SAUNA culture is taking over the UK – and one of the newest openings is the largest of its kind.
Sea Scrub Sauna is the latest addition to the Folkestone coastline, and is the biggest beach sauna in the country.
According to the British Sauna Society, the number of public saunas in the UK has increased 1,200 per cent in the last three years – from 48 in 2023 to more than 600 today.
And as one of the newest, Sea Scrub Sauna is set to be a huge attraction for tourists visiting the seaside town.
Its co-founder, Robin Bartlett, said: “We’re seeing an exciting shift in the UK from exclusive, high-end spa, to more accessible, communal, and ‘wild’ sauna experiences and it’s brilliant to be part of this.
“We can’t wait to welcome new faces and grow a community of sauna enthusiasts in Folkestone, from regular locals to intrepid day trippers and holidaymakers.”
The fourth of its kind by the company – with others in Margate, Whitsable and Faversham – the complex is certainly the fanciest as well.
As I entered the reception, the smell of new wood hit me as I was handed a glass of prosecco.
There’s a full menu of wines and beers (although perhaps save them for after the session to avoid any woozy heads).
Floor to ceiling glass windows meant I had full views of the sea, which on a clear day can sometimes even include seeing France.
What sets this sauna apart is the extra facilities. There’s men’s and women’s changing rooms, a HOT shower, and onsite bathrooms.
But onto the sauna experience.
The site has two saunas to choose from – the 16-person Scandinavian sauna, and the smaller Shepherds Hut Sauna, for up to 10 people.
I recommend the one on the right if visiting in the evenings, for some of the best orange sunsets over the beach.
I settle in on my towel, embracing feeling the warmth after months of the freezing winter.
Ten minutes in, and I’m drenched in sweat. We’re all playing a silent game of chicken to see who can last the longest in here.
I bail out first, sliding off the wooden bench and fleeing for the chilly air.
It’s over to plunge pools in the middle, with the steamy hot tub calling me.
But first, a cold plunge. My breath is taken from me as I slowly lower myself into the 7C tub, focusing on my breathing as I was told.
This is where the health benefits kick in, with everything from improved circulation and reduced muscle aches to better sleep and mood levels.
My overheated skin prickles as it goes from too hot to too cold.
Yet I last barely a minute, much to the enjoyment of my friend who is already submerged.
My relief is loud as I sink into the much warmer pool right next to her, letting my body temperature heat back up again.
And its not just saunas and pools that you can enjoy there too, with experiences such as silent sessions and even Aufguss rituals, a German sauna ceremony with fragranced oil infused water.
I try the latter, and the heat is waved over me with a fan as smells of lemongrass and eucalyptus clear my chest.
After all that, I’m on a high, but ravenous.
And the sauna has you covered there too, with warming bowls of ramen to take the edge off. As well as a second glass of fizz…
Even better, the Harbour Arms is right next door so you can pop over for drinks and dinner there afterwards as well.
It costs £20 for an hour-long session, and can be booked from 8:30am to 8:30pm.
I imagine the early sessions will be popular with sea swimmers, although you can also rent it out for private sessions – perfect for birthdays or hen dos.
Here’s another unusual sauna that has opened in the middle of London.
And a new floating park with a sauna and lido is set to open in the UK.