Oct 27, 2025
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Welcome to the thermal contrast therapy facility at Aura Sanctuary at Bawah Reserve, Indonesia – an exciting addition to our wide variety of wellbeing experiences. This is Bawah’s newest space for rejuvenation, relaxation… and maybe a touch of adventure!
Contrast therapy involves alternating between heat and cold exposure to rev up blood circulation – boosting your metabolism, clearing your mind and enhancing your mood. Think of it as a natural reset button: dry heat followed by steam and then an invigorating cold plunge, all within the serene surrounds of beautiful Bawah.
Ready to glow from the inside out? Here’s how to make the most of it.
Start your thermal contrast therapy experience in the sauna – a dry heat and moderately intense heat that helps to ease stiff or sore muscles and let you truly relax. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and let the heat work its magic. Now, you’re officially on island time!
Sauna also boosts cardiovascular function, while promoting detoxification by inducing the purification powers of profuse sweating – clearing pores, improving skin tone and so much more.
- Where to sit:
Choose a spot that feels right for you. Heat rises, so the higher benches are slightly hotter than the lower ones. Start lower, then move up if you like as your body adjusts.
You’ll notice a sand timer on the wall. This is a way to keep track of time: from ten to 20 minutes is ideal for most. Feel free to start with a shorter duration, which you can extend over time as your mind and body adapt to the sauna experience.
- How to use water:
There’s a ladle and a bucket for splashing water on the sauna stones – by increasing the humidity, this intensifies the heat sensation. A few intermittent splashes from the ladle (not a full pour!) is the way to go. Too much water makes the atmosphere too humid and reduces the effectiveness of the dry heat experience.
Top tips:
Bring a towel to sit or lie on.
Sit with your back supported, or lie down.
Breather slowly and deeply.
Step out of the sauna if you feel at all lightheaded or overheated.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water both before and afterwards – your body is working hard in here!
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Next, slip into our soothing steam room. It’s like a gentle tropical cloud – warm, misty and deeply hydrating. The steam will leave your skin dewy, your breathing clear and your body deliciously relaxed.
- Top tip
Breathe slowly, deeply and mindfully. Moist heat is great for relieving respiratory congestion, soothing pain, boosting immunity and promoting wellbeing – both physical and mental.
- Sit or lie?
You can do either! Sitting is great for shorter sessions; lying down helps you fully relax for longer and allows the steam to wash evenly over your whole body.
- Should you add water?
If necessary, you can sprinkle a little cool water on the seat surface to make it more comfortable before you sit or lie down. The steam generator provides plenty of humidity, so there’s no need to add water to the air.
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Now it’s time for the cold plunge.
Step in gradually – or all at once, if you dare! The icy water will wake up your senses, get your heart pumping and flood you with feel-good hormones. It’s refreshing, it’s exhilarating and you may in time come to find it absolutely addictive.
How does it work? By triggering a surge in norepinephrine, dopamine and endorphins, cold therapy improves mood and focus. Over time, it brings with it better general resilience – mental, emotional and physical.
Top tip: Focus on your breath – deep, steady and calm. You’ve got this!
Repeat the sauna, steam and cold plunge circuit two to three times for the full contrast therapy experience.
Cool off under the outdoor shower and take a seat in our shady garden. Listen to the sounds of the island, feel the sea breeze on your skin and just be. This is where the magic of balance restoration happens.
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Top tip: Don’t rush. Take time to rest and rehydrate before starting another round.
We can’t say this too often. You’ll sweat (a lot!), so remember to drink plenty of water throughout your session.
After your session, you’ll feel refreshed, recharged, and ready for whatever come next – be it an adventure or a hammock interlude. Aura Sanctuary’s thermal contrast suite is right next to the spa, so we suggest timing your hot-and-cold therapy either before or after your complimentary daily treatment.
Aura Sanctuary is your invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, detoxify and rejuvenate – one delightful hot-and-cold round at a time.
Experience true wellbeing at bawah reserve
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