Sea and sauna experiences
You can’t beat a refreshing dip in the Atlantic after lounging in the heady warmth of a sauna. Next time you’re planning a plunge, prebook a spell in one of these mobile wood-fired saunas with head-turning sea views
The Saltwater Sauna, Dorset
Take a leaf out of the Nordics’ notebook and reap the benefits of contrast therapy at award-winning The Saltwater Sauna on Sandbanks Beach in Poole.
Co-founders Arlene and Sam Glyn-Jones created the wood-fired sauna out of a desire to combine Arlene’s Finnish heritage (she describes authentic sauna culture as ingrained in her DNA) and passions for cold-water immersion, nature and surfing, with Sam’s doctorate in the wellbeing sphere and his positive experiences of bringing likeminded people together (he’s also the founder of a non-profit social group).
The couple draw upon contemporary practices, ancient wisdom and the power of human connection to create The Saltwater Sauna experience. Resident Sauna Master Jane helps bring the vision to life by curating the bespoke sauna sessions (private or communal), massage and spa treatments and guided rituals. The 90-minute guided ritual sees guests taken through a sequence exploring the elements of air, water, fire and earth, and includes: salt inhalations and a scrub to cleanse and detoxify, steam aromatherapy infusions, thermal leaf whisking and a honey moisturising mask to nourish and tone skin.
Food Lifestyle tip: The Saltwater Sauna is expanding to Avon beach in Christchurch this October, plus word on the surf is they may soon be opening a space in Lulworth Cove.
Saunas by the Sea, Cornwall
It’s nigh-on impossible not to be lulled into relaxation mode when you’re enveloped in the heat of a sauna and watching waves rhythmically lap the shore. Saunas by the Sea’s coastal outposts at Baby Bay in Polzeath and Harlyn Bay in Padstow are two places you can relish that therapeutic feeling.
Each eco-friendly sauna is powered by a wood-fired stove, with thermo-treated timbers and soft back lighting creating a blissful setting to unwind. Founders Steve, Luke and Henry handbuilt the saunas (Steve and Henry are trained carpenters) in their workshop, crafting bespoke spaces that prioritise rejuvenation for mind, body and soul. The trio created the saunas so they could share the benefits of alternating heat exposure and cold-water immersion with others, whether it’s for body recovery post-workout or to mentally relax, recharge and refresh.
For more wellbeing experiences, check out its Wild Spa & Wellness Garden in Polzeath which offers the sauna experience alongside temperature-controlled tanks for cold-water plunges, plus a range of outdoor classes and workshops.
Halogi, Devon
When the sea simply isn’t icy enough to provide that invigorating chilled thrill pre- or post-sauna, hit this horse trailer-turned-sauna at Royal William Yard in Plymouth. In addition to the traditionally built sauna, there are two filtered ice baths housed within one of the archways of the Yard (plus a cold shower to cascade yourself in cool water before you take the plunge), making it a great find for those who like to reap the benefits of alternating between fire and ice.
The OG Halogi sauna was located at Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham, it was following its popularity after opening last year that founder Ross Jackson decided to strike while the wood burner’s hot and up sticks to Plymouth. Fans of the original Brixham sauna will, however, be pleased to know that Ross and team are currently building another sauna at Shoalstone.
Although the company started as a side hustle for Ross, who wished to spread the love of sauna and cold-water therapy and make it more accessible to others, he’s nurtured a thriving community space to embrace wellness. Halogi’s also sponsored two local ice swimmers, who use the ice baths for cold-water immersion training.
Seaside Sauna Haus, Dorset
Inspired by the enlivening sensations from her own swim and sauna evenings, Sarah Higgins crowdfunded for Seaside Sauna Haus in early 2020 and opened it on Seatown Beach in west Dorset that summer. As a result of the opening, Sarah has shared the endorphin-boosting selfcare ritual with hundreds of lucky locals and Dorset day-trippers.
It’s only too easy to while away time when you’re cocooned in the warmth of the intimate haus, making easy conversation with others while simultaneously appreciating the endless vista of sea and sky. Everything has been carefully thought out to echo the peaceful natural surroundings and elicit relaxation: from its sea-facing position and use of kiln dried logs for an efficient steam to how the sauna is constructed from cedar wood to help create a serene aroma.
Reawaken the senses solo with a private hire booking, make it a convivial affair by bringing friends or family with a communal session, or try one of the full moon sauna experiences.
Soul Sweats, Cornwall
This wild eco spa situated in Porthtowan’s Eco Park peels open its sauna doors for one-hour communal sessions every Thursday to Sunday.
Whether you visit for some quiet reflection or to chatter as you sweat it out, the saunas can seat up to six and encourage both conversation and silence among its visitors. Porthtowan Beach and its luxuriously soft sand is just a short walk away for those who want to team their sauna experience with a surf, wild swimming or a quick dip cold-water fix.
Outside of its wood-fired sauna, Soul Sweats is a holistic hub of workshops, retreats and experiences that explore hot and cold therapy, breathwork, restorative yoga, sound healing, meditation, ecstatic dance and ceremony.
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