The decision to incorporate a luxury wellness space into your Marbella home is an exciting step towards improving your quality of life. Nevertheless, when considering heat options, a common question arises: is a Turkish bath or a sauna better? Understanding the difference between a Turkish bath and a sauna is essential, as although both treatments offer relaxation, detoxification, and health benefits, the way they achieve them differs radically.
At Hidromaster, we are the leading construction company in Marbella, specializing in the renovation and construction of high-end homes, and in the creation of personalized wellness areas, including spas, swimming pools, saunas, and hammams. Below, we break down the key characteristics, specific benefits, and design considerations for each option.
Dry Heat vs. Wet Heat
The essential distinction between both treatments comes down to two elements: temperature and humidity. These variables create completely different sensory experiences and effects on the body.
Sauna
The sauna, originating in Finland, is characterized by its dry and extremely high heat.
- Temperature and Humidity: Traditional saunas operate at temperatures ranging between 80ºC and 100ºC (176ºF and 212ºF), with a very low humidity level, generally between 5% and 20%. The heat comes from an electric or wood-burning stove that heats volcanic stones.
- Experience and Materials: The dry environment allows high temperatures to be tolerated. The rooms are predominantly built with wood (cedar, fir, or aspen), a material that does not absorb too much heat or burn upon contact, and that naturally regulates humidity.
- Main Benefits: Dry heat induces deep and profuse sweating. It is ideal for:
- Muscle relaxation and joint relief.
- Improvement of blood circulation and cardiovascular health.
- Detoxification and intense skin cleansing through sweat.
Turkish Bath (Hammam)
The Turkish bath, also known as hammam or steam sauna, offers a much softer heat experience, but with saturated humidity.
- Temperature and Humidity: The temperature is significantly lower, moving between 40ºC and 50ºC (104ºF and 122ºF). However, humidity is the main feature, reaching almost 100%. This steam is generated by heating water.
- Experience and Materials: The environment is completely saturated with steam, which facilitates breathing for people with mild respiratory conditions (such as congestion). The rooms are built with non-porous materials such as tiles, marble, or stone, which are resistant to constant humidity.
- Main Benefits: Steam is excellent for the respiratory system and the skin:
- Deep cleansing and oxygenation of the skin (ideal for acne and dry skin).
- Opening of the airways, relieving congestion and sinusitis.
- Maximum relaxation and stress reduction.
Key Differences Between Turkish Bath and Sauna
Although we have already defined the difference between a Turkish bath and a sauna in terms of heat, there are other crucial aspects to consider for installation in your Marbella home:
| Feature | Sauna (Dry Heat) | Turkish Bath (Wet Heat/Steam) |
| Temperature | Very High (80º-100º) | Moderate (40º-50º) |
| Humidity | Low (5% – 20%) | Very High (Up to 100%) |
| Heat Generation | Stove and Volcanic Stones | Boiler or Steam Generator |
| Construction Materials | Wood (Cedar, Fir) | Tile, Marble, Stone, Non-porous Materials |
| Effect on Skin | Intense sweating, cleansing by drainage. | Deep hydration, pore opening, cleansing by steam. |
| Recommended for | Muscle tension, cardiovascular health. | Respiratory problems, dry or sensitive skin. |
Installing a Turkish Bath or a Sauna
Once you know the difference between a Turkish bath and a sauna, the next step is installation. Whether you are renovating a villa or building a new home on the Costa del Sol, the Hidromaster team is qualified to design and install both systems with the highest quality and a luxury finish.
Integration and Custom Design
At Hidromaster, we understand that wellness is part of the Marbella lifestyle. Our designs integrate perfectly into your architecture:
- For Saunas: We create custom cabins with noble woods, LED lighting systems, and high-performance heaters that guarantee an authentic and safe experience.
- For Turkish Baths: We install latest-generation steam generators, and we work with designer marble and tiles to create an environment that evokes an authentic Oriental hammam, with ergonomic seating and precise temperature and aromatherapy control.
Additional Services from Hidromaster
Beyond the sauna and the Turkish bath, our wellness services catalog includes the construction of designer swimming pools, jacuzzis, spas, and relaxation rooms. We turn your home environment into a true private resort.
Choosing between a sauna and a Turkish bath is a matter of personal preference and health goals, but the quality of the installation should not be a concern.
If you want to start designing your ideal relaxation space in Marbella or need a comprehensive renovation of your home, contact Hidromaster. Our design and construction team will guide you so that the difference between a Turkish bath and a sauna is just the beginning of a wellness project.