A Hot Place To ChillSauna or Cold First? How to Do Hot and Cold in One Visit
Written by: A Hot Place To Chill
Published Oct 19, 2026 · Updated Oct 19, 2026
Short answer: There's no single right order. At A Hot Place To Chill, a recovery studio in New Buffalo, Michigan, most guests start warm in the infrared sauna, dry off fully, then step into whole-body cryotherapy (cold air) for up to 3 minutes. Some prefer cold first, then sauna to warm up. Pick the order that feels best to you.
What hot and cold options does A Hot Place To Chill offer?
- Desert Heat infrared sauna: about 25 minutes of gentle, dry warmth. It is a private room for one guest. The heat is dry. There are no showers. Towels are provided.
- Whole-body cryotherapy: about 3 minutes in very cold, dry air.
We don't have a cold plunge. Our cold is cold air, so you stay dry and don't get into water. (People searching "sauna or cold plunge first" are asking the same question; the answer below works for cold air.)
What does a heat-first visit look like?
- Infrared sauna, up to 25 minutes. Relax, breathe, sip water.
- Dry off completely. This matters. Skin must be fully dry before cryo. Our team will check.
- Cryotherapy, up to 3 minutes. Many guests say it feels crisp and wakes them up.
- Rest a few minutes and drink water.
Why guests like it: you go in warm and loose, and leave feeling refreshed.
What if I want cold first?
- Cryotherapy, up to 3 minutes.
- Infrared sauna to warm back up slowly.
Why guests like it: on a cold Harbor Country day, ending warm feels cozy before you head back outside. Many guests stop in after a walk on New Buffalo's beach or before dinner downtown.
Can I go back and forth?
In one visit, one round of each is plenty for most people. Our team can talk through what fits your time. A full visit takes about an hour, which leaves room to add red light (Room 3's 3-wavelength bed, Room 4's 4-wavelength panel, or Room 5's 5-wavelength bed), compression, or the robotic massage chairs.
What should I know to stay comfortable?
- Drink water before and after.
- Eat something light beforehand; don't come in starving or very full.
- Skip alcohol before your visit.
- Step out early any time you feel dizzy, too hot, or too cold. Shorter is fine.
- Tell our team if you're pregnant, have heart, blood pressure, or circulation concerns, or are very sensitive to cold (such as Raynaud's). Check with your doctor first, especially if your blood pressure is not well controlled (Harvard Health: Saunas and your health).
Stop and tell our team right away if you feel faint, have chest pain, or your skin goes numb or white.
FAQ
What should I bring?
Water and comfortable clothes. If you plan on cryotherapy, come ready to dry off fully first.
Do you have a cold plunge?
No. Our cold option is whole-body cryotherapy, which uses cold air. You stay dry.
How long is each part?
Infrared sauna about 25 minutes; cryotherapy up to 3 minutes.
Why do I need to be dry before cryotherapy?
Cryo uses very cold air. Damp skin or sweat can get uncomfortably cold, so our team makes sure you're fully dry.
How long does a hot and cold visit take?
Plan on about an hour for your whole visit, including changing and resting.
Visit us
A Hot Place To Chill
400 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Call (269) 612-8913
Hours: Mon 8:30–6 · Tue 9–6 · Wed 8:30–6 · Thu 8:30–6 · Fri 9–4 · Sat 8:30–3 · Sun 10–2
Sources
This article is for general information about relaxation and recovery services. It is not medical advice.