Sweat and Soak Sauna Frequently Asked Questions

Both shared and private sauna sessions are available at Sweat & Soak. Our custom-made sauna has a capacity of 6 users for shared sessions, making even group sauna experiences cosy and quiet. If you’re not comfortable sharing the sauna with others, there is the option to book the sauna privately for yourself or a group of up to 8 people for £95.

Our shared sauna session lasts for 60 minutes, allowing time for multiple rounds of heat and rest.

It’s important to always listen to your body when using a sauna, so take a break when you need one. For beginners, it’s not recommended to stay in the sauna for the full session as this could lead to lightheadedness or dizziness. We recommend taking 2–3 cycles of 15-minute heat sessions, followed by cooling in the fresh air, or even a dip in the loch if you’re feeling brave!

For our wild sauna, we recommend that you bring two clean towels (one to sit on, one to dry off), water (it’s important to stay hydrated!), and warm layers to wrap up afterward (particularly in the winter months). We ask guests to shower before entering, remove jewellery, and avoid lotions or oils. The sauna is footwear-free, but if you’re planning to take on wild swimming, we recommend you keep slip-on shoes outside of the sauna for the path into the loch. Please also note that swimwear is to be worn at all times!

Absolutely! Our location on the shores of Loch Ard makes wild swimming and sauna the perfect combination. There are also great walks and hikes locally, in Kinlochard, particularly around the beautiful loch, which boasts breathtaking views of Ben Lomond. Heat therapy from sauna use can help muscle recovery, particularly after activity.

Yes, our wild sauna helps you to embrace the Scottish climate year round, no matter the weather!

Some sauna users prefer winter sessions as the colder air and quieter surroundings can give a deeper sense of connection to the landscape (but we won’t blame you if you opt for the milder weather in the summer!)

The only times when there may be a closure are significant storm weather or flooding, which we will communicate if those events occur.

Yes! You have the option to privately hire Sweat & Soak Sauna for groups, celebrations, corporate bookings and guided ritual events.

Whether it’s simply booking out a private 60-minute session or for an afternoon. For private bookings that are longer than our allocated slots, please contact us at contact@sweatandsoaksauna.co.uk.

Our sauna is well suited to meaningful gatherings and wellness-focused group experiences, for those who want an intimate social setting within a natural, loch-side environment.

Wild swimming and sauna use can promote enhanced cardiovascular function, reduced inflammation, accelerated muscle recovery, and improved mood – and experiencing this in the stunning Scottish landscape offers a completely elevated way to immerse your senses.

With sauna and wild swimming options available for only £17 for an hour, it’s super easy to try contrast therapy for the first time at Sweat and Soak Sauna.

If you’d like to know more, check out our ‘Sauna Benefits’ page for more detailed information.

Always consult your doctor if you’re unsure whether sauna use is suitable for your specific health condition. While sauna use is invigorating and restorative for most, if you have any of the following health conditions, please ensure to double check with your doctor before booking:

• Heart or circulatory conditions
• High or low blood pressure
• Respiratory conditions
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Inability to regulate body temperature
• Skin infections, open wounds, or infectious illness
• Use of medication that may impair judgement, thermoregulation, or cardiovascular response.

For a comfortable sauna experience, we keep the temperature in the sauna around 80℃, so no matter the weather outdoors, you’ll be nice and toasty by our wood-fired stove!

You have the option to increase the humidity of the sauna by using the sauna stones beside the benches, but please try to build this slowly as adding water onto the stones does decrease the temperature in the sauna while increasing the heat sensation temporarily!

Please note: Do not touch the sauna stones (the coal inside of the sauna) as they are extremely hot and you are likely to burn yourself. Please use only the provided ladle and water to gently pour water onto the stones – always start at the back of the coals and work forwards to avoid steam burns. Please do not pour any other oils or liquids into the coals, and it’s a good idea to only add moisture to the coals when everyone else is seated.

While wild swimming enhances the sauna experience, it’s completely optional!

Alternating between the cool waters of Loch Ard and the heat of the sauna is an invigorating form of contrast therapy and has many health benefits – similar to cold plunges and sauna regimes that you may have seen from your favourite influencers!

If you’re not feeling the dip, you can cool off nicely in the fresh Scottish air by taking a seat just outside of the sauna and take a moment to appreciate the stunning loch-side views.