Steam Room Treatments

Steam room treatments and Sauna Ceremony

Many guests ask us, “What exactly happens during the sauna ceremony or the luxury packages?” It’s a good question—and not an easy one to answer. Each treatment is highly individual, tailored to your physical condition, comfort level, and personal preferences.

That said, we’ve outlined the main phases of the sauna ceremony and most common steam room treatments below to give you a general idea of what to expect. Please keep in mind that this is just a benchmark—the actual experience may vary slightly to ensure it suits your needs perfectly.

Individual treatments (hot leaves massage, warm peeling, hot reflexology) explained below do not included in the Sauna Ceremony, but included in the luxury packages (Luxury Package for Two or Ultimate Birthday Bliss) or can be booked by each guest individually. Please check context of every package before your placed reservation.


Arrival and Welcome

Please arrive at the scheduled time for your session. A spa attendant will greet you, introduce the facilities, and walk you to the changing room. This is your space to prepare for the experience ahead.


Changing rooms. Manotick Spa

Introduction and Waiver

Your sauna attendant will introduce the context of the spa ceremony—what it includes, how the experience is structured, and what to expect during each phase. At this point, you’ll be asked to provide a signed waiver (if not already submitted online). For guests with a Luxury Package, bathrobes and towels will be provided. You’ll then have some time and privacy to change and get comfortable before the ceremony begins.


First Session: Dry Preheating and Warm Peeling

You’ll be invited into the steam room to begin the first phase of the ceremony. You may choose to sit or lie down on the benches—whatever feels most comfortable. The sauna master will use fans and bunches of warm leaves to circulate heat around your body, gently warming your muscles and tissues, layer by layer. This phase is dry and mild, designed to prepare your body for deeper treatments by opening the pores, relaxing the fascia, and initiating light detox through gentle perspiration.


First Session. Continued: Peeling and Awakening (for individual and couples packages).

To enhance comfort and effectiveness, the sauna attendant will apply alternating warm and cool water to key areas—shoulders, feet, forehead, and stomach—using special peeling gloves. This technique combines intensive exfoliation with light lymphatic drainage, helping to open pores, remove dead skin, and awaken the entire surface of the body. Most guests describe this moment as a turning point—when the skin begins to “breathe,” and a deep sense of renewal sets in.


Waterfall buckets

4. First Break: The Power of Contrast

One of the core principles of the sauna ceremony is thermal contrast—the shift between hot and cold—which boosts circulation, strengthens immunity, and enhances overall vitality. After the first steam session, we recommend taking a cold water plunge. Whether it’s a dip in the plunge pool, a cool shower, or stepping outside into fresh air (depending on the season), this moment helps to reset your nervous system, tighten the skin, and leave you feeling wide awake and re-energized.


First Break. Continued: Rest, Hydration, and Harmony

Each break between sessions—usually 10 to 15 minutes—is an essential part of the experience. It gives your body time to integrate the effects of the heat and cold, find a new internal balance, and simply rest. This is also a moment to enjoy the natural surroundings, take deep breaths, and reconnect with yourself. We provide complimentary drinks to help you stay properly hydrated throughout the ceremony.


5. Second Sauna Session: Aromatherapy and Hot Leaves Introduction

For the second session, you’ll lie on your back and fully relax. The sauna attendant will pour a special blend of essential oils onto the hot stones, filling the air with therapeutic aromas. Using fans and bunches of warm leaves, they gently direct the scented steam toward your body, wrapping you in waves of heat and fragrance.

In the second part of this session, the sauna master will introduce you to the heart of the ceremony—the Hot Leaves treatment. They will explain its roots and healing purpose, then demonstrate the basic techniques directly on your body.Many guests describe it as both nurturing and transformative.


Second Break: Relaxation and Transformation

After the second sauna session, it’s time for another cooling break. You’re welcome to jump into the cold pool or simply enjoy the fresh air while resting on a lounge chair under the open sky.

This 10 to 15-minute pause allows your body to absorb the benefits of the treatment and gently transition into a state of deep calm. By this point in the ceremony, most guests feel profoundly relaxed, joyful, and fully present—ready for the final phase of the experience.

Attendant will serve you beverages of your choice (complimentary or for extra cost – depending on the package)


Third Sauna Session: Hot Leaves Treatment Begins

This session is the culmination of the entire sauna ceremony. You’ll lie comfortably on your stomach, with a special air cushion or face support to help you breathe easily and relax fully.

The sauna master will pour generous amounts of water onto the hot stones, creating a rich, steamy atmosphere. You’ll begin to feel a deep, pleasant warmth spread across your back as the room fills with moist heat. At this stage, the sauna attendant will step away for a couple of minutes, allowing your body to fully absorb the warmth and prepare for the most intense and healing part of the treatment.


Hot reflexology.

Hot Reflexology – one of the most beloved treatments among our guests. It melts away tension with slow, sensual pressure that is both deeply relaxing and profoundly soothing, while at the same time restoring balance and vitality. Included in our osteopathy packages, it is performed with hot leaves, smooth sticks, and warm bamboo gently applied to the feet.

Hot Leaves Treatment. Continued: The Magic Unfolds

Now the magic truly begins. The sauna master uses the bundles of hot leaves in multiple ways—waving them to move warm air across your body, pressing them gently as heated compresses, tapping like soft massage sticks, and rolling them slowly over your muscles.

By adjusting rhythm, temperature, and steam intensity, the sauna master guides your body into complete relaxation. This technique works not just on the surface, but reaches deep into the muscles, fascia, and connective tissue. The sensation is immersive—many guests describe it as floating or flying, carried by waves of heat and care.


After SaunaOptional Massage. 

After the session, you may enjoy a skin moisturizing massage (non-RMT), which can be done for couples simultaneously. Licensed massages by an RMT or Osteopath are also available, but they are performed one at a time and must be booked well in advance.


Beer Hall (Loyly Spa)

Rest and Enjoy

If you prefer to skip the extra massage—which many guests find unnecessary after the deep Hot Leaves experience—you’re welcome to simply relax in the lounge. Our on-site restaurant will provide you with drinks and delicious fresh meals.


Summary.

Sauna Ceremony & Hot Leaves Packages

Experience Elements Sauna Ceremony Hot Leaves Treatment Luxury Package Exclusive Use Package
Dry preheating with warm leaves & fan work Included Included Included Included
Aromatherapy with essential oils on hot stones Included Included Included Included
Warm peeling with peeling gloves Included Included Included
Lymphatic drainage Included Included Included
Thermal contrast breaks (cold plunge, showers, fresh air) Included Included Included
Hot Leaves intro & demonstration Included Included Included
Hot Leaves massage Included Included Included
Hot compresses & stretching Included Included
Hot reflexology (leaves, sticks, bamboo) Included Included
Ice & flame contrast in steam room Included Included
Herbal teas, bathrobes, towels, soft drinks & water Included Included
Exclusive spa use (no other guests) Included

The best and richest Sauna experience can be achieved with individual luxury packages for Two guests (Luxury Package for Two) or for the single visitor (Ultimate Birthday Bliss). For groups we recommend to book Sauna ritual.

Schedule Appointment