“We are witnessing a transformative era where the concept of wellness is integrated into the built environment. This shift is driven by a growing awareness of the impact our surroundings have on our physical and mental well-being and by a commitment to creating spaces that inspire, rejuvenate, and elevate the human experience.”
-Don Forsgren, CEO, Intracorp
In today’s fast-paced world, the desire to escape and prioritize well-being has never been greater. At Gardena, every amenity has been thoughtfully designed to incorporate wellness into your everyday routine in a seamless and meaningful way. The overarching design embraces natural colors, textures, and light, creating a calming atmosphere that extends into carefully curated spaces and features that foster balance. With over 25,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor shared spaces, residents can move through their days and nights with a range of holistic experiences designed to energize, rejuvenate, and enrich their lives.
The spa at Gardena was intentionally curated to enhance the day to day with both an Indoor Spa with two saunas and one steam room for complete relaxation, and an Outdoor Spa with firepits, four-person barrel sauna, and outdoor shower with cool Nordic waterfall — providing an authentic Scandinavian spa experience.
Let’s delve into the benefits of these thoughtful features and how they contribute to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Five Benefits of a Sauna
- Stress Reduction: Saunas help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and lowering cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone. The heat induces a calming effect, which can alleviate anxiety
- Mindfulness and Meditation: The quiet, warm environment of a sauna is perfect for practicing mindfulness and meditation, which can further enhance emotional well-being.
- Improved Sleep: Sauna use before bed can enhance sleep quality by regulating body temperature and promoting the production of sleep-inducing hormones like melatonin.
- Better Skin Health: Sweating in a sauna helps cleanse the skin by removing toxins and impurities. The increased blood circulation also delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: The heat from the sauna increases your heart rate, similar to moderate exercise. This boost in circulation can help improve cardiovascular fitness and overall heart health
Five Benefits of a Cold Shower
- Improved Circulation: Exposure to cold water can improve circulation by causing blood vessels to alternate between constriction and dilation. This process helps to flush out toxins and improve overall blood flow
- Boosted Immune System: Regular cold water exposure can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections. This can help strengthen the immune system over time
- Improved Mood and Mental Health: Cold water therapy can trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, leading to improved mental well-being
- Better Sleep: Cold water immersion can help regulate your body’s temperature, which can promote better sleep. The cooling effect can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep
- Increased Energy Levels: The shock of cold water can increase alertness and energy levels. This is due to the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones that can help you feel more awake and focused
Five Benefits of a Steam Room
- Reduced Inflammation: Steam rooms can help reduce systemic inflammation, which is linked to various chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis
- Mental Clarity: Regular use of steam rooms can improve focus and cognitive function, helping you feel more mentally sharp
- Improved Flexibility: The heat can help loosen muscles and joints, improving flexibility and range of motion.
- Stress Relief: The soothing environment of a steam room can promote mental relaxation and trigger the release of endorphins, helping to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
- Improved Breathing: Steam rooms are known for their high humidity, which can help improve respiratory function by humidifying the airways and promoting bronchodilation (widening of the airways).
A day at Gardena: after a morning run on a nearby trial, begin your day by detoxifying in the barrel sauna, followed by cold water therapy under the open-air rainfall shower, then relax on one of the lounge chairs while you take in the fresh, West Coast air.
Learn more about Gardena here.