Despite unavoidable delays, a new sauna for beachgoers, sea swimmers and even shoppers has finally been craned into position on Swanage seafront with breathtaking views over the bay.
Originally it was hoped the sauna would open during summer 2024 but the discovery that it required an upgraded electricity supply meant the project was put on hold until the energy company SSE could schedule the work.
The first half of the sauna is lowered into position while Swanage’s friendly T-Rex looks on
Cabin with huge one-way glass windows
Now with the electricity cabling work planned to start soon, the custom built Swanage Bay Sauna arrived on Tuesday 26th November 2024 and was lifted into position on the terrace area just off Shore Road, next to Carve Beach Cafe.
On a beautiful, sunny but crisp winter’s day the appearance of the redwood cabin with huge one-way glass windows drew onlookers, all interested in finding out more about Swanage’s new attraction.
The cabin has two sauna rooms – one for private hire for up to 10 people and a smaller sauna that has capacity for up to five people which individuals can book for as little as 15 minutes for £5.
Swanage Bay Sauna founder Tracey Waters is delighted to see the sauna arrive
“It’s finally happening!”
Following a competitive tender process by Swanage Town Council, Tracey Waters who is a partner in Studland Watersports and has run the much in demand saunas at Knoll Beach in Studland, will be operating the new concession.
Tracy, who was there to see the cabin arrive said:
“It’s genuinely very exciting – it’s been a long time in waiting but it’s finally happening!
“There’s such a massive open water swimming community here in Swanage – it’s a great town and hopefully the sauna will become part of that community.
“We’ll also be here for the visitors to enjoy something different with great sea views. But I’ll definitely be looking after the locals too, as they will be my regulars, I’m sure.
“It’s a stunning location overlooking Swanage Bay. There’s saunas popping up in lots of seaside locations but everyone is different, so you can’t just say that you’ve done the sauna on a beach thing, as each one is a special individual experience.
“I’m really pleased to be located next to Carve Beach Cafe as I think our businesses are really complementary and will work well together.
The view from the sauna – many will be wishing to try out the new Swanage experience!
Spectacular view
When Tracey learnt that she had got the go ahead to operate a sauna in Swanage, she commissioned the Cedar Sauna Company based in Stoke in Trent, to build her a cabin especially for Swanage’s seafront position.
The brief was to design a facility that would blend into the natural surroundings but take advantage of the spectacular location.
The large glass windows are tinted, so those inside the sauna rooms will have sea views through the steam but people passing by won’t be able to see in.
Carve Beach Cafe is next door, making it possible to have a sauna session, a dip in the sea and a nice warm drink afterwards
Redwood, alder and Siberian cedar
Lewis Jenkinson of the Cedar Sauna Company said:
“I’m really pleased with how well it’s all gone with the creation of this cabin and the two sauna rooms. The external wood is UK sourced redwood and inside it’s mainly Siberian cedar – it was the last of my stock before Russia invaded Ukraine!
“The benches are made from alder, which like the Siberian cedar can withstand the heat and the humidity as it doesn’t contract as much as other woods.”
Lewis started out as an electrician and then through his passion for sports, martial arts, and wild swimming it led him to start building saunas for a living.
He added:
“I realised the benefits of taking a daily sauna, so initially I built myself a wooden barrel sauna and to justify the cost, I put it on a trailer and rented it out for others to use for events.
“One thing led to another and rather than importing barrels, I started to use sustainable, locally produced woods as much as possible. Now I’m building bespoke cabins and I volunteer as the technical officer for the British Sauna Association.”
Swanage town mayor Tina Foster gets a sneak preview!
“It’s in the perfect position”
The work to install a new electricity cable is expected to start on Monday 2nd December 2024 and will involve digging a trench from The Mowlem, along the closed section of Shore Road to the sauna.
It’s expected to take about a week to complete and then the connection will need to be tested and approved.
All being well, the Swanage Bay Sauna should be operational from Sunday 15th December 2024, with bookings already available via the website.
One of the first to inspect the new addition to the town’s seafront was Swanage town mayor Tina Foster. She said:
“I’m really delighted – it looks lovely and it’s in the perfect position. I think it’s going to be very warmly welcomed by Swanage!”
Further information
- More about Swanage Bay Sauna and how to book
- There’s a special launch offer of 50 percent off in December 2024 and January 2025 with the code HELLO! One use, per person
- More about Cedar Sauna Company
