Everything you need to know, from booking to heading home. Have a wee read before your first session so you know what to expect.
Before you come
What to bring
Swimwear (required on your lower half in every session)
A towel to sit on
A second towel for drying off
A water bottle to keep you topped up
Getting here
Parking is free on McCulloch Street and the nearby streets. Avoid the double yellows, as parking attendants have been sighted at times. You'll find us at 49 McCulloch St.
Our site is level throughout with step-free access from the gate. See our accessibility page for full details, and get in touch if you'd like to talk through any specific needs.
Changing your booking
Changes need to be made at least 12 hours ahead, cancelling or rescheduling.
When you arrive
You'll have booked a session online in advance. Turn up a few minutes early, and one of the hosts will welcome you in. They might be doing a clean between sessions.
Come sauna-ready if you can, so you’re in quicker, though we do have changing rooms. And there's a locker for your things.
First time? No bother at all. Give us a shout when you arrive and we'll take good care of you: show you round, explain how everything works, and answer anything you're wondering about.
Please shower before you plunge. Rinsing off keeps the water fresh for everyone.
You don’t need to shower before going into the sauna for the first time.
Please don't use shampoo, soap or conditioner in the outdoor showers; it creates very slippery conditions and a high risk of injury to others. The water runs off and also feeds our plants and birds, which is bad.
During your session
The heat
Our saunas are wood-fired, hot and toasty. The temperature varies depending on where you sit: the lower benches run cooler, and the benches nearer the door are gentler than sitting beside the stove. There's usually a comfier spot to be found, so ask a member of staff if you'd like a hand finding one.
Never feel awkward about asking to open the vent or step outside for a breather. If you're uncomfortable, chances are someone else is too.
Temperature wise, in the big sauna, we aim for around 90-97°C (stove end) and as you move towards the door and the lower benches, the temperature will naturally drop, sometimes by 15°C by the door.
The cold plunges
Plunges run at different temperatures, and they're always optional. Only if you fancy it, it's entirely your call.
ALWAYS shower before plunging. It keeps the plunges cleaner and our the life of our filters last longer.
Two of our plunges pools are filtered and chilled. It’s always a hot topic of discussion what temperature they’re at. Truth is, they’re always changing because we’re often topping up the plunge pools with ambient water from the mains. Between 7-13°C is likely where you’ll find them. A third plunge bath is ambient temperature, and filtered.
Adding water to the stones
Check with your sauna companions first, and pause between ladles to let the heat build. Be careful of hot steam and water on your skin. Pour slow.
Staying comfortable
Hydrate before, during and after your session. Be mindful of the stove and surfaces, as they get extremely hot. Sit on your towel, and take it with you whenever you leave the sauna.
Please stay within the designated area during your session.
A typical session
Once you're changed and settled, a session usually looks roughly like this:
Around 10 to 15 minutes in the sauna
Cool down outside, with a cold plunge or shower if you fancy
Rest, hydrate, breathe
Go again, usually 2-4 rounds in total
There's no fixed way to do it. Some people stay in longer, some go for shorter bursts. Some chat in the sauna, some sit quietly. Both are fine.
Looking after each other
The sauna is a place to relax and recuperate. Keep that in mind and everything else follows.
Be aware of the volume, tone and type of conversations in and around the sauna. Please be mindful of our next-door neighbours too.
Please don't comment on or stare at other people's bodies or tattoos. Even compliments can have the wrong effect.
Don't assume anyone's gender. If you don't know what pronouns someone uses, just ask.
Inside the sauna is a phone-free zone. You're welcome to take pictures outside, but always ask for consent first.
Planning to use essential oils? Please check with staff and your sauna companions first, as they can affect other people's safety - many people are very sensitive to them, and please don’t put oils directly on the stones. We'll help you use them safely.
Our Ground Rules
We've got ten main rules.
Sit on a towel.
Take it with you when you plunge.
Shower before you plunge.
Speak up if you're not feeling great.
Hydrate throughout.
Toplessness is optional, all genders.
Be mindful of the room.
No alcohol, no exceptions.
Phones stay outside.
Look after yourself.
We've written a piece on why each one exists. Worth a look before your first session.