Last month I revisited the health benefits of sauna for the Mercury Fitness Issue, in which I gave props to Löyly—the gorgeously minimal, white-walled space off SE Clinton (2713 SE 21st) that gave Portland its most glamorous option for Finnish-style sweat sessions when it opened back in 2006.

Apparently most of you already knew that, because (as I briefly mentioned recently) Löyly has announced that it's expanding, with a second, even bigger location due to open on or around March 1 (at 3525 NE MLK). Owner Jessica Kelso worked with the same architect, Brendon Farrell, as she did with the serene original location, and we're now talking almost 1,000 more square feet. Also:

- 20’ ceilings with exposed wood bow trusses
- 2 large cedar saunas with rotating scents
- “Cooling” room with a cold shower, cool mist, and circulating air - Lounge area with wooden benches for cooling and relaxing
- Locker room with several changing stalls - 5 massage rooms with natural light

And, presumably it will also soon be easier to get an appointment! Kelso was inspired to start the business after traveling through Finland on something of a sauna mission, and bases her model on the idea that the sauna should be a daily experience for well being, not just a fancy salon experience. That said—it'd be cost-prohibitive for most people to go to Löyly anywhere near that often. But at $23 for two hours (including towels, shower soap, shampoo and conditioner), it's great little splurge, and a much more wholesome way to hang out with friends than dropping that same amount of coin on a few drinks and an order of chicken wings. (They also offer a host of other services, like skincare treatments, foot soaks, massages, etc.) Also, Valentine's or whatever: They're currently running a special on gift certificates during the run-up, where you can get that same basic visit for 19 bucks instead.