Saunas and bath houses are back in fashion. A cursory glance at social media reveals their popularity as celebrities and influencers post pictures extolling their various health benefits. But could it all just be hot air?⁠ ⁠ Our writer Hannah Marriott decided to cast her vote over a 'steam massage', or parenie, at World Spa in Brooklyn: a new 50,000-sq ft spa boasting a range of heat-based experiences from around the world across three floors. ⁠ ⁠ The fresh popularity of saunas seems to stem from the pandemic. Sauna manufacturers reported rocketing sales as clients sought calm and relaxation, not to mention the purported health benefits. In 2021, Gwyneth Paltrow notoriously claimed she had used an infrared version like the one shown here to recover from long Covid. ⁠ ⁠ Although the positive effects of sauna use, including pain relief, may only be temporary – with the body returning to its pre-steam state in a matter of hours – its experiential and social pleasures are harder to discount. ⁠ ⁠ Let us know your thoughts on sauna culture in the comments below and head to the link in our bio to read the article in full ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ 📸 The alder wood infrared sauna at World Spa, Brooklyn © Brian Berkowitz⁠ #ft #ftweekend #financialtimes #sauna #spa #steam #trend #relax