Our Story

Your first experience in a traditional sauna is something you’ll never forget—disconnecting from the world to connect with yourself through the calming scent of cedar, the intense heat you feel on your skin, and being enveloped by steam all invite you to close your eyes and fully embrace the moment.

Hot Spell opened in 2021 with the mission of bringing the life-changing benefits of sauna to Milwaukee. Since then, we've seen our community tap into the powerful mental and physical health benefits of sauna and cold water therapy to navigate challenges such as chronic pain, illness, injury, addiction, and loss.

Sauna culture is still emerging in Milwaukee, and we’re excited to be a part of its growth! We invite you to let us host you so you can experience the amazing benefits of this journey.

My life changed on a cold, windy day in 2017.  I experienced my first true Nordic sauna at the stunning Ribersborgs Cold Bathhouse in Malmö, Sweden. After a few rounds of intense heat, followed by plunges into the icy waters of the Baltic Sea, I was hooked.

A few years later, I traveled to Finland and Estonia to further immerse myself in Nordic sauna culture. The joy it brought me and those around me confirmed that this was something I needed in my life. When I couldn't find a traditional sauna in the area, I decided to bring that experience home. 

With a lifelong background in hospitality, I carry that mindset with me every day. Seeing our guests leave with rosy faces, joyful spirits, and deep relaxation makes this journey incredibly rewarding. - Jaime


My sauna journey unknowingly started in a small homemade sauna in the woods western Michigan on a friend's property. We rotated between the heat and steam of the sauna to the frigid waters of a stream fed trout pond as a test of each other's fortitude. Little did I know that nearly 30 years later I would discover contrast therapy as a base for my health and mental wellness journey.  

I was introduced to Jaime through my wife Angela who visited Sauna House in the spring of 2023 and desired greater access to its benefits locally. We attended one of Jaime’s backyard pop ups that summer and I immediately understood why everyone was so captivated by this experience. Not only did I feel incredible, I experienced a unique sense of community that was engaged, open, supportive and fun. That fall we decided to partner with a goal of expanding the reach of Hot Spell to provide this experience to a greater audience in the region. - James


Hot Spell in the press

What our guests are saying...

  • Nothing like a little hot & cold therapy on a beautiful 40 degree day in February. Did the lake plunge with Hot Spell and all I have to say is WOW - such a cool experience! I felt so refreshed and energized after the 3 rounds of plunging and sauna. Thank you so much to James and the Hot Spell team for such a wonderful time. Will be back for sure :) - Caitlin N

  • The sauna and plunge at south shore is amazing!! Makes you feel fantastic and you get to meet cool people. - Sara B

  • We are so lucky to have this amenity in the city! I've been trying to get into cold plunging and man, combining it with hot therapy is the way to go! My sister, mom, and I did this together and all loved it. I will be back with friends. - Emily O

  • Amazing experience! Great value, was hesitant about the social aspect but it turned out to be quite nice & learned a lot from some seasoned sauna-ers. Love a good polar plunge & even better with Hot Spell to heat up first. - Noëlle V

  • Both Lakefront and Zocalo experiences with Hot Spell have been wonderful. Everything is so well thought out in advance (do read through the preparation instructions on the site beforehand) that the sessions can be fully devoted to hot/cold practices. I'll continue to enjoy their mobile/location saunas when I can, and really look forward to a permanent spot! - Brian P

  • What a unique experience for the dreary winter months in WI! We had a great time using the sauna at Hot Spell. Knowledgeable owner to ensure a relaxing and rejuvenating experience! - Samantha Z

  • Great experience! Good customer service, amenities, and the sauna itself is top-notch. - Logan P

  • Nothing beats the mind-body-spirit benefits of hot and cold contrast. Jaime and her business partner are super friendly and welcoming, and offer gentle suggestions and guidance to newcomers. I've made real friendships in community sauna sessions and can't wait to sign up again. - Aly M