FAQ
Sauna accepts you as you are
Give yourself the gift of time, space, and freedom.
Like the island itself, this one life you have is both wild and fragile. If you’re feeling any doubt or hesitation, remember the sauna doesn’t care how you look, what you know, or whether you’ve done this before. Your amazing experience is on the other side of how you feel – and can change the way you feel about yourself, for good.
About our Sauna
Our mobile sauna is a wooden purpose-built conversion of a Wessex Horsebox. Our very first Foodie Shack was a converted Rice Trailer so we felt it was a nostalgic addition to the fleet for another horsebox. Our Island sauna can be towed to various locations that are suitable for a car & trailer. It does not rely on any power sources, is fuelled by wood and we have solar lights for darker and more atmospheric evening sauna sessions.
The sauna is heated by a very efficient Narvi wood-burning stove and we use kiln-dried logs.
The sauna can produce temperatures up to 100 degrees celsius but we usually maintain it between 70 and 90 degrees. As it’s an outdoor sauna this can vary slightly according to wind direction and air temperature.
For all scheduled community and private sessions the sauna is manned by an attendant.
Our sauna can comfortably seat 6 adults for a community session, but will take up to 7 people for a private hire where personal space might not be in such high demand.
The sauna is accessed by a small ramp and there is a small step to the door threshold to step over for entry. There are no hand-rails. The door width is 600mm wide. We try to setup as near to a parking area as we can but this is not always possible with certain locations. Please ask if you are unsure about anything and we will happily answer your queries.
We are a mobile sauna. Locations we visit include:
- Salen Bay
- Fidden Farm Campsite
- Port nan Gael Campsite
- Aros Pier, Tobermory
View our upcoming dates and book here.
Need help finding us? Get directions.
Health and Safety
The community sauna is for people aged 16 years and over. If you have younger participants it will be necessary to book a private sauna session. Those with the following health status should seek advice from their GP before booking:
- Heart conditions such as heart attack, stroke, blood thinning medications
- Lung conditions
- Dizziness
- Epilepsy
This list is not exhaustive and anyone with a health condition or on any medication should seek medical advice first.
Be well hydrated before you arrive, bring a bottle of water (not metal) and only stay in as long as you can tolerate. We recommend building up slowly starting at a few minutes to no more than 15 minutes at a time. If you are new to it, start out with a few minutes or as long as you can tolerate. Listen to your body. Longer durations of 15 mins in the sauna are not anymore beneficial and could put you at risk of collapse. Alternate between indoor and outdoor using the water provided to cool off and hydrate.
If you have been immersed in cold water for more than 10 minutes (shorter for some) we advise that you do not enter the sauna right away as this could cause dizziness and even fainting. Longer swims require slow natural warming up and a sauna is not recommended. A couple of minutes cold water immersion should be sufficient for the benefits of hot & cold therapy. Those who have undertaken a long swim prior to entering the sauna may be refused entry due to personal safety concerns.
For scheduled communal sessions we only offer mixed sessions. The sauna can be booked privately for single sex options, and we will be adding bespoke group events shortly.
A sauna session can produce similar cardiovascular effects to medium-intensity exercise by lowering blood pressure, improving vascular tone and an improved heart rate. Other benefits include reduction in inflammation and a release of dopamine which boosts mood.
Evidence suggests that if you sauna for 30 mins in total 4-5 times per week it is the equivalent to medium-intensity cardiovascular activity. Build slowly and listen to your body.
Before You Arrive
A swimsuit or swim shorts should be worn inside the sauna. Nudity is not permitted. Hanging jewellery should be removed and avoid wearing anything with metal fasteners as this can burn your skin. No outdoor shoes are allowed in the sauna, your flip flops can be left on the ramp.
You should bring a small towel for sitting on, a larger one for drying, some flip flops for walking to the sauna from your car and a bottle of water (not metal). You can wear your larger towel around you, flip flops and an outer coat walking to the sauna to protect you from the elements.
Unfortunately not at 2 of our locations, therefore we ask you to come Sauna Ready. We recommend you arrive wearing your swimwear and remove your clothing, wrap yourself in your larger towel carrying your smaller towel for sitting in the sauna. If you are at Aros Waterfront they do have showers and changing facilities but these are subject to additional cost, and similarly at Salen Bay. If you require these facilities we ask you speak to the sites before your session.
There will be a storage area outside the sauna for you to leave your outer coat and flip flops. Please note there are some coat hooks outside for you to hang your robes. There is enough space for towels, personal effects and drinks inside the storage boxes.
Yes you can bring your mobile phone but it’s recommend that you leave it with your other belongings and also on silent to respect others’ experience in the sauna on communal bookings. Mobile phones will overheat in the sauna so we do not permit them inside.
During Your Session
Focus on breathing, the views, quiet spaces, respect other’s silence and enjoy the views. Use the sauna as an opportunity to switch off whilst letting the heat do all the work for you.
The Sauna door is to be kept closed as much as possible to retain heat. You may step outside and cool off on the ramp at any point. We have some buckets of water outside the sauna and they are available for cooling off.
Pets
Due to the locations of our Sauna’s we do not have space or facilities for dogs to be tied up so this is not an option at this time.
The Sauna provides a relaxing and stress free environment for all, so if your dog is happy to be left alone in the car and not disturb the session with barking this is acceptable.
We do not allow for this right now due to our locations and also some clients have a fear of dogs which would inhibit their enjoyment of the Sauna.
We work closely with Louise’s Pet Care Services based in Tobermory who provides excellent day care, beautiful walks for your furry loved one, and highly recommend contacting her for all your pet sitting needs.
