10 inspiring designs for the perfect lakeside sauna

On the edge of a rock face in the Sans Souci Island area of Georgian Bay, Canadian design studio Partisans created a one-of-a-kind sauna based on the natural formation of underwater grottos. A rounded cedar interior with parallel wood grains creates the illusion of one large, carved interior, similar to the underwater grooves and caves present in a ideal grotto environment. Multiple spherical windows and skylights allow for gorgeous, unobstructed views of the horizon, and there are seating nooks galore!

Tiny overhead lights and deep, cozy colouring are the main style elements of this boxy sauna. Ample seating space is provided by tiered benches made from warm woods, and a modern minimalist stove sits in the corner.

This sauna in Lago Ranco, Chile shows just how far the Scandinavian love of saunas has spread. The lakeside cabin features the main sauna, as well as a roofed terrace and change room.

In historical Finnish bathhouses, people would often shower before going for a long, relaxing sauna (most still do). In this modern in-house variation, a glass door separates the shower and sauna sections to create a spa-like environment.

Made of rustic beams and textured wood, this sauna would be ideal for the cottage or backwoods setting. Long, horizontal windows provide a perfect glimpse of greenery and natural sunlight behind a perfect pile of chopped wood.

Stone walls, Moroccan candles, and lanterns make this loft the perfect late-night getaway. A large, more industrial-looking stove sits beneath an overlooking indoor deck area. Bonus: the railing acts as a leg rest.

The Swedish love their saunas too, and a history of minimalist architecture and muted light comes through in this refurbished lakeside cabin. A large window overlooks a deck space and the archipelago of Stockholm.

The immaculate placement of different shades of wood and the uniform direction of the grain makes this sauna truly breathtaking, yet remarkably simple. A block chimney at one end, fractured lighting, and a wall of descending benches make it all come together.

This simple sauna was formed from a large outdoor barrel. Small, affordable and cozy, this sauna style features little other than two benches and a small fireplace.

This sauna is in the bathroom of a home and shows how little space is needed to create your own warm slice of paradise. Nine square metres of space, simple details like light wood, indirect lighting, and an accent wall of natural stone give the room a outdoorsy, restful vibe.