Finnish entrepreneur and Hollywood actor Jasper Pääkkönen, best known for his role in the drama television series Vikings as Halfdan the Black (2016–2020) has one of his own custom designed saunas at his Ibiza home.
There’s nothing more quintessentially Finnish than a sauna. Conversely, nothing embodies Ibiza more than indulging in vibrant parties and seeking wellness to balance out the aftermath. So, what happens when these two realms intertwine? In Ibiza’s party-centric lifestyle, one might refer to it as retox and detox, among other things. Behind the closed doors of the sauna lies your personal sanctuary, providing a mindful moment to pause. The intense heat envelops you, instantly calming the spirit to silence and stillness.
“We chose the swimming pool deck at our original Blakstad finca as the location for one of my saunas” says Jasper Pääkkönen, founder of AITO Sauna as well as the architectural spa Löyly which he owns in Helsinki, Finland. “We wanted to ensure it harmonized with its surroundings and feel comfortable, so having it just a step away from the refreshing cold water seemed perfect. It fits 6-7 people and was built on-site as the pool area couldn’t be accessed by crane truck. I love the Juup wood burning heater which is hand made in Finland¨
Jasper Pääkkönen, the sauna man spends a lot of time on Ibiza, where his saunas, the highest quality on the market, are increasingly popular [image: AITO Saunas]
At Jasper’s house in Ibiza located in the peaceful North in San Lorenzo designed by Architect Blakstad, his sauna is crafted with the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban burning technique after which the wood is brushed and pressure washed. “This creates a very special texture in the wood and it becomes incredibly durable” he tells Ibiza PJ.
He knew that starting a sauna company in his homeland of Finland would be a winning formula. The ritual is inscribed there on the UNESCO’ Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Jasper, however, never envisaged it would gain such popularity on sun-baked Ibiza where a renowned DJ raced to buy two! “They are far more popular on Ibiza compared to for example, Mallorca. Many Ibiza insiders have one of our saunas and a renowned DJ on the island already has two for his villa – one with an electric heater, the other with a traditional wood burner” reveals Jasper.
Inside the wood scented Sauna soaring with high temperatures designed by AITO Saunas at Island Sanctum a luxury Ibiza Plum Guide holiday stay.
What makes saunas so sought after in Ibiza? The blend of high-quality Finnish design with the health-conscious locals has created a distinctive wellness trend. The island’s focus on holistic living and self-care, combined with its hedonistic lifestyle, contributes to the Sauna’s growing popularity with its powerful heat serving as a brilliant detoxification method.
Friend of Jaspers and homeowners of Island Sanctum a centuries-old whitewashed Ibiza finca features a modern black AITO sauna adjacent to a cold plunge pool – purposely set up to indulge in hot-cold therapy allowing body temperatures to run riot. That being said, if you don’t have the benefit of experiencing sweating followed by a contrasting chill, simply relaxing in your sauna can still provide significant health benefits, as evidenced by the longevity of this age-old tradition. The sauna mimics mild exercise by increasing body temperature and circulation, which alleviates stress, lowers blood pressure, and enhances mental well-being. Regular sessions detoxify the body, boost metabolism, promote weight loss and rejuvenate the skin.
A collection of glass-fronted Saunas at various Ibiza luxury estates boasting exquisite Finnish architecture. The “plug-in and play” design of AITO Saunas gives clients the flexibility to place a sauna in the favourite quarters or neck of the woods at their property. [images: AITO Saunas]
AITO saunas are designed in Helsinki and built in Finland and are known for their clean lines and high-quality Finnish design, blending seamlessly into various settings. They are constructed using high-quality materials like CLT (cross-laminated timber) made from 100% Finnish wood, which is both durable and environmentally friendly. AITO saunas are meticulously made-to-order, designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life. Customers can personalize their sauna by choosing from various sizes, interior and exterior finishes, and even glass options.
What began in Finland 10,000 years ago as a simple hole in the ground to protect against the brutal cold winters has transformed into a revered practice celebrated for its warmth and purifying benefits. Today, the sauna has evolved into a chic space finely designed and handcrafted by artisans with renewable Finnish wood, into a wellness solution and stylish outdoor feature. An elaborate luxury of the utmost craftsmanship where homeowners can enhance their property value, whilst elevating their health.
At this Ibiza property, the AITO Sauna is accessed by a stone pathway through bright green grass, poised overlooking the shimmering pool and flanked by aromatic cypress trees [image: AITO Saunas]
So does it pay to go “authentically Finnish” when it comes to Saunas? The company matter of factly say that generally, outside of Finland, you will find poorly designed saunas with problems such as poor ventilation, incorrect heater placement in relation to seat height or uneven heat distribution. The company name “AITO” means “authentic, real, true” in Finnish.
Sauna culture is by no means new on Ibiza, with regulars enjoying sauna and spa services at luxurious hotels. These days, however, for those who are fortunate, owning a private sauna at home is now accessible thanks to AITO with a design that allows the sauna to be plugged into existing water and electricity supplies. Slinking into a timeless sauna set to an intense 80 degrees has transformed into a coveted dream. A place to shake off cognitive overload and if you take cues from intimate and free-spirited Finnish traditions – invite everyone and make a community out of it….
