Checking in with...SweetSweat Spa:

A local couple has opened a new business that offers a new take on a very old idea. Saunas, hugely popular in Europe for their relaxation and toxin-release benefits, have hit the 21st century with an infrared version, which uses lower temperatures to allow for longer sessions. Alex Samios and his fiancée, Kate Anthony, opened SweetSweat Spa, the first of its kind in the country, to bring the infrared sauna experience to the masses.

How did the idea for the spa come about?

Kate and I purchased an infrared sauna about a year ago and started using it at home. We just absolutely fell for it. We started sharing it with all our friends, and it got a little crazy. [Laughs.] They started seeing all the benefits, too, so they started showing up all the time. We were joking one night that we should start charging our friends, and that’s how it started. We came up with this concept of the infrared sauna spa. My fiancée was working in the medical industry and ditched that when we started this business. We have a franchising background.

What are the benefits of using an infrared sauna compared with a standard one?

They’re only similar in form. The infrared light is the warming part of the sun’s rays. By raising the body’s temperature by approximately 3 degrees in an infrared sauna, you sweat and release toxins at a cellular level. The conventional sauna doesn’t raise your core temperature. Also, our saunas only go up to 140 or 150 degrees; a traditional sauna can go from 200 degrees on up. It’s all safe; we filter out all of the harmful U/V rays. We use Sunlighten saunas, which have been featured by Oprah and Dr. Oz.

What’s the experience like?

It’s first and foremost about relaxation. We play very Zen-like music; you can bring books, an iPod or a Kindle. Most of our saunas are for singles; we also have a three-person sauna for couples, or three girlfriends. Because your heart has to work harder since you’re sweating, there’s some calorie burn there. It’s the complete alternative wellness solution. It’s great for people who can’t work out for whatever reason — you sweat like a one-hour workout.

What are the rates?

An introductory session is $20, and regular sessions are $39 for 40 minutes. We also have other packages. We also have franchising opportunities.

SweetSweat Spa

Alex Samios and Kate Anthony, proprietors

3111 Second Ave., Suite 5

upstairs in the “Brown Building” next to Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

Corona del Mar

(949) 335-5438

sweetsweatspa.com

Hours:

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday