Our Outdoor Barrel Sauna: A Quiet Moment on the Lotus Pond

There's a particular kind of stillness that comes with sitting in a warm sauna, watching the light change over water. At Leaves & Fishes, that's exactly what our guests find — an Alpine barrel sauna, nestled beside the lotus pond, tucked into the trees of our Lovedale property in the Hunter Valley.

If you've stayed with us before, you'll know the sauna has quickly become one of the most-loved parts of the experience. If you haven't yet, here's what makes it worth building into your next escape.

Why We Added a Sauna to Leaves & Fishes

Leaves & Fishes has always been about slowing down — long mornings, quiet corners, and a landscape that asks you to be present in it. A sauna felt like a natural extension of that. It's not a spa treatment squeezed into a schedule; it's a space to sit, breathe, and let the rest of the day fall away.

Positioned on the edge of the lotus pond, the sauna gives you views that shift with the seasons — glassy winter water, and lotus flowers unfurling across the surface from spring through to autumn. Wherever you're staying on the property, the sauna is just a short walk from your door.

What to Expect

Our outdoor barrel sauna is designed exclusively for in-house guests, so you won't be sharing the space with anyone outside your booking. Each stay — whether you're in one of the Boathouses or The Villa — includes one complimentary sauna session, with the sauna entirely yours for that time. Additional sessions can be booked for a small fee if you'd like more time in the heat (or the view).

There's no single "right" way to use it. Some guests ease into a slow morning with a sauna session before breakfast on the deck. Others treat it as a way to unwind after a day of cellar door hopping around the Hunter Valley. Either way, it's a moment of stillness built into your stay, not something you have to plan around.

The Best Time to Visit for the Lotus in Bloom

For guests who want the sauna experience at its most striking, timing your stay around the lotus bloom is worth it. The lotus typically flower from November through to March, while the water lilies closer to the boathouse decks bloom for longer, from September through to May. A sauna session with pink lotus blooms scattered across the pond in front of you is one of those small, unexpected details that tends to stay with people long after they've checked out.

That said, the sauna holds its own appeal in every season — there's something to be said for a hot barrel sauna on a crisp winter morning too.

Booking Your Sauna Session

The sauna is included as part of your accommodation, so there's nothing extra to arrange in advance — your session is simply part of the stay. If you'd like additional time in the sauna beyond your complimentary session, our team can help set that up once you've checked in.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your stay at Leaves & Fishes and make a sauna session by the lotus pond part of your Hunter Valley escape.

FAQs

Is the sauna included in the cost of my stay? Yes. One complimentary sauna session is included with every accommodation booking, whether you're staying in a Boathouse or The Villa.

Is the sauna private, or shared with other guests? The sauna is exclusively for in-house guests and is booked out entirely for your session — you won't be sharing it with anyone outside your group.

Can I book extra sauna time during my stay? Yes, additional sessions can be booked for a fee once you've checked in.

When is the best time to see the lotus in bloom from the sauna? The lotus typically bloom from November to March, with water lilies flowering closer to the boathouses from September through May.

Do I need to bring anything for my sauna session? Just yourself and a towel. Full details will be provided closer to your stay.