Dynamic Barcelona vs Avila vs Gracia: Choosing a 1–2 Person Infrared Sauna

The Barcelona, Avila and Gracia are Golden Designs' Dynamic 1–2 person Low EMF far infrared saunas, and on our store all three standard models start at the same price: the Barcelona (from $1,999), the Avila (from $1,999) and the Gracia (from $1,999). Because capacity, heat type, EMF class and price match, this dynamic barcelona sauna review comes down to two questions. Which layout and look do you prefer? And do you want to pay more for an Elite (Ultra Low EMF) version, which is offered for the Barcelona and the Avila? This is a spec-based comparison from the manufacturer's listings, not a hands-on test.

Dynamic Barcelona Sauna Review: What the Specs Tell You

The Barcelona is a 1–2 person, Low EMF, far infrared Dynamic sauna, and the Barcelona (from $1,999) is tied for the lowest price among the Golden Designs saunas on our store. The same description fits the Avila and the Gracia. The listing titles don't separate the three on capacity or heat type, and the only material any title states is Canadian Hemlock, on the Gracia. Layout, door style and heater placement are shown on each product page, and that is where you'll see the real differences.

The Barcelona and Avila have Elite versions; the Gracia, on our store, does not. The Barcelona Elite (from $2,299) and the Avila Elite (from $2,299) are the Ultra Low EMF versions, each priced a little above its standard model. If a lower-EMF option matters to you, that narrows the choice to the Barcelona or the Avila.

Barcelona vs Avila vs Gracia Comparison Table

Dimensions, heater count and electrical service: check product page for each model. The table shows only what the listing titles state.

Low EMF vs Ultra Low EMF: Is the Elite Upgrade Worth It?

The Elite upgrade buys a lower EMF rating at the panels for a modest price step on our store. Golden Designs' own EMF figures are: Low EMF 5–10 mG, Ultra Low EMF 3–5 mG, and Near Zero EMF below 3 mG, measured about two inches from the heating panels. The Barcelona Elite and Avila Elite listing titles describe them as "Under 3MG". That doesn't match the 3–5 mG Ultra Low figure, so confirm the current rating on each Elite product page before you buy for that reason alone.

My take: if you'd think about EMF every time you sat down, pay the extra for peace of mind. If you only care about the heat and the price, the standard models run the same far infrared heat type at a lower price. I make no health claim either way. These are the manufacturer's measurements, not a health rating.

How a 1–2 Person Far Infrared Sauna Compares With a Traditional Sauna

A dry far infrared session puts less load on your heart rate than a steamy traditional one. In a 2015 SpringerPlus study of 10 young men, heart rate right after a 30-minute far infrared session (35–50°C, 25–35% humidity) was 71 beats per minute. After a traditional session with water on the rocks (60–70% humidity), it was 92. The same study found no difference in recovery measures between far infrared and no sauna after strength training. Think of infrared as a comfortable heat session, not a guaranteed recovery boost.

Many of Golden Designs' current Dynamic spec sheets, including the Gracia Elite's, list 118–132°F as the ideal range and say the sauna can heat up to 140°F. If you're used to a gym's traditional sauna, expect a gentler heat and more time to work up a sweat. For the bigger picture, see our infrared sauna benefits guide and far infrared vs full spectrum comparison.

My recommendation for new users: start with shorter sessions below the top of that range, build up over a few weeks, and get out if you feel lightheaded. After training, use it as a cool-down. Our sauna after workout guide covers timing.

Space and Power for a 1–2 Person Dynamic Sauna

Golden Designs' 1–2 person spec sheets list 120V/15A service, but confirm the exact line on each product page. As one example, Golden Designs' spec sheet for the Gracia Ultra Low EMF (Elite) version lists a 39″ × 36″ × 75″ exterior and 120V/15A non-GFCI plug-and-play service, with a dedicated outlet recommended, for indoor use only. The standard Barcelona, Avila and Gracia sold on our store have their own spec lines, so check each product page for exact dimensions and electrical service. Have a licensed electrician confirm the outlet and circuit. Our Golden Designs sauna electrical requirements guide explains the differences between models.

Dynamic Barcelona Sauna Review Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the Barcelona or Avila if you might want the Ultra Low EMF Elite version; buy whichever of the three has the layout you like best if you don't. At the same starting price, the standard Barcelona, Avila and Gracia share capacity, heat type and EMF class, so open the three product pages side by side and compare the door, bench and panel layout. If one person will use it most of the time, any of the three works. If two adults will sit together often, I'd look at a dedicated two-person cabin instead (below).

When to Size Up to a 2-Person Dynamic Sauna

If two adults will use it together regularly, a model rated for two people costs a few hundred dollars more. Options include the Dynamic Cordoba 2-person (from $2,299), the San Marino 2-person (from $2,299) and the Venice 2-person (from $2,499). For a lower-EMF two-person option, there's the Cordoba Elite (from $2,499). Our home sauna buying guide walks through sizing by household.

Shop 1–2 Person Infrared Saunas

Compare compact models in our 1-person saunas and 2-person saunas collections, browse all infrared saunas and indoor saunas, or see the full Golden Designs lineup. Orders ship with free freight over $999, certain exclusions apply.

About the author: Jacky Chan is a certified personal trainer, stretch therapist and massage therapist who works with clients on training and recovery, and the founder of Peak Flow Fitness.

Related reading: Infrared Sauna Benefits · Far Infrared vs Full Spectrum Sauna · Which Sauna Should I Get? · Golden Designs Sauna Electrical Requirements by Model