“Spa-goers can sweat it out in heated saunas and dip into hot tubs and cold plunges on a floating WWII-era barge inspired by Scandinavian design.”

The Azure Road Take

Saunas and contrast therapy have emerged as two of the biggest trends in the recent wellness movement. But while they may seem splashy and newfangled, both are rooted in tradition and ancient practices dating back thousands of years. Across North America and the rest of the world, more people have been discovering the mental and physical benefits of saunas and hot-cold therapy, like reducing stress and improving circulation. The sauna surge has also paralleled a growing love for all things Scandinavian: minimalist design, cozy hygge spaces and activities, and IKEA. At a spa in Victoria, British Columbia, two of Scandinavia’s greatest exports — sauna and bathing culture and Nordic design — come together, with a dash of local history. Arriving at HAVN Saunas, spa-goers can sweat it out in heated saunas and dip into hot tubs and cold plunges on a floating WWII-era barge. This wellness park on the water offers panoramic views of the provincial capital and stunning Scandi-inspired design.

Sustainability Chops

HAVN crafted its hull from a refurbished 1943 WWII barge, preserving a piece of history and reimagining its use. Breathing new life into a wartime relic, the matte-black facade was largely kept as-is while the interior and top deck were gutted for an aesthetic, design-savvy refresh.

Opened in 2023, HAVN’s upper deck spa area is peak Scandinavian vibes: blonde wood, clean lines, and sleek, functional spaces. 90% of the wood used for the sauna interiors, siding, railings, and trim is locally salvaged, recycled cedar, sourced from along the island’s northeast coast as driftwood. Decor is kept to a minimalistic minimum aside from potted native foliage and chairs, and large windows cut into the sauna walls welcome in views and natural light.

While reusable cups are available for water and other refreshments, staff encourage guests to bring personal water bottles to stay hydrated. The spa is cleaned using only all-natural cleaning products, and HAVN makes its own line of organic, cruelty-free, and GMO-free skincare which you can purchase in the boutique on your way out.

The Treatment

Contrast therapy is the heart of the HAVN experience: alternating between hot and cold environments and temperatures for health benefits.

After changing into your bathing suit (no going au-natural here, sorry sauna purists) and showering in the communal, all-gender bathrooms and changing area, head upstairs to the open-air top deck spa. For its contrast circuit, HAVN has two hot tubs, three saunas, and two cold pools at your disposal, as well as outdoor showers and an exfoliation shower. Following the traditional hydrotherapy process, start in either of the hot tubs before bringing down your body temperature in the cold pools, which are kept around a frosty 45 degrees Fahrenheit. After an invigorating plunge, return to the hot tub or one of the saunas, which have different levels of humidity and temperature depending on your preference. Rinse and repeat the hot-to-cold-to-hot cycle as many times as desired before retreating to the glassed-in relaxation room, garden patio, or plant-filled indoor lounge to repose. 

While HAVN recommends following the classic contrast therapy route, you’re welcome to do what feels best for you. The cold plunges may be too frigid for many, so no embarrassment (as a cold plunge convert, I found them wonderfully icy). Remember to stay hydrated with cold water or tea throughout your three-hour time slot, and other light beverages and healthy snacks are available for purchase in the lounge. Reservations are highly recommended, and prices start around $62 USD ($89 CAD) for a three-hour entry, with discounted rates for late-night two-hour bookings.

Guests are also asked to leave their phones below deck in their lockers. While the sleek Nordic design and city views are enticing, the lack of phones provides a more restful, disconnected environment where the outside world can’t intrude on your self-care.

Spa Location

Anchored in the Ship Point Marina within Victoria’s downtown-adjacent inner harbor, HAVN provides an oasis at the heart of the city center. While soaking in the hot tubs or lounging on deck chairs, guests also get to soak up views of landmarks like the palatial Fairmont Empress Hotel and the neo-baroque Parliament building and watch the comings-and-goings of mainland ferries, sailboats, and floatplanes. Its accessibility close to offices, businesses, and residential areas references the spa’s Scandinavian roots, where saunas serve as community gathering hubs that are part of the daily routine. Visitors can easily take up rooms across the street at the Fairmont Empress, which also has its own spa if you’d like to complement your hot-cold therapy session with massages, facials, or other treatments.

And stay tuned: after finding a second sister barge, HAVN Vancouver is in the works.

Staff Vibe

As a largely self-guided spa experience, interactions with the pleasant, helpful staff are minimal apart from checking in and ordering refreshments in the lounge. Upon check-in, one of HAVN’s friendly, soft-spoken attendants provides a general overview of the layout and process, answers any questions you may have, and provides you with a robe, towels, and instructions on using the lockers. If you’re unfamiliar with hydrotherapy, they’re only too happy to give you some background information and recommendations. After that, the staff largely disappears into the misty, cedar-scented background of your hydrotherapy experience, discreetly spiriting away discarded towels or reusable cups to keep the spa deck, lounge, and changing areas clean and tidy.