Devon and Cornwall's best wild sauna experiences

Nordic rituals and saltwater bathing

Whether it’s a weekly reset, a birthday tradition or a winter solstice celebration, an hour in a sauna has become an increasingly popular ritual – especially for those holidaying by the coast.

Rooted in Nordic bathing traditions, heat therapy offers a host of health benefits, from stress relief and improved circulation to enhanced muscle recovery and a better night’s sleep. More than just a way to warm up after a day in the waves, saunas provide an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature and focus on your wellbeing.

From beachside bathing with ocean views to hidden woodland sanctuaries, here are eight of the best wild sauna experiences in Devon and Cornwall.

Olla Hiki Sauna

© Lucy Gosling

Locations: North Fistral and Newquay Harbour | North Cornwall

Inspired by European sauna culture, the owners of Olla Hiki set out to create a welcoming and inclusive experience on North Cornwall’s shores. This mobile wood-fired sauna spends the winter nestled on Newquay Harbour before moving to North Fistral for spring and summer – making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors.

Having gained the seal of approval from holidaying Finns and Danes, Olla Hiki offers a calming beachside setting for sauna sessions and saltwater submersions. Open from sunrise to sunset, each visit feels magical, but there’s something particularly special about catching the first light of the day or unwinding beneath dusk-filled skies. 

For an even more immersive experience, keep an eye on their events which include full moon ceremonies, yoga, and breathwork sessions. 

The Wildwood Spa

© The Wildwood Spa

Location: Mawgan Porth | North Cornwall

A new addition in 2024, The Wildwood Spa is hidden away in a peaceful woodland glade near Mawgan Porth Beach. Its centrepiece is the roundhouse sauna, surrounded by wood-fired hot tubs, copper ice baths and outdoor showers.

With a cosy fire pit to gather around post-sauna, it’s an experience that combines luxury with nature. Guided by expert sauna masters, Ross and Zina, your visit promises to be restorative and meaningful – a chance to reconnect with yourself and rediscover a sense of calm and stillness.

The Wildwood Sauna is open from Thursday to Sunday until 9:30pm. We’d be tempted to visit after sunset to stargaze from the hot tubs between sauna sessions.  

Nearby properties: Trevenek, The Lookout, The Hideout, Owls, Red Cove, Headlands, Prennek House and Panorama. 

Saunas by the Sea 

Locations: Baby Bay, New Polzeath and Harlyn Bay | North Cornwall

Perched on the golden sands of Baby Bay and Harlyn Bay in North Cornwall, Saunas by the Sea offer an idyllic spot to watch the waves roll in, with half-height glass windows framing the views of incoming tides.

Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends or as a group, you can choose between communal sessions or private bookings for up to 10 people. Visitors will find it a welcoming space to meet like-minded people, while everyone is encouraged to embrace the sauna’s restorative warmth before an invigorating sea dip.

Afterwards, warm up with hot chocolates from Beach Box in Harlyn Bay or head to The Atlantic in Polzeath for post-sauna pizzas. For the best experience, we recommend checking the tide times in advance – booking close to high tide means a shorter dash to the waves.

Nearby properties: Sunny Seven and The Cove in New Polzeath. Fair Skies, Pentyak, Trelawn, Tater Du, Fox Point and Poldhu in Harlyn Bay.

Saunassa Nordic Spa

© Alexa Poppe

Location: Newquay | North Cornwall

Tucked away on Pargolla Road, just a short stroll from Great Western Beach, Saunassa Nordic Spa is one of Newquay’s best-kept secrets. Designed with surfers, wild swimmers and wellness enthusiasts in mind, this outdoor sanctuary celebrates the physical and mental benefits of heat therapy. 

Featuring a wood-fired sauna, bubbling hot tubs and invigorating cold plunge baths, Saunassa blends rustic charm with a focus on restoration and renewal – making it the perfect spot to unwind after an active day on the coast.

You can book in for an hour-long session anytime between 7am and 8pm – with incredible eateries close by, it’s worth planning a trip to coincide with breakfast at Nalu or supper at Little Ears.

Nearby property: Sea House in Porth. 

Delphy Wild Spa 

Location: St Breward, Bodmin Moor | Mid Cornwall

Surrounded by rural moorland, Delphy Pool is a natural open-water swimming spot recently enhanced by a thoughtfully designed wild spa. Combining the mood-boosting benefits of cold-water swimming with the comforting warmth of a wood-fired sauna and hot tub, it’s an idyllic spot for relaxation and renewal. 

Unlike the open ocean, Delphy Pool offers tranquil, sheltered waters – ideal for a gentle swim before retreating to the sauna. Splash water over the hot stones to intensify the heat before tiptoeing outside and into the cool lake. 

Sessions last one hour and there’s a café on site for whipped cream hot chocolates and homemade cakes to enjoy post-sauna. 

The Somewhere Sauna 

© Callum Leak

Location: Mothecombe | South Devon 

Overlooking the stunning Mothecombe Beach, this eco-friendly mobile sauna runs on rainwater and solar energy. Hidden away from the crowds, it’s an idyllic spot for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature, with sweeping views of the coast and countryside promising to ease life’s stresses.

Whether you opt for a public or private session, you can dot between the soothing heat of the wood fire and the refreshing chill of the plunge pools. Committed to encouraging digital detoxing and mindful social interactions, The Somewhere Sauna also hosts a variety of immersive events, including herbal yoga classes, breathwork sessions, and traditional Finnish sauna blessings.

It’s set to open a second site in Dartington at the end of February - perfect for those visiting Dartmoor.

Nearby properties: Clifftop, Waterside, Overcombe, Beachfront, Tamarisks and Avocet.

Kiln Sauna

Location: Gylly Beach, Falmouth | South Cornwall

Sitting on Falmouth's Gylly Beach, Kiln Sauna blends Nordic tradition with a strong sense of community spirit. With space for up to eight people, it caters perfectly to both private groups and social sessions with fellow sauna enthusiasts.

Their mission is "to help you unwind, rejuvenate and connect with others" and their beautiful beachside setting makes it easy to do so.

Designed by Saunas by the Sea, Kiln enjoys front-row seats to the rolling waves thanks to its large half-height window. As the heat soothes your muscles, prepare for an exhilarating plunge into the shallows. 

Due to its growing popularity, Kiln is introducing a mobile sauna this year, set to tour Helford, Flushing and Mylor. Keep an eye on their socials to catch them near you.  

Sea Sauna

© Sea Sauna via Instagram

Location: Saunton Sands | North Devon

North Devon’s coastline is simply stunning and Saunton Sands is one of the largest beaches in the county. It’s a popular walking and surfing spot, so it naturally makes an excellent location for a sauna experience too. It was for this reason that Sea Sauna was created - to prodivde the perfect end to a day spent surfing.

Suitable for up to 12 people, Sea Sauna is open every weekend for 45 minute group sessions with private slots open every day. You can cool off in the ocean easily and the soft sands of the beach make it easy to reach the shallows – that is, if the tide isn’t too far out. 

After your time in the sauna is up, head into Croyde for jam scones at Sandleigh Tea Room and walk the iconic Baggy Point for breath-taking views over the north coast. 

Luxury holiday homes with saunas

Left to right: Red Cove, Gwelefan, Clifftop and Roscarrock

For a truly rejuvenating escape, explore our homes with private saunas in Cornwall and Devon. Overlooking Bigbury’s rolling tides or tucked away in clifftop gardens, these homes provide a luxury retreat for body and mind. Visit our full list of homes with saunas or view our homes in North Cornwall and South Devon to stay close to a wild sauna experience. 

Accessibility note: Due to the unique and often remote locations of these saunas, we recommend reaching out directly to your chosen venue to discuss any specific accessibility needs.

Image credits: The Somewhere Sauna by Callum Leak (including main image) | Olla Hiki Sauna by Lucy Gosling | Saunssa Nordic Spa by Alexa Poppe | | The Wildwood Sauna | Sea Sauna | All other images are our own.