Rudding Park Spa to debut art of aufguss in the UK

The recently opened Rudding Park Spa in Harrogate will be the first UK spa to offer the art of aufguss – a sauna-based treatment – to its customers.

Derived from ancient, native American rituals, art of aufguss involves a “sauna-meister” conducting a theatrical performance of infusions, dance, and occasionally song.

Using essential oils – by pouring them on the hot coals in the sauna – the master creates a stimulating environment within the sauna, before circulating the aromatic air using a towel-waving technique.

The ritual, which lasts around 10 minutes, is meant to revive guests both mentally and physically.

The spa team at Rudding Park Spa has been trained by art of aufguss champion Lay Pang Ong.

Pang said: “The contact between the master and audience is of the utmost importance.

“The meister of aufguss is not there merely to show off what he can do technically, but to provide the audience with a relaxing, stimulating and refreshing experience both physically and mentally.”

The treatment has become increasingly popular among European spas and is now entering the UK for the first time.

“There will be an art of aufguss performance each afternoon from 1 July, so hotel and spa guests will be able to experience a ten-minute performance,” a spokesperson for Rudding Park said.

The £9.5m Rudding Park Spa opened in May. Facilities at the at the 45,000sq ft (4,180sq m) property include a garden sauna cabin, sun deck and an outdoor spa bath among the landscaped gardens.