Ksenia Komarov
The atmosphere of a home bakery“My ritual was inspired by the cosy atmosphere of a bakery — malt, fresh bread, cardamom and vanilla.”
Elamus Spa
Herbal Cup 2026
Come and experience the power of sauna, nature and plants!
A sauna master competition held in Estonia for the first time, bringing nature, plants, aromas and the sauna masters’ unique rituals into the sauna.
Sauna Herbal Cup is an international sauna master competition that began in 2013 and is today organised in 17 countries around the world.
The competition focuses on natural ingredients, plants, essential oils, whisking, scrub rituals, aromas and the sauna master’s skill in creating a complete experience.
Sauna Herbal Cup is an experience for everyone interested in sauna, wellbeing and nature who wants to see how professional sauna masters create rituals using only natural essences, plants, infusions, whisks, scrubs and aromas.
The competition is held in three rounds
Each sauna master creates an individually designed table where they present their chosen theme, plants, natural ingredients and the idea behind their scrub ritual. The presentation lasts up to 5 minutes and gives the judges and guests an overview of the story, mood and plant world the sauna master conveys through their ritual.
- Up to 5 minutes
- Natural ingredients
- Creative presentation
In the second round the sauna master performs a 15-minute herbal ritual in the large Aufguss sauna of Elamus Spa, where the temperature is 80 degrees and which seats up to 100 bathers. This round assesses the sauna master’s ability to dose heat and aromas, direct the movement of air, distribute scents and warmth evenly, and create a pleasant and complete experience for the bathers.
- 15 minutes
- 80°C · up to 100 guests
- Aromas & heat
The third round is a body scrub ritual in the steam sauna. Guided by the sauna master, participants use specially selected natural products and experience a 15-minute treatment. This round shows how natural ingredients can support body and mind also outside the classic hot sauna ritual.
- 15 minutes
- Steam sauna
- Natural scrub ritual
Who is competing?
Heidy Tammel
A journey into the fairy forest“New challenges are always welcome — I will take you on a lovely journey into the fairy forest.”
Frederik Vilms-Jamsa
Astronauts and space“I chose astronauts and space as my theme — in space every material is reused as much as possible, which fits the Herbal theme perfectly.”
Hanna-Lisett Koppel
A meadow at the edge of a birch forest“My ritual was inspired by Estonian nature and simplicity. On a pleasant journey, birch, chamomile and nettle meet – plants that look modest but hold a great deal of benefit and healing power.”
Ivan Hudik
Viru bog“The theme of my ritual is the Viru bog. The sauna and a walk in the bog share calm, closeness to nature and a chance to slow down for a moment. As today’s pace of life does not always allow going into nature, I bring a piece of the Viru bog’s special mood into the sauna.”
What do the judges assess?
- Use of plants & aromas — The choice and quality of natural ingredients and their 100% natural origin.
- Heat & air control — Skill in dosing heat, even air movement and distribution of warmth.
- Theme & creativity — Clarity of the theme, creativity and the way all parts of the ritual come together.
- Hygiene & professionalism — Cleanliness, correct technique and professional conduct throughout the ritual.
- Guest wellbeing — Attention to the bathers, ensuring comfort and creating a complete experience.
- A complete experience — Atmosphere, mood and the harmony of the parts of the ritual.