The Sauna Convert

From an anxious face in the crowd to eagerly signing up for future events – how being thrown in at the deep end can lead to a complete conversion.

Among the very excited crowd that has gathered for rituals, some of whom have enjoyed them before, I spotted an uneasy face. After approaching our new guest and asking if everything’s alright, I learned that he had “stepped in” last minute for his partner who couldn’t make the session. I reassured him that even though he had no idea what he signed up for, he’s going to enjoy it for sure. His worried face told me he wasn’t convinced.

During a welcoming introduction, Eve and Darren, our Aufguss masters, explained what the session would entail. They encouraged guests to take part in the exercises that they’ll offer but also underlined that participants can opt out and even leave the sauna at any time if they feel too hot or overwhelmed. With that, the group made their way to Beyla, where all the magic happens.

Having experienced the session myself a few weeks ago, I knew what a treat the guests were in for, but the view from the outside offered a different perspective. I didn’t hear the rhythmic music or detailed instructions from Eve and Darren on the outside of the sauna, all I saw was an array of sauna hats lined up on the top bench of our wood-fired sauna, their wearers completely still in pure pure relaxation. All the guests had their eyes shut, as they were guided through each of the six stages of the rituals. As towels were flapped and ice balls melted, releasing invigorating aromas into the sauna, our sauna experts explained the mass of research backing the sauna movement, so any sceptical guests who think that the sauna craze that’s currently sweeping Britain is all a bit “woo woo” can gain an insight into the science behind it. It’s more than a craze – it’s a movement, working intensely on our health and our social lives.  

After a while, cheerful voices tumbled out of the sauna and onto the wet bark outside. Laughter filled the cold wintry air as guests gently patted and softly whacked each other with birch whisks; backs of knees, elbows, thighs, backs and bums. Circulation stimulated, slightly pinkish and out of breath from laughter they returned into the sauna to continue their session.

The sauna rituals sessions overran on time, all were consumed by conversation and captivated by Eve’s knowledge – the guests (as well as the Aufguss masters) simply did not want the session to be over. As I offered a variety of sauna ice lollies and thanked everyone for coming, our anxious guest came over, this time, with a completely different expression on his face. Rosy-cheeked and glowing, he smiled and with bright eyes demanded to know when the next session is, because he MUST book in to experience that again.

Because of our convert guest, we have decided to open another Aufguss sauna rituals slot on March 1^st at 12:30. More than half of our capacity has been filled not even a day after the event went live.

Not long until the sauna rituals session so book now to experience this total immersion into sauna culture…