What is an infrared sauna?
A traditional sauna heats the air around you, and that hot air warms your body. An infrared sauna works differently. Instead of heating the air to high temperatures, it uses infrared light to warm your body directly — the same kind of gentle, radiant warmth you feel from the sun on a cool day, without the harsh heat.
The practical difference is comfort. Because the air itself stays cooler than in a traditional sauna, many people find an infrared session easier to settle into and stay in for longer. You feel deeply, pleasantly warm rather than as though you're sitting inside an oven.
What does it feel like?
The warmth builds gradually. In the first few minutes you'll notice a soft, enveloping heat, and as the session goes on you'll begin to sweat — more than you might expect from how comfortable the air feels. That's completely normal and part of the experience.
Most people describe an infrared sauna as calming rather than intense. It's a quiet, still kind of warmth that tends to slow your breathing and loosen your shoulders almost without you noticing. Many find it's one of the few places they can genuinely switch off.
Why do people use infrared saunas?
People come to the sauna for different reasons. Some are drawn to the simple pleasure of deep warmth and the way it helps them relax and unwind after a busy week. Others enjoy the feeling of easing tired muscles, or find that a warm session helps them sleep better that night. Many simply value the time out — a stretch of quiet with no phone, no screen, and nothing to do but rest.
What to expect at your first session
At Rain Day Spa, a session is unhurried and private by design — we only ever host a small number of guests at any one time, so the space never feels crowded.
A few practical things to know before your first visit:
Hydrate beforehand. You'll sweat during your session, so arrive well hydrated and drink water afterwards.
Wear something comfortable, or bring a towel. You'll want to be relaxed and unrestricted.
Don't eat a heavy meal right before. A light stomach makes for a more comfortable session.
Start gently. If it's your first time, there's no need to push. Ease into the warmth, and step out whenever you feel you've had enough. Over a few visits you'll find your own rhythm.
Cool down afterwards. Give yourself a little time to return to normal temperature before rushing back into your day — it's part of the ritual, and it feels lovely.
Infrared sauna and cold plunge — a natural pairing
One of the reasons an infrared sauna sits so well alongside our ice plunge is the contrast between the two. Moving from deep warmth to a brief cold immersion and back again is an age-old wellness practice, and many of our guests find the combination more restorative than either on its own. If you're new to both, the sauna is a gentle place to begin.
Trying an infrared sauna in Brisbane
Rain Day Spa is an intimate day spa in Indooroopilly, in Brisbane's western suburbs, set among the rainforest. Our infrared sauna is part of every session, alongside our hydrotherapy spa and ice plunge — so you can experience all three in a single, unhurried visit.
If you've been meaning to try an infrared sauna, this is a calm, private place to start. We'd love to have you.