The Steamy, Sweaty, Towel-Spinning Weirdness of the World Sauna Championships

The Steamy, Sweaty, Towel-Spinning Weirdness of the World Sauna Championships

Aquardens spa, on the outskirts of Verona, is typically the epitome of tranquility. Natural thermal springs feed expansive indoor and outdoor pools. Vineyards on the foothills of the Italian Alps grace the horizon. There are steam rooms, saunas, and a snow alcove, where snowflakes waft down on visitors wishing to cool off after a sweating session. But for a week this fall, the thudding bass of electronic dance music emanates from inside the spa’…