Why Good Preparation Makes All the Difference
A sauna visit is so much more than just stepping into a warm room. It's a ritual, a moment of conscious relaxation that renews your body and mind. Whether you're visiting a private sauna for the first time or have years of experience, the right preparation can make the difference between a pleasant experience and an unforgettable wellness moment.
At Sauna Delizia in Schoten, near Antwerp, we welcome guests of all experience levels every day. In this comprehensive guide, we share everything you need to know to optimally enjoy your sauna session.
Before Your Sauna Visit: Essential Preparation
Proper Time Planning
A private sauna experience at Sauna Delizia typically lasts two to three hours. Plan plenty of time accordingly. Don't arrive rushed and make sure you don't have important appointments afterwards. The relaxation continues working — many guests feel wonderfully sleepy after a good session.
Tip: Preferably book a slot in the afternoon or early evening. Your body is already warmed up by the day's activities, making the sauna even more effective.
Eating and Drinking
The golden rule: eat light, but not on an empty stomach. A heavy meal right before your sauna visit can lead to discomfort, dizziness or nausea. Your body is busy digesting and can't handle the heat as well.
Ideal meal 2-3 hours before your visit:
Avoid just before sauna use:
Hydration is essential. Drink at least half a litre of water in the hours before your visit. During sauna use, you lose considerable amounts of fluid through perspiration — sometimes up to a litre per session. So start well hydrated.
What to Bring?
At Sauna Delizia, we provide slippers and care products. Towels and bathrobes: bring your own or rent them on site (€2 per towel, bathrobe €5).
What you can optionally bring:
Physical Preparation
Showering before sauna use is a must. This removes sweat, deodorant, perfume and other products from your skin. Clean skin perspires more efficiently, making the sauna experience more effective.
Jewellery and accessories: Remove all metal jewellery, piercings, watches and glasses before entering the sauna. Metal becomes extremely hot in the sauna and can cause burns.
During Your Sauna Visit: The Perfect Ritual
The Classic Sauna Cycle
The traditional sauna ritual consists of three phases that you ideally repeat two to three times:
1. Warming Up (10-15 minutes)
Enter the sauna and choose a comfortable position. Start on the lower bench if you're a beginner — heat rises, so sitting higher means more intense heat. Breathe calmly and deeply. Try to let go of your thoughts and focus on the warmth penetrating your body.
2. Cooling Down (5-10 minutes)
Leave the sauna and gradually cool your body. At Sauna Delizia, our suites feature refreshing plunge pools, rain showers and in some suites a private swimming pool. The temperature contrast stimulates blood circulation and creates a euphoric feeling.
Beginners: Start with a lukewarm shower instead of plunging directly into cold water. Your body needs to get used to the temperature contrast.
3. Rest (10-20 minutes)
This is the most underestimated but perhaps the most important phase. Lie down or sit in a rest area, wrapped in your bathrobe. Drink water or herbal tea. Let your body come to complete rest. In this phase you experience the deepest relaxation — your heart rate normalises, your muscles relax and endorphins are released.
Temperature and Time: Know Your Limits
Always listen to your body. There's no competition for who can stay in the sauna the longest. If you feel dizzy, nauseous or uncomfortable, leave the sauna immediately.
Guidelines per sauna type:
Optimal Hydration During Your Visit
Regularly drink small sips of water between sauna sessions. Avoid large quantities at once. Herbal tea (chamomile, mint or ginger) is an excellent alternative that also calms the stomach.
At Sauna Delizia, you can enjoy our culinary packages with matching drinks. Check our menu for options.
After Your Sauna Visit: Aftercare and Recovery
The First Hours
After your sauna visit, your body is in a state of deep relaxation. Your skin is clean and your pores are open. This is the perfect moment to care for your skin with a moisturising cream or oil.
Aftercare tips:
Frequency: How Often to Sauna?
For optimal health benefits, experts recommend visiting the sauna one to two times per week. But even a monthly visit already has noticeable benefits for your immune system, stress levels and sleep quality.
At Sauna Delizia, we offer flexible booking options. Check our packages for regular visitors or surprise someone with a gift voucher.
Common Mistakes When Using the Sauna
Mistake 1: Staying Too Long
More is not always better. Long sessions without breaks unnecessarily strain your cardiovascular system.
Mistake 2: Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol and sauna are a dangerous combination. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and disrupts your body's thermoregulation. Enjoy a glass of wine after your session, not before or during.
Mistake 3: Skipping the Cool-Down
Some guests skip the cooling phase. This is a missed opportunity — the temperature contrast is precisely what maximises the health benefits.
Mistake 4: Bringing Your Phone
The sauna is a phone-free zone. Not only because the heat damages your device, but also for your mental peace.
Mistake 5: Leaving Immediately After
Give yourself at least 20-30 minutes of rest after your final session.
Special Situations: When Extra Caution is Needed
Pregnancy
Always consult your doctor before visiting the sauna during pregnancy. Lower temperatures (infrared sauna) are generally safer, but medical advice is essential.
Health Conditions
For heart problems, high blood pressure, skin conditions or fever, it's advisable to consult your GP first.
Read more about the health benefits and considerations of sauna use on our information page.
The Perfect Sauna Experience at Sauna Delizia
At Sauna Delizia, we ensure you don't have to worry about anything. Our luxurious private suites are fully equipped: sauna, jacuzzi or pool, rain shower, comfortable rest area and more.
Choose from five unique themes — from the tropical Urban Jungle to the mysterious Arabian Night — and enjoy a tailor-made wellness experience.
Ready for your perfect sauna visit? Book today and let all tension melt away.
