For those who like their wellbeing on the wild side, there’s nothing more satisfying than escaping to nature for a go-slow sauna session. Rural retreats, from off -grid cabin to luxury hotels, are adding wild saunas to the mix, often next to water with a cold swim thrown in. Inspired by Scandinavia where having a sauna in nature is the ultimate luxury, these British boltholes are offering slow, sensory escapism which is less about the trappings and more about taking time out. Sarah de Vere-Drummond, co-founder of Kip Hideaways, has certainly noticed an increased appetite for wellness related amenities: ‘Until recently saunas were rare on our site – now around one in ten new listings include one, often paired with a cold plunge or outdoor shower using heat and cold to boost circulation, calm the mind, and reconnect with the elements,’ she says. With so many hotels and rental houses building saunas to satisfy this need, it can be tricky to decipher which the very best are – so we have rounded up our favourites to help you on your way.
Emma O’Kelly, author of Wild Sauna (£16.99 Wild Things) picks the best spots in the UK to relax, reset and work up a good sweat.
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