Sauna is a way of life for those happy and healthy Scandinavians and it’s fast becoming normal for us Brits too. Saunas are popping up all over the UK at an astonishing rate and here at Mad Dogs & Vintage Vans we’re thrilled to be riding this wave of sauna devotion with our new Secret Sauna, nestled in amongst mature trees with views out west to the Wye Valley and setting sun.
The Secret Sauna is handmade in our village by Oli at Black Box Sauna who is evangelical about the health benefits of sauna, as are we. I have long been a fan of saunas, using them in gyms and hotels where available but take it from me, it’s a totally different experience stepping into a wood fired sauna situated and rooted in nature, trees and birdsong, at one with the elements and changing seasons with stunning views to open countryside and the hills beyond. And I may be biased but a wood fired sauna feels and looks so much nicer than electric versions.
Sauna and cold water go together like Ant n Dec, toast and butter, Liam and Noel. Whilst we can’t offer you a freezing cold fjord, we can offer you an ice bath that’s chilled to a punchy 8 degrees so you can alternate between heat and cold and in so doing trigger a rush of endorphins and dopamine. Contrast therapy as it’s called, is good stuff and brings with it a whole heap of health benefits: it boosts circulation, reduces inflammation and muscle soreness, lowers cortisol and stress, enhances mental clarity, lifts mood and my husband swears he sleeps like a baby after a sauna. My overwhelming feeling after a session is one of calmness: I feel grounded, relaxed and my skin feels super soft.
As well as being a fantastic add on for all our glamping guests, the Secret Sauna is also available for bookings all year round by villagers, locals and anyone staying in the Wye Valley or visiting friends. It seats up to 5 and can be booked for a private session or by the seat (minimum 2 persons). And if the thought of being in a confined space with complete strangers puts you off, I urge you to think again. Last winter I visited a pop up sauna on the coast of Pembrokeshire with a few girlfriends. We were joined by a couple from Abergavenny and a guy from Peckham. Sitting in close proximity to people you’ve never met before, wearing only a swimming costume and enduring heat extremes is a great icebreaker and social leveller. We chatted throughout and at the end of the session all ran into the sea together, laughing and squealing in the chilly February waves. It was a genuine bonding experience.
The Finns who are the grandmasters of all things sauna, take the whole culture one step further – and I’m not just talking about being comfortable with near nudity – holding diplomatic meetings in saunas. Known as ‘sauna diplomacy’, saunas in Finnish embassies and government buildings provide a neutral relaxed space for forging friendships and frank conversations. During the Cold War it was a safe space for leaders and high government officials from East and West to come together and foster dialogue. There’s a lot we Brits can learn from this small nation of 5.5 million people, home to an estimated 3.3 million saunas!
Recently I heard of a book club taking place in a sauna and I can confirm it’s a great space to blow out the cobwebs/work through any niggles or issues with older teenagers. Therapy, wellbeing, putting the world to rights – all for little more than the price of a cup of coffee and piece of cake. Follow us on instagram and book your session here.
S a u n a T i p s
Bring a towel to sit on, a water bottle and remove all jewellery
Start in the sauna and aim for 10-15 minutes
Allow time for body temperature to adjust before plunging into ice bath, and ditto before returning to sauna. Sudden temperature changes can shock the system.
Cold plunge should be no longer than 1-2 mins. Build up slowly – no worries if you can only manage 10 seconds at first.
Repeat for 3-4 rounds
End your session on cold water
