World of Saunas – a ritual of relaxation and regeneration

Hotel Pinija is recognized for its wide range of facilities tailored to both adults and children, where every stay becomes a complete and well-rounded holiday experience. Within this concept, a modern wellness & spa centre stands out – a space designed for relaxation, slowing down and restoring energy.

Guests can enjoy a variety of complementary facilities, including different types of saunas, a SPA zone with a steam bath, Finnish sauna, jacuzzi, heated loungers with a sea view, and a carefully designed relaxation room with a Himalayan salt wall, which ionizes the space and has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.

A warming experience for body and mind

Located within the indoor pool area of Hotel Pinija, the World of Saunas is designed as a zone of complete relaxation, where warmth, water and tranquillity come together in a harmonious wellness experience. Surrounded by relaxation loungers and experience showers, this area allows the body to gradually unwind through the contrast of heat and refreshment.

The World of Saunas includes three different types of saunas, tailored to various needs and preferences: Finnish sauna, infrared sauna and family BIO sauna. Each offers a unique thermal experience – from intense heating and detoxification to a gentler, more soothing relaxation suitable for the whole family.

Finnish Sauna – intense heat and a classic sauna ritual

The Finnish sauna is the most well-known and intense type of sauna, recognized for its high temperatures and dry air. The temperature ranges between 80 and 100 °C, while humidity remains low at around 10–20%, creating a strong heating effect and promoting intense sweating.

The sauna interior is lined with wood, while heat is generated by a stove with hot stones. At Hotel Pinija, the Finnish sauna operates on a controlled evaporation system (“drop by drop”), where water is gradually dosed onto the hot stones. This ensures optimal humidity and a pleasant level of heat, without the need for guests to pour water themselves. The Finnish sauna is available both in the World of Saunas and in the SPA zone of the wellness & spa centre. A special highlight of the sauna in the SPA area is its sea view, which further enhances the overall experience.

Benefits of the Finnish sauna:

• supports detoxification through sweating
• reduces stress and promotes relaxation
• helps balance hormones and overall vitality
• relieves muscle pain and supports recovery
• strengthens the immune system
• improves circulation and skin appearance

Usage guidelines and recommendations: A sauna session typically lasts between 8 and 15 minutes, followed by cooling – usually with a shower – and a rest period of 20 to 30 minutes. The cycle can be repeated up to three times, depending on individual preferences. During the session, it is important to use a towel for sitting or lying down and to stay hydrated to compensate for fluid loss.

Notes and restrictions: Due to high temperatures, the Finnish sauna is not suitable for small children or individuals with serious health conditions such as heart disease.

Infrared Sauna – a modern approach to body relaxation

The infrared sauna offers a modern approach, differing from traditional saunas in the way heat is generated. Instead of heating the air, infrared rays act directly on the body, penetrating deeper into the tissue and creating a sensation of warmth from within. This stimulates circulation and promotes more intense sweating, but in a gentler and more comfortable way.

The temperature in an infrared sauna typically ranges between 40 and 60 °C, which is significantly lower compared to a Finnish sauna. Humidity levels remain low (around 10–20%), as no steam is used – the heat comes from infrared rays that warm the body directly rather than the surrounding air.

The interior is wood-lined, creating a pleasant and more intimate atmosphere. Due to the lower temperatures, this type of sauna is particularly suitable for those who do not tolerate high heat well. Its gentle yet effective action provides a relaxing experience without a feeling of heaviness or exhaustion.

Benefits of the infrared sauna:

• supports skin health and helps improve skin appearance
• promotes relaxation and reduces stress
• relieves muscle and joint pain and supports recovery
• improves circulation and blood flow
• contributes to strengthening the immune system
• may help reduce tension, fatigue and discomfort such as headaches or insomnia

Usage guidelines and recommendations: A session in the infrared sauna typically lasts up to 20–30 minutes. It is recommended to shower and remove jewellery before entering. During the session, a towel should be used, and adequate hydration is important. After the sauna, gradual cooling with a shower and a period of rest are recommended to restore balance.

Notes and restrictions: Although suitable for a wide range of users, the infrared sauna is not recommended for individuals with serious health conditions without prior consultation with a doctor.

Family BIO Sauna – gentle warmth for the whole family

The family BIO sauna is a milder and more comfortable alternative to the traditional Finnish sauna, designed for those who prefer moderate temperatures and higher humidity levels. Thanks to these conditions, it is ideal for relaxation for the whole family, including children over the age of 6.

The temperature in the BIO sauna ranges between 45 and 60 °C, with increased humidity, creating a pleasant, warm atmosphere similar to a tropical climate. This environment allows for easier breathing and longer stays without a feeling of exhaustion. What makes the BIO sauna special is its balanced and gentle effect on the body.

Benefits of the BIO sauna:

• gently relaxes the body and reduces tension
• stimulates circulation and natural detox processes
• supports skin health and hydration
• facilitates breathing and has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system
• suitable for those who do not tolerate high temperatures
• allows for a longer and more comfortable stay

Usage guidelines and recommendations: A session in the BIO sauna can last between 15 and 20 minutes, with the possibility of longer stays due to the milder conditions. Alternating between heating and cooling phases, with short rest periods in between, is recommended to stimulate circulation and achieve the full effect. It is important to use a towel and ensure proper hydration before and after use.

Children and the BIO sauna: The family BIO sauna is suitable for children over the age of 6, with shorter sessions and mandatory adult supervision. At Hotel Pinija, children under the age of 16 are not permitted to use the SPA zone, Finnish sauna, or infrared sauna, while the family BIO sauna is the only sauna intended for younger guests.

Steam Bath (Turkish Sauna) – gentle warmth and deep relaxation

Within the SPA zone of the wellness & spa centre at Hotel Pinija, guests can also enjoy a steam bath, known as a Turkish sauna or hammam – a space filled with warm, dense steam that offers a unique relaxation experience.

The steam bath is an enclosed, comfortably heated space lined with ceramic or stone, featuring heated benches where guests can relax during the treatment. The room is filled with fine steam, creating a soft, almost misty atmosphere that enhances the sense of calm and relaxation.

Unlike traditional saunas, the steam bath is characterized by lower temperatures ranging from 45 to 55 °C, combined with very high humidity levels of up to 100%. These conditions create a gentle warmth that is pleasant for the body while still providing a deeply relaxing effect.

Benefits of the steam bath:

• deeply cleanses and hydrates the skin
• облегчates breathing and purifies the respiratory system
• relaxes muscles and reduces tension
• stimulates circulation and creates a feeling of lightness
• contributes to an overall sense of relaxation and well-being

Usage guidelines and recommendations: A steam bath session is recommended to last between 10 and 15 minutes, followed by a lukewarm shower and a rest period of 20 to 30 minutes. For optimal results, alternating between heat and cooling is recommended, along with adequate hydration before and after the session.

What makes the experience in the Turkish sauna at Hotel Pinija even more special is the ice fountain located at the exit. The ice is used for gradual cooling of the body after the steam bath and also provides a gentle exfoliating effect. This contrast of heat and cold stimulates circulation and enhances the feeling of freshness and vitality.

A complete wellness experience for every guest

The World of Saunas at Hotel Pinija seamlessly complements the overall wellness & spa offer, creating a complete experience of relaxation and body care. Different types of saunas, SPA facilities and relaxation areas are designed to provide every guest with moments of peace, comfort and renewed energy.

All hotel guests enjoy unlimited access to the World of Saunas, while entry to the additional SPA zone is available at an extra charge. For those who wish to enhance their stay even further, specially designed wellness packages are available, combining the best of the offer.

This experience is also available to external guests through carefully curated packages that provide access to the World of Saunas and other wellness facilities. Whether you are staying at the hotel or simply looking for a moment of relaxation, the wellness & spa centre at Hotel Pinija offers the perfect place to restore energy, balance and a sense of complete well-being.

Where Nature Meets Luxury: Wellness Rituals Inspired by the Mediterranean

On the sun-kissed hillsides of Dalmatia, among dry stone walls and rugged trails, grows a true treasure of nature—fragrant, healing plants that have been rooted in Mediterranean life for centuries. Lavender, rosemary, sage, immortelle, and bay leaf are not mere ornaments of the landscape; they are part of the region’s heritage, long used to heal, soothe, and awaken the senses. These plants belong here as much as the stone, the sea, and the sun. Their essential oils, calming aromas, and anti-inflammatory properties have been cherished in traditional remedies and self-care rituals for generations. Today, that ancestral knowledge lives on—gently woven into the modern wellness philosophy of Hotel Pinija in Petrčane, where nature’s healing power transforms into treatments that nourish, relax, and restore.

Lavender and Rosemary – Queens of the Mediterranean Garden

Lavender has always held a special place in the lives of local people. Its distinctive aroma calms the mind, eases tension, and gently soothes the body into relaxation, while the soft purple blossoms evoke a sense of harmony and well-being. Traditionally used to ease headaches, insomnia, and skin conditions, lavender’s essential oil remains one of the most valued in aromatherapy. It is no coincidence that lavender lies at the heart of many wellness rituals—its scent evokes memories of carefree summer days, while its healing properties invite the body into deep relaxation and renewal. At Hotel Pinija, lavender is not just an ingredient—it is an experience. Quiet, serene, and natural. Just like Dalmatia.

Where lavender soothes, rosemary awakens. With its sharp, refreshing scent, rosemary stimulates circulation, clears the mind, and energizes the body. In Mediterranean folklore, including  Dalmatia, rosemary has long been known to sharpen focus—a sprig tucked in the hair for clarity, a tea brewed for strength. When these two Mediterranean treasures come together, they create a perfect balance of calm and vitality.

That balance is embodied in the Pinija Experience Touch treatment—an aromatic wellness ritual that begins with a gentle exfoliation using lavender, rosemary, and salt from nearby Nin, followed by a rejuvenating massage with Mediterranean healing herbs. Over the course of 70 minutes, this ritual reconnects you with the essence of the Mediterranean—natural, timeless, and harmonizing.

For a moment when time stands still and your body breathes deeply, immerse yourself in the Lavender & Rosemary ritual for two. This specially curated wellness journey is based on an intuitive De-Stress massage (50 minutes), tailored to the individual needs of each guest. Natural oils are carefully selected to meet your skin’s condition and your body’s emotional state. The magic of touch here does not lie in pressure, but in the therapist’s mindful presence—guided by breath, tension, and rhythm, like waves gently washing ashore.

These treatments view the body as a whole—physical, emotional, and energetic. Carefully chosen Mediterranean oils with notes of lavender and rosemary create a deeply relaxing environment that brings the body into balance and the mind into stillness. This is not a classic massage—it is a return to your inner peace, supported by the quiet strength of nature that, here in the heart of Dalmatia, reminds us that simplicity is often the truest luxury.

Pinija Relax Programs – A Holistic Mediterranean Wellness Experience

In harmony with the surrounding nature—fragrant lavender and rosemary, pine forests, and salt fields of nearby Nin—the Pinija Relax programs offer comprehensive rituals for restoring both body and spirit.

  • Pinija Spa Day (150 minutes) delivers full-body regeneration through the exclusive Pinija Experience Touch ritual, designed to realign your internal balance. The program also includes a 30-minute quick beauty facial, SPA manicure, and full-day access to the SPA zone. A unique highlight is the Finnish sauna with a sea view, heated loungers, and a jacuzzi that invite deep rest and relaxation. In the relaxation room, the Himalayan salt wall, which releases increasing amounts of salt each year, purifies the air and benefits the respiratory system.
  • The Relax Day program (120 minutes) guides guests through a restorative cycle: a Spa Salt exfoliation with salt from Nin, a De-Stress massage to release muscle tension, and a 50-minute deep facial treatment. This package also includes access to the SPA zone—a therapeutic experience in itself.
  • Men’s Day (130 minutes) is tailored to the specific needs of men’s skin and muscle structure. It includes a choice between a facial treatment or back depilation, followed by a classic massage and use of the SPA zone.

Among the massage highlights:

  • Dream Massage – a perfect escape from the everyday through soothing techniques and personalized movements that bring complete relaxation and revitalization of both body and mind.
  • Hanakasumi Massage – inspired by traditional Japanese skincare rituals, this treatment nourishes the skin, boosts circulation, and awakens the senses.

In both massages, guests choose from four different dry oil blends, each of which can also be used as a perfume or hair oil, extending the feeling of comfort and self-care long after the treatment ends.

SPA zone access includes herbal teas, flavored and plain water, a Turkish sauna, and refreshing showers.

The scents of lavender, the warmth of rosemary, and the mineral richness of Nin salt are just part of the story. Immerse yourself in a world of treatments and rituals inspired by Mediterranean nature at Hotel Pinija: https://hotel-pinija.hr/hr/wellness-spa/