Hire our wood fired Barrel Sauna, overlooking the Forest, with or without a lodge stay, alone or with the hydrotherapy hot tub or with a fitness session or massage treatment. Contact us to discuss the options.

Nothing is more reinvigorating than a deep, healthy sweat. Tension fades. Muscles unwind. Mentally, we emerge relaxed and revived.
 
A sauna not only feels good, it’s good for your body. Whether it’s the physiological changes that occur during the warmth of a sauna, or if it’s simply the time spent in the calming and still retreat of the sauna
 
Studies have shown that saunas can help with pain and fatigue associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia etc.
 
Athletes use saunas to help with performance and endurance. Muscle strength and power seem to increase after sauna use. If you’re looking to build strength and power, saunas can help with that
 
Older adults and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart failure are at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated. If you have an existing health condition, check with your doctor before using any type of sauna. 
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Dehydration
To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of fluids and know these signs of mild to moderate dehydration:

• dryness in the mouth
• extreme thirst
• headache
• feeling dizzy
• feeling lightheaded
• not urinating as frequently or having very concentrated urine

Heat stroke.

​Heat stroke could occur if you spend too long in a sauna or have your sauna at too high a temperature. The first symptoms of heat stroke would be dizziness and nausea and if you experience these symptoms you should leave the sauna, rehydrate and cool down.

Blood pressure.
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The heat of the sauna dilates the blood vessels that are close to the surface of your skin. The blood is drawn to the surface of your body so that it can be cooled by the sweating action and so cool your body core. As the blood vessels dilate, your blood pressure drops. 
Once again this process is part of the health benefits of a sauna but for some people, those who suffer from hypertension or low blood pressure, this can be dangerous. If you suffer from low blood pressure, you should seek medical advice before taking a sauna.
 
The most common cause of health incidents involving saunas is a result of being foolish.
 
A sauna session is not a ‘competition’ and having the temperature set too high or staying in too long proves nothing other than a lack of common sense.
 
Using alcohol or drugs before or during a sauna session not only clouds your judgment but also makes dehydration, heat stroke and blood pressure issues more likely.
 
A sauna is not a cure for a hangover and taking a sauna after drinking alcohol is something to be avoided.
 
Pregnant women, people with heart conditions or taking long-term medication should avoid the sauna or seek medical advice before bathing.
 
Following a few, simple and common sense rules will ensure that the only effect a sauna has on your health will be a good one.

 
Benefits of using the wood fired barrel sauna :
 
Relieve Stress
Relax Muscles and soothe aches/pains in both muscles and joints
Flush Toxins
Cleanses the skin
Induce a deeper Sleep
Saunas improve cardiovascular performance, as the skin heats up and core body temperature rises. Blood vessels near the skin dilate and "cardiac output" increases.Each time you rapidly change temperature (from hot to cool or vice-versa), your heart rate increases by as much as 60%, which is very comparable to the increase experienced during moderate exerciseSaunas can help fight illness, as the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and helps to kill viruses.Relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from colds or allergies when eucalyptus essential oil is added to the water 

Eating before having a sauna:
You should not have a heavy meal before having a sauna, only a light snack. Your body is already working hard enough in the sauna and should not be additionally burdened with digestion.

​How to prepare for a sauna.
Leave all items you don’t need for your sauna in the Lodge or changing room. Take off all jewellery, your watch etc. as the metal will become very hot against your skin. If you really must wear an item of jewellery, make sure that you are wearing it when you begin your sauna as this way you won’t feel the heat so intensely.
There is a convenient place by the sauna cabin where you can store your glasses. If you do require your glasses inside the sweat room, bear in mind that they will become immediately steamed up after you enter the cabin. Contact lenses won’t be damaged, but they can however be uncomfortable if they begin to rub or burn. Keep the lenses moist by blinking every now and again, or simply close your eyes. Mobile phones should not be taken into the sauna.

Please take a thorough shower before using the Sauna. Cleaning yourself thoroughly is important for sweating, especially any traces of make-up and perfume. After your shower, dry yourself off well as drops of water on your skin will delay the sweating process.

Your first sauna
Enter the sauna cabin with your sauna towel. Always sit or lie with your sauna towel beneath you. The main rule in the sauna is “no sweat on the wood!” Don’t feel you have to stay in the cabin for the full duration of the hour glass (they mostly run for 15 minutes). The hour glass serves as a guide, but if you need to leave the sauna after say seven minutes, then do. At the start of your sauna it is recommended that you lie on the bench and therefore expose your body to an equal amount of heat. When your head becomes hot it could be uncomfortable compared to the rest of your body. The feeling of having “sweated enough” and now being ready for a “good cool down” does not necessarily happen at the same time. In general, this is the case after 8-12 minutes (15 minutes maximum).

Cooling off
After the sauna begins the cooling down period in the fresh air. Your body needs oxygen. But do not stay outside for too long, as it will then take more willpower to use the cold shower.
Whilst one person may swear that after your sauna you should go outside into the fresh air, another person may insist you should cool yourself down with water. You should cool the areas furthest from the heart (feet, legs, hands, arms and lastly your torso).

Relaxation
Having a sauna and relaxing go hand in hand. A period of rest after your sauna session is important.

Drinking
You will lose a lot of fluid having a sauna. If you are thirsty, then drink as much as you need to (mineral water is best). After your sauna you should always drink enough fluids. Drinking one to two litres after your sauna should supply your body with enough fluids.