Canada's First Mirrored Sauna by ÖÖD at Elk Island Retreat

How to fire up the ÖÖD Sauna Stove

You will find firewood and kindling under the bench. Firestarter cubes, lighter/matches and sauna water are beside the stove. Use the gloves provided when handling the hot stove and fire.

If the fire still has hot embers from the previous guest, just add more logs. To start from cold, read the following instructions:

  1. Place 2 logs in the stove and add a firestarter cube saddled between the 2 logs.

  2. Place 3-4 pieces of kindling crisscoss on top of the logs and firestarter cube.

  3. Light the firestarter cube with the butane lighter provided.

  4. Once a flame is established, place 1 or 2 additional logs accross the top.

  5. Close the stove door and then open the ash drawer/damper beneath the door about 2 inches wide. (The drawer serves as the damper allowing more or less airflow for combustion).

  6. Allow the wood 5-10 minutes to ignite and start producing red coals. Then add 2 more logs. Be careful at this time of the hot stove surfaces and fire chamber door.

  7. The damper can be closed once the fire is established and the sauna temperature starts climbing to 40C-50C.

  8. Monitor the temperature and add 1 log every 10-15 minutes until the desired sauna temperature is reached.

  9. Once the desired temperature is reached, the sauna maintains the temperature efficiently. Add 1-2 logs only when the temperature starts dropping.

  10. If the embers are low, open the damper to help ignite the log and then close it again.

  11. To increase humidity, slowly pour 1 scoop of water onto the rocks, but ONLY when the rocks are HOT (instantly steams).

  12. Sit back and enjoy the incredible health benefits of the sauna surrounded by our serene forest landscape.

    NOTE: The amount of wood and the damper is the only way to control the temperature of the sauna. Open the outside sauna door should the temperatures become uncomfortable. Sauna temperature should not exceed 80C! If wood is added too fast or the damper is left open, the desired temperature can be overshot and you will be enjoying the sauna from the outside.

Sauna Do’s

Here are some common do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe, enjoyable sauna experience:

Hydrate before and after: Drink plenty of water before entering and after leaving the sauna to stay hydrated.

Limit time inside: Stay in the sauna for 15-20 minutes at a time. Longer sessions can be risky. There is a timer in the sauna for your convenience.

Monitor the heat: Keep the temperature under 80C. There is a thermometer in the sauna for your convenience.

Listen to your body: Leave the sauna immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortable.

Increase Humidity: Slowly add 1 scoop of water to when the rocks are HOT (instantly steams).

Alternate the sauna with a cool down period in the outdoors.

Keep it sanitary: Use a towel to sit on and wipe touchable surfaces before you leave. (We recommend wearing a bathing suit)

Relax and breathe deeply: Enjoy the heat and let your body relax, while breathing slowly and deeply.

Sauna Don’ts

  • Don’t consume alcohol
    Drinking alcohol before or during sauna use can increase dehydration and risk of fainting.

  • Not recommended for children under 12
    Adult supervision is required for minors.

  • Don’t stay too long
    Keep your sessions to 15–20 min as overheating can lead to health risks. Take a 10-15 minute break in the great outdoors.

  • Don’t use the sauna if you’re sick
    The hot, steamy conditions may exacerbate your illness.

  • Don’t use a sauna after intense exercise
    Give your body time to cool down before entering to avoid excessive strain on your heart.

  • Don’t wear metal accessories
    Remove jewelry or watches, as metal can heat up and burn your skin.

  • Don't add more than 1 scoop of water at a time and ONLY when the rocks are HOT (Instantly steams).

  • Don’t allow the sauna temperature to exceed 80C. Open the doors and step outside if the temperature approaches 80C.

  • Don't bring electronic devices
    Leave phones and other electronics outside to protect your devices from heat.

  • Don't bring any food into the sauna.

Post-Sauna Routine

  1. Sanitize contacted surfaces: Wet a rag with tea tree oil water spray and wipe benches, handles, sandles, etc.

  2. Spot wash glass surfaces: Use glass cleaner and rag to clean any spots contacted Sweep floors

  3. Close sauna room glass door

  4. Return your towels

    • To your accommodation or;

    1. NOT staying at the Retreat: drop off in the laundry room

Benefits of Nordic Sauna

Nordic saunas have been used for centuries not only for relaxation but also for their numerous health benefits. Here are some key benefits of regularly using a Nordic sauna:

Improved Circulation

The heat from the sauna causes blood vessels to dilate, improving blood flow and circulation throughout the body. This enhanced circulation can help oxygenate tissues and promote faster recovery from exercise or injury.

Detoxification

Sweating is one of the body’s natural ways to remove toxins. The intense heat of a sauna encourages sweating, which can help flush out impurities and toxins, such as heavy metals and chemicals, from the skin.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

The heat of the sauna helps relax muscles, release tension, and ease mental stress. The quiet, peaceful environment also promotes mindfulness and mental relaxation, reducing overall stress levels.

Enhanced Skin Health

Saunas help open pores and cleanse the skin. Sweating removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin soft and glowing. The increased blood circulation also nourishes the skin, improving complexion and overall skin health.

Pain Relief

The warmth of the sauna helps relax tight muscles, reduce joint stiffness, and alleviate aches and pains, making it beneficial for people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Cardiovascular Health

Regular sauna use has been associated with improved heart health. Studies suggest that frequent sauna sessions can lower blood pressure, improve heart function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The stress-relieving effects also contribute to better heart health.

Boosted Immune System

Saunas may help strengthen the immune system by boosting white blood cell production. This can make your body more effective at warding off infections.

Respiratory Function

Saunas can be beneficial for people with respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis. The warm, moist air (especially in saunas where steam is used) can help open airways, improve breathing, and loosen mucus in the lungs.

Better Sleep

Sauna sessions can promote deeper, more restful sleep. The relaxing effects of the sauna, combined with the cooling-down phase afterward, help to calm the body and mind, preparing you for a good night’s rest.

Mental Clarity and Focus

The combination of heat and relaxation in the sauna can lead to improved mental clarity and focus. Many people report feeling refreshed and mentally sharper after a sauna session.

Workout Recovery

Nordic saunas are excellent for athletes or anyone engaged in physical activity. The increased blood flow helps muscle recovery by reducing soreness, lactic acid build-up, and inflammation.

The Sensory Bliss of Oud Chips in the ÖÖD Sauna

Picture this: You step into the ÖÖD sauna, where inside, the warm, mirrored walls reflect not just your image, but the promise of deep relaxation. Then, as the heat rises, something magical happens—a soft, smoky scent starts to curl through the air. It’s not just any fragrance.; it’s oud - a rich, woody, and luxurious scent, wrapping around you like a velvet embrace.

This isn’t just a sauna session; it’s a multi-sensory escape. The oud chips, gently warming near the heat source, release waves of their signature aroma—sweet, earthy, with a hint of spice. Each breath fills your lungs with a scent that’s been treasured for centuries, taking you far from the ordinary and straight into an opulent oasis of calm.

The scent lingers in the steamy air, purifying your space and clearing your mind. It’s the perfect balance: the heat draws out your tension, while the oud grounds you, leaving you in a state of pure bliss. The forest surroundings outside the mirrored walls amplifies this experience. It’s not just relaxation, it’s sensory indulgence—an experience that touches your mind, body, and spirit.