Sauna Guide
“The use of heat for cleansing and healing is a conscious extension of mammals’ use of heat that has been practiced throughout human history. Hot springs, saunas, hammams, steam rooms, sweat lodges, steam inhalations, baths, hot mud and poultices have been used traditionally in cold, dry climates to prevent and treat respiratory infections and to enhance overall health and wellbeing.”
Changing room
Our changing room has ample storage space for personal items for each group during their session. We recommend to keep a bottle of water in this area as you will need to re-hydrate between each 10-15 mins of sauna use. This area can be used as a place to relax either alone or with one other person. A gentle stroll outside can also be relaxing between sauna sessions. There is a key to the sauna in the changing room, this should be used when your group is on a trip to the sea together. Simply lock door and bring the key with you.
Sauna
Our Sauna is of Finnish origin, it is dry-heat. A wood-burning stove is situated in a corner where we burn kiln dried blocks of ash, oak & beech to create temperatures of 85° - 100°C. Rocks are situated above the stove where one can pour water to create steam or ‘Löyly’ as spoken in Finland. ‘Uisce gaile sabhna’ as Gaelige. Our benches are Aspen timber, our walls and ceiling are Scandinavian spruce and our exterior walls are Larch. Our sauna stove is made by ‘Harvia’.
Shower
The beach shower is a key part of your sauna experience. It is just a few short steps from the sauna door. It is extremely refreshing as keeping your face and hair wet will enhance your sauna experience and prevent your hair follicles from becoming too dry. As your skin is already warm from the sauna the cool water will soothe you before you re-enter the sauna as it is important to cool down efficiently before re-entering the sauna room. It is highly recommended as it is its own experience especially in winter months.
Health
Whether you indulge several times a week or only once a year, saunas can provide relaxation and health benefits, such as reducing minor aches and pains. Sweating induced by saunas may be beneficial for people with conditions such as COPD, congestive heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease. Saunas may also help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and can be advantageous for muscle recovery after sports. People experiencing depression and anxiety may also find sauna bathing helpful.
Group decisions
As a group, together you can discuss when is an appropriate time to add more ‘löyly’ water. Sauna is about relaxation not suffering. Slow, deep breaths can help you acclimatise properly. This coupled with frequent visits to the shower or the shoreline for a light splash in the sea should help to ensure a very pleasant sauna experience.
What to expect…
Changing area
Private & Social sauna settings
Sauna temperatures 85° - 100°C
Beach shower, fresh water
A stress-free environment
One-way south facing glass window
Changing room & sauna room
Beach shower