Questions we are often asked.

  • Trying to book a session a month out but seeing it’s unavailable? That’s simply because our booking window isn’t open yet. We normally release sessions 10 days ahead, with occasional longer windows during special times like the holidays.

  • We offer both! Here are our booking recommendations, based on guest numbers:

    • 2-10 guests: social sauna sessions on our public schedule (during our regular hours)

    • 10-15 guests: single sauna private rental (off hours only)

    • 15+ guests: full space private rental (during or outside of our regular hours)

    For small-to-medium group bookings:

    • Book individual spots in two adjacent 15-minute back-to-back slots on our public schedule. For example: For 8-12 people, you'd likely want to reserve 4-6 spots in each session. All members of your group can show up together, but booking in adjacent time slots helps us accommodate all guests and ensure everyone has enough space and time to sauna.

    • Hosts can purchase single sessions or packages to be used to book guests into sessions. Each guest must be booked into a session in order to reserve a spot in that session. (You’ll need to perform separate transactions to book guests using a package.)

    Interested in learning more about our private offerings? Email us at hello@lostlanguagesauna.com.

  • A swimsuit, a towel, and a water bottle (no glass please!). Flip flops or slides are optional.

  • We highly recommend that you book your experience in advance. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows and up to 60 minutes before we close! 

  • Sauna makes people happy. And happy people spread joy. For us, that feels really important because healthier humans and more connected communities have the power to make a positive, lasting impact on their neighborhoods and cities. 

    But if we’re talkin’ brass tacks, research shows that regular sauna use increases healthspan, improves heart health, promotes muscle recovery, improves VO2 max, decreases the onset of neurological diseases, decreases feelings of depression and anxiety, and melts stress.

  • Of course! Sauna is for everyone and our team loves welcoming new people to Lost Language. We’re here to support you through your experience at your own pace. 

    Still not sure? Send us an email at hello@lostlanguagesauna.com. We’d love to answer your questions or meet you for a tour of our space.

  • Listen to your body! When you feel it, you’ll know…which is our way of saying sauna is not a contest and every day is different. 

    If you’re a “numbers person” and need a ballpark, we recommend 12-15 minutes in sauna, 1-3 minutes in cold, and 5-10 minutes to rest in between.

    But don’t forget our motto: Lost Language is a warm place for slow time. So don’t rush the process.

  • You’ve got 60 minutes to enjoy your time in our outdoor space with others, guided by our team. Lost Language offers guests two 15-person saunas (one wood-fired and one electric), two communal cold pools, two outdoor showers, and plenty of space to rest and rehydrate. We have on-site changing rooms and off-site bathroom access, along with light refreshments and extra towels.

  • Wear what makes you feel comfortable…but ya gotta wear something! (Sorry, no naked sauna here!) We recommend a swimsuit or shorts and a tank. Bring a towel to sit on, too!

  • Our saunas are traditional Finnish dry saunas, designed by Cedar & Stone and built by our stellar team in Chicago.

  • You can bring water or sports drinks that help you stay hydrated. No glass bottles, please! 

    For safety and cleanliness, food is not allowed in the saunas or pools. Outside food is not permitted in our space, unless approved by a member of our team. 

  • At Lost Language, in-person connection comes first. Which means we’re a technology-free space.  

    Out of respect for our community - their experience and privacy - we kindly ask that you leave your phones near our check-in area. Guests unable to respect our no-phone policy may be asked to leave. 

  • You’re welcome to cancel your sauna reservation up to 1 hour before your visit. While we don’t offer refunds, you can gift unused credits to a friend or save them for use at a later time. 

    Private events can be cancelled up to 1 week in advance for a full refund or 72 hours before the day of the event for a 50% refund.

  • This is a great question! Check out our blog post Sauna 101: A warm guide with hot takes on sauna etiquette to learn more!

  • We focus our charitable giving on the timely needs of our neighbors and city. We’re currently focusing our giving efforts on local health care programs, arts organizations, and environmental advocacy.

A pile of chopped firewood with various sizes and shapes, showing rough textures and natural wood colors.