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I Accidentally Became a Sauna Host
If you've been following along for a while, you might have noticed I've been a little quieter than usual lately.
From the outside, it may well look like I've abandoned my jewellery bench, packed up Hello Sunshine, and disappeared into the wilderness to spend all my time sitting in saunas. And you're not entirely wrong.
Because alongside running Hello Sunshine, I've recently become a Sauna Host at Wild Sauna Club in Leicestershire - and it's one of the best things I've stumbled into in years.
From Wild Swimming to Wood-Fired Saunas
Like many good adventures, this one started completely by accident. A few years ago I discovered open water swimming at Stoney Cove. What began as the occasional dip quickly became something I looked forward to every week. Then I discovered a pop-up horse box sauna.
If you've never experienced the joy of stepping from cold water into a beautifully hot wood-fired sauna, I highly recommend it. It's equal parts invigorating, relaxing and slightly addictive. Those Friday sauna sessions soon became a regular ritual, and over time I got to know Laura, founder of Wild Sauna Club.
Fast forward through countless swims, dips, chats and sauna sessions, and now you'll find me hosting wood-fired sauna experiences most Thursdays at Burton Farm in Leicestershire.
It's safe to say I absolutely love it.
The Unexpected Benefits of Becoming a Sauna Host
Running your own business is wonderful. I genuinely wouldn't swap being self-employed for anything. But one thing people don't always talk about is how lonely it can sometimes be. When you work for yourself, especially in a creative business, it's surprisingly easy to spend entire days talking to nobody except your cat.
(I wish I was joking.)
Having a regular reason to leave the house, spend time outdoors, meet new people and be part of an incredible team has been such a positive addition to my week. Every Thursday I get to welcome people into the sauna, chat about their experience, keep the fire roaring and watch complete strangers leave feeling calmer, happier and more relaxed than when they arrived.
It's a pretty lovely thing to be part of.
Why Sauna and Contrast Therapy Are Growing in Popularity
If you've been curious about sauna bathing, cold water therapy or contrast therapy, you're definitely not alone.
More and more people are discovering the benefits of combining heat and cold exposure, whether that's moving between a wood-fired sauna and a cold plunge pool, or pairing sauna sessions with wild swimming.
Many people report benefits such as:
Reduced stress and improved relaxation
Better recovery after exercise
Improved circulation
Enhanced mood and wellbeing
A chance to slow down and disconnect from busy daily life
Of course, everyone's experience is different, but one thing I hear again and again from visitors is how much better they feel after a session.
Not just physically, but mentally too.
Visit Wild Sauna Club in Leicestershire
Wild Sauna Club has many sites now all offering authentic wood-fired sauna sessions in beautiful settings but I will mostly be based at Burton Farm, which is a stunning lakeside location and wildlife haven!
Whether you're an experienced wild swimmer, a cold water enthusiast or someone who's simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, it's an incredibly welcoming environment. And if you happen to visit on a Thursday, there's a good chance I'll be there keeping the fire fed, chatting nonsense and making sure everyone has a brilliant experience.
So if you've been thinking about trying a wood-fired sauna in Leicestershire, consider this your sign. Come along!
Heatwave, thunderstorm, hail or shine.
I'll see you there!
☀️
