Usva by Terhen Spa Marks Its First Anniversary – A Sanctuary of Wellbeing and Sauna Culture in Helsinki

Opened a year ago at the NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa Hotel, Usva by Terhen Spa draws inspiration from Finland’s centuries-old sauna and healing traditions. Usva by Terhen is not a typical hotel sauna or day spa, but an experiential wellbeing concept inviting guests to immerse themselves in holistic wellness. In addition to the sauna and treatment facilities, the spa area also includes a fully equipped 3,200-square-foot gym with a stretching area.

September 17, 2025 — During its first year, Usva by Terhen Spa has established a loyal local clientele in Helsinki and offered international visitors an authentic introduction to the secrets of the Finnish sauna.

“Our local guests value the fact that Finnish wellbeing traditions have been authentically highlighted and brought into a modern context. Travelers, on the other hand, increasingly seek experiences, and the Finnish sauna is exactly that – a genuine and unique encounter that sparks interest everywhere. We are delighted and grateful that our concept has been recognized in international media and among influencers. For example, Forbes listed the Finnish sauna among the hottest wellbeing trends and named us a perfect bucket list destination,” says Terhi Ruutu, who co-founded Usva by Terhen Spa together with Anna Velten.

Day spa treatments and hands-on DIY rituals are based on natural ingredients and Finnish natural cosmetics.

“Our most popular treatment has become the Reboot Like a Finn signature massage, which begins in the sauna and continues in the treatment room. DIY rituals done independently in the sauna, as well as mini-retreats for individuals or groups, have also been very popular. We have noticed that self-care and shared wellbeing experiences resonate strongly right now, and we are continuously creating new group activities,” Ruutu explains.

Finnish Healing Traditions Brought to Life

The roots of the sauna stretch back thousands of years. Beyond bathing, it has traditionally been used for healing and wellbeing. The sauna has been seen as a place for physical, mental and spiritual restoration, and it has played a central role in life’s transitions for example, the Saturday sauna marked the shift from the working week to the weekend.

One of the best-known traditional sauna practices is whisking with vihta, a bundle of birch branches. Whisking stimulates circulation and was believed to strengthen the body and immunity. To enhance the effect, different herbs could be tied into the whisk for their medicinal properties.

“Vihta treatments are a cornerstone of Finnish sauna rituals, and we offer them both as a DIY experience and as part of our Finn Bliss treatment. In our Bathe Like a Finn events, we guide participants in the use of the whisk and explain its philosophical significance in Finnish wellbeing traditions,” says traditional sauna expert Anna Velten.

Herbs have long been an essential part of Finnish folk healing, used not only in whisks but also in baths, scrubs, wraps and poultices. Heat and humidity in the sauna intensify the herbs’ restorative properties, supporting both muscle relief and skin care.

“In our DIY rituals, we use herbs such as nettle, lemon balm, yarrow and red clover. This refreshing blend is particularly well suited for foot baths or full-body exfoliation,” Velten notes. “An easy way to use herbs in the sauna is with an herbal pouch massage. Seasonal or dried herbs are combined with cabbage, which itself is cleansing and anti-inflammatory. The mixture is wrapped in a pouch, steamed in warm water, and then used for massage in the sauna heat. This allows you to experience the benefits of the herbs through a soothing massage without any mess,” Velten adds.

NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa is an upper upscale hotel that blends historic charm with contemporary hospitality. Ideally located in the heart of Helsinki, between the Central Railway Station and Ylioppilasaukio, the hotel offers 224 stylish rooms. A meeting point for both locals and travelers, the Hansa Café Bar & Brasserie serves guests from breakfast to nightcap. For the city’s finest cocktails and breathtaking views, the Kupoli cocktail bar awaits atop the hotel’s iconic dome. The hotel also features versatile event and meeting spaces, perfect for hosting memorable occasions. On the lower level, guests can enjoy the atmospheric Usva spa—an immersive wellness experience inspired by Finnish sauna traditions—and the spacious 3,200-square-foot Usva Wellness gym. NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa is part of the international Minor Hotels group.

Read more: NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa.

NH Collection Hotels & Resorts is an upper-upscale hospitality brand with close to 100 properties across Europe and the Americas and a growing global footprint in territories such as: Arab Emirates, Maldives or Sri Lanka.

Offering extraordinary hospitality experiences, NH Collection perfectly combines comfort, innovation, intuitive service, an elegant atmosphere, and surprising flavors, all embedded in the local identity.

NH Collection is part of global hospitality group Minor Hotels and a member of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program.

Visit nh-collection.com for more information and connect with NH Collection on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.