We Tried It: Inside SweatLounge, the London Infrared Sauna Studio Making Biohacking Cool and Accessible

Looking for a next-level self-care experience in London? We visited SweatLounge in Chiswick—a cozy infrared sauna London studio helping Londoners detox, recharge and reset through innovative infrared light therapy and accessible biohacking.

Photo Credit: SweatLounge

Infrared Light Therapy in London: We Tried SweatLounge’s Futuristic Sauna Pods

If your version of self-care includes a long bath and a face mask—it's time to level up. Tucked away on 48 Chiswick High Road, London W4 1SZ, SweatLounge is the capital’s sleek new answer to wellness that’s part spa, part science lab and 100% relaxing. This London-based infrared sauna therapy studio is all about biohacking in London for everyone—whether you’re a fitness fanatic, desk-bound warrior or simply sauna-curious.

We visited on a quiet weekday morning after hearing that morning infrared sauna sessions offer a serious wellness boost: improved circulation, increased energy, muscle relaxation and a sharper mental focus. Spoiler alert: it delivered.

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A Clean, Cozy Hideaway in Chiswick

Walking into SweatLounge feels like stepping into your most minimalist dream spa. It’s spotlessly clean, cozy, warmly lit and filled with soft music and gentle vibes. Founder Allison Huff-Ritchie, who designed the entire space herself, brings a personal touch to every detail—from the calming atmosphere to the private infrared sauna pod rooms, complete with plants, dimmable lights, a personal speaker and even an emergency button just in case.

Allison’s story is what makes SweatLounge so unique. With a background in technology and a personal battle with chronic back pain, she sought out alternatives to traditional recovery and discovered infrared light therapy.

“If we look at heat as a lifestyle practice, it has been observed by scientists that you reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and other illnesses. It improves insulin sensitivity and muscle recovery,” she explains.

Allison has now assembled a team of experts in cellular aging to help bring infrared therapy benefits to the masses—with the goal to reduce NHS costs by £500,000 per year by promoting preventative wellness.

Stepping Into the Sauna Pod: Intimidating ... Then Incredibly Zen

Photo Credit: Internationista

Before entering, guests are encouraged to hydrate well—and yes, you can grab coconut water, juices, iced coffee or electrolyte water right in the lounge. After taking our shoes, we were gently led to my private room, where our host explained how the pod works and adjusted the temperature for us: top set to 5, bottom to 6.

The infrared sauna pod looks futuristic—sleek, white and a little intimidating—but as the doors slid shut and the calming music started, we melted into a state of total relaxation. Inside the pod, you can dim the lights, recline comfortably and let the infrared light get to work.

About 10 minutes in, we started sweating—slowly, gently, nothing overwhelming. Just a steady, satisfying release. The session lasted 30 minutes, and by the end, we felt mentally clear, physically lighter and deeply rejuvenated. It was the ultimate detox sauna session.

Allison recommends not going in and out during the session.

“Even with traditional saunas, there are more health benefits to staying in without breaks. You want to get your full sweat in,” she notes.

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A Biohacking Experience That’s Actually Accessible

Photo Credit: SweatLounge

Unlike some wellness experiences in London that feel overly clinical or out of reach, SweatLounge is built around accessibility, community and longevity. It’s a place where anyone—no matter your age, fitness level or wellness knowledge—can benefit from the science of infrared therapy. And the prices are affordable: A 30 minute single solo pod session is £35, a solo pod pack of five is £165 and a solo pod pack of 10 is £295. That’s a great deal for anyone looking to add SweatLounge to their weekly self-care routine.

Allison’s long-term goal is to help make biohacking in London something everybody can access. And yes, she confirmed that more SweatLounge locations in London are on the way.

“Everything we do has infrared light in it,” she says with a smile.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try It?

Founder of SweatLounge, Allison Huff-Richie / Photo Credit: Sweat Lounge

Absolutely. Whether you’re chasing longevity, looking to boost recovery, or just in need of a rejuvenating self-care session, SweatLounge is the place to be. From the clean, private pods to the friendly staff and high-tech but welcoming atmosphere, it’s the best kind of reset button for body and mind.

We walked out feeling refreshed, energized and like we’d just done something genuinely good for ourselves. Not bad for a Thursday morning.

So go ahead—book a session, slide into the pod and let the infrared sauna do what it does best: sweat away your stress.

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