Every Ritual Artisan remembers their first performance: the heat, the rhythm, the nerves, and the quiet joy of sharing something meaningful with others.
For Robin Pacquing, that moment took place inside Logga, the grand sauna at Thermea Spa Village Whitby. What began as simple curiosity soon became a passion, leading her to craft experiences that blend movement, scent, and emotion in perfect harmony.
The first time Robin stepped into Logga wasn’t as a performer, but as a guest. It was November 2022, and the sheer size and warmth of the sauna immediately captivated her. “I was absolutely amazed by the existence of such a sauna space,” she recalls.
Then came the moment that changed everything: an Aufguss led by Elaina, a future fellow Ritual Artisan. “I remember thinking: what is she doing, and how do I get to do that?” The air moved in rhythmic waves, the heat rising with each towel sweep, the scent of essential oils suspended between sound and silence.
She sat on the top bench, a “rookie move,” she laughs—and felt the intensity of the heat deepen with every aching and pore-opening minute. “I remember the smooth, dance-like towel movements, the scents blending between the silence and the whoosh of air … and best of all, the incredible sense of relief, accomplishment, and gratitude after a long cold plunge in the crisp autumn air.”
That day, something clicked. Robin had found a practice that spoke to her body and spirit alike: a ritual that moved her, quite literally.
A few months later, Robin joined the Rituals team. “I’ve always gravitated toward interesting, sometimes unconventional work,” she says. After weeks of heat endurance and towel technique training, she performed her first Meditative Aufguss in Logga in early May 2023.
The ritual lasted fifteen minutes: silent, except for the deep, resonant tones and frequencies of tuned singing bowls that filled the sauna with calm. Just before her second round of snowballs and essential oils, thunder rolled outside. Lightning flared through the panoramic windows of the Logga sauna.
“It made the atmosphere feel both cozy and electric,” she remembers.
Her chosen scents—sage, tea tree, and cedarwood—reflected the storm itself: grounding, earthy, and timeless. “It felt appropriately classic for a first-time performance,” she says. “A perfect complement for a stormy day.”
But for Robin, the thunder held a deeper meaning. “When the lightning flared that day, I felt the presence of my dad instantly,” she shares. “He’s been gone for years, but he still finds his way back in flickers of light and sudden sparks of electricity.”
That day, as the thunder rolled and lightning flared, Robin felt a profound sense of accomplishment. “I also felt relief twice: relief in accomplishing my first performance and not messing it up! And the relief and the self-satisfaction that anyone has after a successful and rejuvenating heat cycle,” she recalls.
Now in her third year as a Ritual Artisan, Robin reflects on how much she’s learned since that day. “Learning Aufguss reminds me of skateboarding or surfing: a cycle of trial and error, repetition, and the exhilaration of finally landing something after countless attempts.”
Her movements are fluid and intentional, each towel sweep guided by rhythm and awareness. “One of the things I’ve discovered is how the sauna’s heat lifts the towel higher than it ever would outside,” she says.
Robin’s style leans toward the classic: calm, flowing transitions with a touch of playfulness. “I like weaving in lighthearted towel throws,” she admits. “They’re crowd-pleasing and always spark joy among sauna goers.”
Every year, she continues her training with German Aufgussmeisters Felix and Florian, refining her precision, balance, and technique. The goal: to move beautifully and sustainably, keeping both body and artistry in harmony.
For Robin, her first Aufguss will always be tied to that thunderstorm, those earthy scents, and the quiet courage it took to step forward.
It’s a reminder that every story begins with trying something new, whether it’s sitting through the heat of a first Aufguss or leading one yourself.
Also known as thermotherapy or thermal experience, the thermal cycle consists of alternating between hot and cold, ending with a period of rest to fully enjoy the physical and mental benefits.
Also known as thermotherapy or thermal experience, the thermal cycle consists of alternating between hot and cold, ending with a period of rest to fully enjoy the physical and mental benefits.
At Thermea Spa Village Whitby, every season invites renewal. This fall, that spirit takes form in the kitchen. Executive Chef Stephen Lusby-Blackburn joins the Village, bringing with him years of experience, a love of creativity, and a deep respect for balance in every dish.
