Baby It’s Cold Outside (So You Need to Read This!)
There’s no escaping that autumn chill in the air now…or is there?
Well yes, actually, we’ve found the perfect excuse to get nice and toasty, because Sauna Season is upon us.
Even better, October 26th (whack it in your diary) marks a very happy occasion for heat loving dwellers:
It’s World Sauna Day!
Yep, an actual space in the calendar to celebrate all the therapeutic benefits that the Finns have been reaping for centuries, because why should they hog all the endorphins? From soothing muscles and joints, to helping with stress, reducing toxins and improving our mood, there’s a lot to be said for the sauna experience.
And the other good news? In this part of the world, you no longer need to re-mortgage the house for a swanky spa membership or sweaty gym to find one. These days, if you’re near the sea, or a river, the chances are you’re not far from a wild and wonderful sauna experience.
Here’s 6 of Devon’s best, to tempt you:
Which is where you’ll discover the Hálogi Sauna experience; one seaside in Brixham and the other tucked within Plymouth’s Royal William Yard, near the look-out to historic Drake’s Island.
These brilliant conversions, equipped with traditional Finnish wood-burning stoves, are currently warming up the locals all weekend in both locations, but plans are afoot to open all week for hot-cold therapy. Because you never know when you may need a hit. And when we say cold, in Plymouth you have the option for a dip in one of two chilled and filtered ice baths running at a *refreshing (*or goosebumpy) 6 degrees; meanwhile in Brixham you have the lovely Shoalstone Lido to dip your tootsies into. Sound good? Keep your eyes peeled for a special Full Moon event this month, too.
Typically, it’ll be near a natural water source and, at the time of writing, it’s found a nice little spot overlooking Mothecombe Bay which, as homes go, is one of the prettiest.
A handsome fellow (the sauna), it’s the handiwork of experienced carpenter Columb Thompson, built from local sustainable materials and featuring rainwater harvest and solar energy. Using his craftsmanship, Columb’s desire is to connect people, nature and community and this month alone offers several opportunities to be part of it, with special events to enhance the experience, including Fireside Tales and a Herbal Sauna Ritual. Fancy it? To Mothecombe we go!
All the better for looking out over the spectacular sands of Saunton Beach. But will you be brave enough to plunge into the waves afterwards? The ocean is yours. Something to ponder while you soothe away the stresses of the day…
Located on the River Teign and at Fishcombe Cove every Saturday, these wild saunas are both nicely placed, where it’s both beautifully tranquil and close to a water source, so you can combine the benefits of hot and cold, should you so dare. The experience is a little more on the rustic side, closer to nature, in specially designed pop-up tents with super-efficient stoves, that can hold ten heat-seekers comfortably. The aim is to promote a sense of well-being and connection, in nature, and it sounds like they’ve nailed it!
Located just outside Dartmouth, not only is the beach it sits on very appealing for a walk, or a dip, but it also happens to be right next to the enticing Blackpool Sands Café, which opened over the summer. So if you need the promise of a coffee or brunch dangled like a carrot to convince you to strip to your swimwear, this one’s for you.
Both are just a short hop from the sea, should you feel brave enough to go and cool off. And the best thing? There’s a special ‘pay what you can’ offer on Wellbeing Wednesdays, which means everyone can experience the joy of the sauna. You can’t say fairer than that.