„At WeBorn, we make recovery accessible & integrable into your day to boost recovery, resilience & performance through guided sauna & ice bath“ – Jessica Halper, co-founder WeBorn
cooperation
So. Last Friday, my husband and I went to WeBorn in Vienna. And I think it was one of those evenings where you only realize afterward how much you needed it. You might have noticed – this year we’re really in our wellness era. And by that, I don’t mean „slapping on a face mask every now and then and saying self-care is important.“ I mean consciously integrating things into our daily lives that are good for us in the long run.
We work a lot. We travel a lot. We exercise. We function.
But when do we really take the time to unwind? Saunas have always been something we enjoy. To be honest, we’re not exactly beginners anymore. Different spas, thermal baths, sauna infusions – we’ve tried quite a few. And that’s precisely why we were so excited to see what awaited us here.
And I’ll tell you right now: I was pleasantly surprised by WeBorn. Really.
Cute on the outside.
A world of its own on the inside.
From the outside, WeBorn seems almost unassuming. Small. Charming. A touch of antique, Mediterranean, perhaps even slightly oriental.
But as soon as you open the door, the atmosphere changes. It becomes quieter. Not just in the room. But also within you. We received an incredibly warm welcome – no stiff spa formality, just genuine friendliness. As newcomers, we even received a small gift. And I love that sort of thing. It’s precisely these details that make all the difference. In the middle of the room, large stairs lead down to the basement. And that’s when you realize: This place is bigger than you think.
On the second basement level of WeBorn are the changing rooms for women and the actual spa area – and it’s from down there that this very special atmosphere begins. And as you descend these steps, you almost feel like you’re entering another world. Away from the street noise, away from everyday life, into something sheltered. Downstairs, everything is softly lit, calm, thoughtfully designed. No hustle and bustle. No rush. Just this gentle arrival.
The spa area
– thoughtfully designed, spacious, and somehow calming.
Before I get to the class, I need to briefly describe the spa area of WeBorn, because I think it’s hard to really imagine otherwise. There are two different seating areas in the sauna – plenty of space to sit comfortably cross-legged without feeling like you’re too close to anyone. We immediately noticed that. You’re not crowded, but really comfortable. And that alone changes the whole experience because you automatically feel more at ease.
Then there’s the tea bar. Water, tea, juice. Everything is quiet, without any hustle and bustle. You can sit there before or after your session and just take a few deep breaths. No crowds, no noise – more like a little relaxation corner that helps you stay in that relaxed state a little longer. The sauna at around 75 degrees Celsius is perfect if you want something a bit gentler or want to ease into it. Especially if you’re not used to heat yet, it feels like a gentle introduction.
The shower area is clearly structured – and then, right at the end: the ice baths. And I admit it – the moment I saw the pools, I thought, „Okay. This is going to be interesting.“ Important by the way: You wear swimwear here. It’s not a nude area. No awkwardness. So if you’ve been thinking about trying a sauna for a while but never quite dared to – here it’s really uncomplicated. It’s perfect for beginners, but just as much for experienced sauna enthusiasts. And it’s precisely this combination of thoughtful design, clear structure, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes the area so special. You can tell that nothing here at WeBorn is left to chance – every room has its function, yet everything still feels light and unhurried.
Swimwear.
And with that: no need to worry.
Before I continue, a point that will be important for many: Swimwear is worn at WeBorn.
No nude area. No awkward moments. No „Where do I look?“. Perfect for beginners. And, to be honest, also pleasant for experienced sauna-goers. What also immediately struck me was its multicultural atmosphere. A diverse mix of people, backgrounds, and age groups—yet this shared energy. Many spoke English, some German, some a mix of languages. And that’s precisely what created this international, open vibe.
You could tell that many were repeat visitors. There was a familiar connection with Katharina—little inside jokes, a smile here, a quick chat there. Not a distant teacher-student dynamic, but more like a community. I found that particularly lovely. It wasn’t a case of „try it once and never again,“ but rather „see you next week.“
Our class:
Hyrox Recovery
We booked the Hyrox Recovery class.
We didn’t actually do Hyrox – but we’d been to the gym beforehand, so we thought: that’ll do. The session lasts about 75 minutes. At the beginning, everyone gathers at the smaller bleachers next to the tea bar. Our guide that evening was Katharina. From the very first moment, she was calm, present, and friendly. The kind of person you immediately trust.
What I particularly liked: The entire class was in English. And I really enjoyed that. Firstly, because there were actually a lot of international people there. Secondly, because it felt a bit like being on vacation. There were about 30 of us. Sounds like a lot – but the sauna is so spacious that everyone could easily sit cross-legged. That would be unthinkable at the Erding Thermal Spa, for example.
25 minutes in the sauna
– and suddenly everything was quiet
The first part consisted of 25 minutes in the sauna of WeBorn with three infusions. We deliberately sat on the lowest bench – just to see how intense it would be. But it was perfect. Warm. Powerful. But not overwhelming. The heat built up slowly, not abruptly, but in waves. Just enough to allow you to surrender to it without any inner resistance.
Upon entering, everyone received a foam roller. After the first infusion, this class was about massaging our muscles & fascia. It might sound unusual at first. But it was really pleasant. And somehow also beautifully guided – because you’re not just „sitting in it,“ but actively doing something for your own body. You become mindful. Every movement becomes more conscious.
You sit there. You breathe. You feel your body. No conversations. No cell phone. No time pressure. Just this combination of heat, scent, and rhythm. I was so relaxed that I can’t even remember the scents of the infusions. But they were all pleasant, not intrusive. And at some point, I realized: I’m not thinking about anything. No shopping list in my head. No to-do list. No „What am I doing tomorrow?“ Just this moment. And that happens far too rarely in everyday life.
The ice bath
– my personal moment of respect
After the sauna, we were divided into three groups. One after the other: showers. And then into the ice bath. I was really apprehensive about it. Ice bathing is all the rage right now – good for inflammation, good for recovery, good for the nervous system. No wonder so many athletes swear by it.
But when you’re standing in front of that pool, you still think: Is this really necessary?
Katharina calmly guided us through. Explained breathing. Slow. Deep. Controlled.
I went in.
And it was cold. Really cold. I lasted exactly one minute. The pros almost four. There was a moment when I felt like I couldn’t breathe properly. And that’s when she was there. „Breathe with me.“ And suddenly it worked. It was intense. But afterward, you feel incredibly clear-headed. We did some squats afterward to warm up again – and I just wanted to lie down and sleep.
That feeling afterward is hard to describe. Tired. Relaxed. And somehow strengthened at the same time.
The final round
– and that feeling when you walk out
To finish, we went back to the sauna – again with three infusions. This time everything was a bit calmer. No „How can I stand the heat?“, no mentally counting the minutes. My body knew what was coming. We stretched, slowly, consciously. Loosened our shoulders. Relaxed our necks. Deep breaths in, even slower breaths out.
The heat felt different now – no longer intense, but almost embracing. I could really feel my pulse slowing. My mind clearing. And that moment when you realize: You’re completely in the here and now. No to-do lists. No phone. No tomorrow.
And then it’s over. You go back upstairs. Vienna is loud. The city is alive. Cars drive by, people talk, a bicycle bell rings somewhere. But inside you, there’s peace. And that feeling carries you for hours afterward.
If you want to try it
(and I think you do)
Here you can find all the information:
Homepage: https://weborn.com/
For your first visit, be sure to read this:
You can book directly here:
Prices: https://weborn.com/pages/pricing
Timetable: https://weborn.com/pages/timetable
You can switch the website to German or English at the bottom of the page.
A little something extra for you
I’m allowed to share a WeBorn discount code:
VanityWB10
– 10% off all trial packs and 1x / 4x / 18x / 12x blocks
Valid for one month from the date of publication.
So, if you’ve been thinking about consciously taking time for yourself for a while now – maybe this is your moment. And honestly? I’d go again in a heartbeat. And if you want, you can just come along.
The concept of WEBORN
– actively relax instead of simply sweating
What makes the WeBorn concept so special is that it goes far beyond simply „going to the sauna“—it’s a holistic form of regeneration that addresses body, mind, and nervous system simultaneously. It’s not about using a sauna alone, but about consciously experiencing heat and cold in a group setting, guided by an instructor, to achieve lasting relaxation. Instead of traditional spa rituals, there are guided classes that combine sauna and ice baths with breathing techniques, stretching, movement, and targeted exercises. This reduces stress, stimulates the immune system, and simultaneously promotes mental strength—all without requiring any prior experience.
What I personally find at WeBorn cool, is that you immediately realize there’s a concept behind it that places just as much value on community as on effectiveness. You’re not just in a hot room; you’re guided through the process with music, scent, and conscious breathing. It’s a bit like a wellness ritual that also functions as a mini self-care workout for the mind. The combination of heat, cold water, and targeted activities creates an experience that goes far beyond a classic sauna and truly resonates—both physically and mentally.
my summary
– and why I believe you would feel the same way
Honestly? I didn’t leave and say, „That was nice.“ I left and felt that something was different. Not dramatic. Not life-changing. But noticeable.
My body felt soft, my mind calm, and my nervous system finally not in constant „to-do“ mode. And that’s precisely what convinced me most. It wasn’t a typical sauna session where you just sweat and then shower. It was a consciously guided experience. With structure, with tranquility, with community—and yet still enough space for myself.
I loved the mix of challenge (hello ice bath!), relaxation, international flair, and that almost familial atmosphere. You can just tell that many people come back to WeBorn. And that says more than any description to me. For us, it was the perfect Friday evening. No restaurant, no hustle and bustle, no „What else should we do?“ Just investing 75 minutes—and getting more in return than we expected.
And if you ask me if I’d go again Yes.
And I’d probably just take you with me.
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