FAQs - for the curious
Alongside our beautifully crafted authentic wood-fired sauna, you’ll find two cold plunges, a cool rainfall shower, an outdoor space for resting between rounds and two private changing huts.
(Tip: wearing your swimmers underneath means you can arrive and begin your session with ease)
We don’t have a toilet on site - please use the facilities at Toad Hall Garden Centre or before arriving.
Communal sessions welcome up to 8 people in the sauna. The cold plunges fit 1-2 people at a time. It’s a shared space for individuals or small groups happy to be alongside others.
Private booking: If you’d prefer the sauna all to yourself, you can book exclusive use of the space by selecting all 8 seats in your booking. Please note: only sessions with 8 seats available can be selected.
Yes! It’s all part of the sauna experience. Please pour gently rather than throw, as it briefly increases humidity and warmth and can spit back. In line with true sauna etiquette, consult other saunaers beforehand.
Soala Sauna is a non-prescriptive space - the best guide is your own body as you cycle through the elements of heat, cold, rest and integration. Someone on site will always be on hand to guide you through it all - please just ask.
As a general guideline, many saunaers enjoy 5-20 minutes in the sauna, a pause for acclimation outside, 30 seconds to 2 minutes in the cold plunge, then another pause in ambient temperature - repeating this cycle as desired. Step out sooner if you feel lightheaded, unwell, or uncomfortable.
For the curious among you, learn what the research says about duration, timing and frequency of heat and cold exposure on the body in the Science & Art page.
Discover more about the history, tradition and science of heat and cold exposure on our Science & Art page.
