FAQs

Aufguss - this is pure sauna heaven with each aufguss ritual lasting around 12 minutes: Your aufguss master will carefully craft balls of ice, drizzle them in high quality essential oils, skilfully melt them on the stove and then manipulate the heat and the wonderful aromas around the sauna with balletic waving of a towel and a fan to music. Oils, music, towel waving and heat are chosen and adapted to achieve the desired aufguss experience. In order for Aufguss to be delivered to a high standard, the master should be trained by a recognised provider and the equipment should be exact using a specific towel and high quality oils.

Whisking is the use of leaves bound together in a ‘whisk’ which are then used to bring the forest into the sauna. The whisks can be used in an aufguss ritual but also deliver the magical Latvian Pirts experience. This is an incredibly powerful ritual steeped in Latvian history and culture. The leaves are used to manipulate steam and heat around the body and incorporate techniques of leaf massage and water cooling. Post ritual rest and teas are an important part of the process . The ritual is longer than aufguss and has to be experienced to be able to appreciate this completely immersive custom.

Aufguss sauna sessions are run by the aufguss master who will manipulate the heat according to the desired effect. However, you are not in the sauna all the time as adequate cooling down is an important part of the ritual. The time in the sauna during the session is therefore separated by periods of sufficient cooling and refreshment breaks to hydrate.

Whilst in the sauna itself there can be controlled opening of the door, cold water sprinkled over the head and body as part of a specific session and the option to wear a sauna hat (which helps keep the head protected from heat). Showering or a lake dip between rituals is recommended, as is adequate fluid intake. The aufguss master will always start a session with a short talk on safety advice and answer any particular concerns.

Our services are for private groups where you decided on attendees.

Every product we use is sourced from Aromen, a company based in Belgium that is recognised in Europe and beyond as one of the best providers of natural ingredient wellness products such as essential oils, herbs, hydrolates and teas. Their products are 100% pure and derived from essential and renewable resources. We have had the delight of visiting the company to learn more about how they source their ingredients to align with their philosophy of making unique wellness experiences accessible for everyone. What makes this company even more special is that all of their packaging is recyclable, compostable or reusable where possible. Protecting the environment is as important to us as improving health and wellbeing, so we want you to know that when you join us, you are joining a journey surrounded by goodness. The whisks are from Pirts Spirit and are from Latvia. Each whisk is hand made from birch, maple, oak or linden.

We would advise not to attend as there is some evidence that high temperatures can cause health risks to a developing foetus. If you wish to attend it is advisable to get clearance from your GP first. Certain essential oils are also contraindicated in pregnancy so the aufguss-master needs to be aware.

Children over 14 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult until they are over 18.

We have an optional swimwear policy. Spa visits without a swimming costume is common practice in many European countries. The body can sweat more freely and the skin has a more efficient cooling process. Sweat doesn't get trapped in the costume which avoids skin irritation and prevents water soaking deep into the sauna benches. Above all it just feels nicer. However we are aware that this isn’t common practice in the UK so we leave the choice to you.

For the sauna, we recommend you bring the following:

• Sauna towel for sitting on

• Towel for drying

• A pestamal / wrap if required for modesty

• Swimwear : optional

• Bath robe (recommended)

• Sliders / flip flops

• Water bottle / hydration fluids

Specific advice for each session will be emailed upon booking.

To maintain a hygiene environment in the sauna, every one must place a towel on the bench to sit on so no part of your body is touching the wood. Please avoid dripping sweat on the wood so use your towel to wipe sweat from your body as well. Sliders and plastic bottles stay outside.

The heat from the sauna will cause your body to activate its homeostatic mechanisms which will draw blood to the surface of the skin to help you cool down. This means that blood is being directed away from the stomach and digestion is put on hold.

Consequently, it’s advisable that you enter the sauna having not eaten for at least 90 minutes beforehand. The last meal before you come to the sauna should be easy to digest which means avoiding high fat food such as cheese and cream based sauces and red meat. If you are hungry within the 90 minutes before the sauna, some dried or fresh fruit and nuts would be ideal. You should make sure that you enter the sauna hydrated so keep sipping fluids throughout the day and ensure your urine colour is clear. It’s really important to stay hydrated during the sauna session so electrolytes would be recommended to add to water.

Yes, there are changing facilities and access to a toilet. There is an outside cool shower for rinsing off sweat and chlorine.

There is free on road parking outside.

If you are unable to attend your session, your booking can be transferred to another day. However, if you are unable to attend a future slot due to medical or personal reasons, please email us.

In all cases, you are welcome to transfer your session to a friend but please email us, so we know who to expect.