The founders of Saunaus, Rhylka and Matt Hill are pouring heart and soul into running a relaxation haven on Crown Street in Wollongong.
"We are a husband-and-wife duo with two young boys keeping us on our toes," says Matt. "We have been living in the Illawarra now for around nine years, recently taking a big leap and opening our own health and wellness business."
Saunaus specialises in hot and cold contrast therapy and setting up the recovery retreat together has proved the perfect fit for the couple's complementary talents. With a background in building, Matt designed the layout while Rhylka added creative flair, drawing on her experience in hand-crafting tea blends to instil the atmosphere of a day spa.
Looking for a midwinter treat? Everyone is welcome inside to relax, rehabilitate and recover. Thanks to Matt for telling us more about the family enterprise.
What does your business offer?
We have a beautiful space that provides our guests with an unforgettable experience in contrast therapy. Think large communal Finnish sauna, Nordic ice baths, private infrared sauna, massage chairs (soon to bring remedial massage in house), recovery lounge with tea and fruit.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, rehabilitation or simply a reset for your body and mind, there is something for everyone and all ages at Saunaus.
When and why did it begin?
Saunaus opened in February of 2024, we are now close to 18 months old/young. The concept was formed in part while on a family overseas holiday, seeing how other nations enjoy time together in the hot pools, saunas and cold springs of a Japanese 'onsen'. Noting at the time there was a distinct lack of quality sauna in the Illawarra, we saw an opportunity to create a space that was welcoming to all to come and experience the culture.
What's the best part of your job?
Seeing first-hand how the benefits of regular sessions at Saunaus are changing the lives of many. We have seen so many new friendships and communities created while experiencing their shared love of all things sauna and ice bath. Like the TV show Cheers, it is a place where everyone is welcomed with a smile and everyone knows each other's name.
What's the most challenging?
Striking the right balance of parents, husband/wife, business partner is always something that needs to be reviewed and adjusted from time to time. Sure, there is stress but it's an amazing feeling to have created something together and both have the passion to see it succeed and support so many people in the short time we have been open.
From a business-only perspective, it's all-around awareness and visibility. So many guests come in and say, "Hey, I had no idea you guys existed, glad I found you." So we focus on awareness – articles like this are perfect and we hope those reading come and say hi!
Career highlight so far?
We just ticked over 20,000 sessions had at our facility, that is pretty special. When we came up with the concept and then in the build phase, we really hoped people would come. So to think in 18 months we have served over 6000 legends for a combined 20,000 sessions is pretty humbling.
Also having the Illawarra Hawks use our facility as their official recovery partner in the season they went on to win the championship is pretty cool. If it's good enough for them…
What is your favourite way to relax?
Quality time with our boys, our dogs as a family. Pretty partial to a good binge session of Netflix when kids are in bed and neither of us are at work. If we are feeling really fancy (and have any energy left), trying out a local restaurant/bar.
Saunaus Special Offer for Illawarra Flame readers
For first-time customers: contact the team and mention the Illawarra Flame magazine to receive your first session for $35 (RRP $49). Saunaus is at 1/388 Crown Street, Wollongong. Phone 0428 939 551 or follow on Facebook or Instagram @saun_aus
Saunaus has supported local news via advertising in The Illawarra Flame's Shellharbour print magazine.
