauna produces less sweating.
In reality, many people experience significant perspiration during infrared sauna sessions because the infrared energy warms the body directly.
Individual experiences vary based on hydration, body composition, and session length.
For many people, relaxation comes down to comfort.
If you’re constantly thinking about how hot the room feels, it can be difficult to fully unwind.
This is one reason infrared saunas have become increasingly popular with busy professionals, parents, athletes, and anyone looking to disconnect from everyday stress.
Many guests at our Lakewood Ranch spa describe their infrared sauna session as one of the few times during the week when they completely unplug from phones, emails, and daily responsibilities.
The warm environment encourages quiet reflection while allowing your body to slow down naturally. Sauna bathing is often associated with relaxation and stress relief, though research is still developing around specific health outcomes, as noted in this Health.com article on sauna use and wellness.
This may sound surprising, but many Florida residents actually enjoy sauna sessions year-round.
Even though Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton experience warm temperatures for much of the year, outdoor heat and therapeutic heat are very different experiences.
Outside, you’re often dealing with humidity, direct sunlight, and physical activity.
Inside an infrared sauna, the environment is controlled, comfortable, and intentionally designed for relaxation.
Many guests visit after exercising, spending time at the beach, golfing, or simply looking to unwind after a busy workday.
During Florida’s cooler winter months, sauna sessions can also become a welcome way to relax without braving colder mornings.
Every person’s wellness goals are different, but infrared saunas are often chosen by people who:
Many first-time sauna users also find infrared saunas less intimidating than traditional high-heat saunas.
If you are building a regular wellness routine, you can also explore our memberships and wellness packages to make ongoing visits easier.
Absolutely!
Many guests choose to pair infrared sauna sessions with complementary wellness experiences.
Depending on your goals, you may combine your sauna visit with:
Rather than relying on one service alone, many people build a personalized wellness routine based on how they want to feel afterward.
There isn’t one universal answer because the best sauna depends on your personal preferences.
If you enjoy intense heat and a classic sauna environment, a traditional sauna may be a great fit.
If you’re looking for a more comfortable experience that still allows you to relax, sweat, and unwind without extremely high temperatures, many people find infrared saunas to be the better choice.
As with any heat-based wellness service, hydration and listening to your body matter. People with certain health conditions, pregnancy, or concerns about heat exposure should speak with a healthcare provider before using a sauna. Verywell Health’s sauna safety overview offers helpful general safety context.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experience one for yourself.
If you’ve been wondering whether an infrared sauna is right for you, there’s no substitute for experiencing it firsthand.
At The Salt Caves & Spa at Lakewood Ranch, we provide a relaxing, welcoming environment where guests can enjoy infrared sauna sessions as part of their overall wellness routine. Whether you’re visiting from Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Bradenton, Parrish, University Park, or a nearby community, our team is here to help you choose the experience that best fits your goals.
Whether you’re looking to relax after a long week, recharge after an active day, or simply enjoy quiet time focused on your well-being, we’d love to welcome you to our spa.
No, infrared saunas generally operate at lower temperatures while using infrared energy to warm the body more directly.
Many people do. Although the surrounding air is cooler, infrared heat often produces significant sweating during a session
Session length varies depending on comfort level and experience. Most guests follow the recommendations provided by their wellness provider.
Many beginners find infrared saunas easier to tolerate because the temperatures are generally lower than those of traditional saunas.
Yes! Many residents throughout Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton enjoy infrared sauna sessions throughout every season as part of their regular wellness routine.
Staying hydrated before and after any sauna session is generally recommended since sweating can contribute to fluid loss.
